Wine & Food in Southern Styria

Duration: 6 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day

> Discover Austrian top wines at their best
> Hike from village to village and stay in authentic wine hotels
> Culinary delights along the way: from Sauvignon Blanc to Vulcano ham

Southern Styria spoils all your senses. This trek takes you past rolling hills, endless vineyards and picturesque villages. Along the way you taste local specialties like the fresh-fruited Sauvignon Blanc and the savory Vulcano ham. And since you'll end each day in a welcoming wine hotel, relaxation is guaranteed - glass of wine in hand, regional dish on your plate. Sounds good, right?

This is a perfect trip for nature lovers with a weakness for good food and drink. Along the way you will visit traditional Buschenschanken - cozy wineries where you will not only taste locally produced wines, but also discover regional delicacies. This trek mixes nature, culture and gastronomy into one tasty adventure. Active relaxation, they call it. We call it a perfect excuse for another glass of wine.

Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Leutschach

Welcome to Leutschach! Known as Austria’s largest wine-growing community, Leutschach is the heart of South Styria’s wine region. Take some time to settle into your wine hotel, then wander through this charming village. You’ll find traditional wine taverns and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards, which set the tone for the days ahead. Leutschach is also famous for its “Klapotetz,” traditional wooden windmills that scare birds away from the vines—an iconic symbol of the Styrian wine landscape.

Tscheppe Lang-Gasthof (Leutschach)

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Tscheppe Lang-Gasthof (Leutschach)
Day
2

Leutschach - Gamlitz

Duration: 03:30 h
Distance: 12.6 km
Ascent: 220 m
Descent: 290 m
Today’s hike takes you through undulating vineyards, scenic hills, and forested paths toward Gamlitz. Expect moderate elevation gains, with a few steeper sections, making this a balanced start to your journey. Along the way, you’ll pass small Buschenschanken, traditional wine taverns where you can pause for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc paired with Vulcano ham. As you approach Gamlitz, you’ll notice the landscape opening up, with wide views over the vineyards and hillsides. Gamlitz itself is renowned for its wine culture, so prepare for a cozy stay at a wine hotel in this welcoming village.

Schloss Gamlitz (Gamlitz)

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Schloss Gamlitz (Gamlitz)
Day
3

Gamlitz - Ehrenhausen

Duration: 05:00 h
Distance: 18 km
Ascent: 430 m
Descent: 450 m
Today’s walk takes you along gently sloping wine terraces, past ancient stone walls and shady forest trails. The journey to Ehrenhausen offers relaxing terrain and plenty of time to enjoy the lush vineyards stretching into the distance. Midway, make a stop at Muster Stubn, a beloved Buschenschank, to try local wines like the spicy Morillon. As you arrive in Ehrenhausen, you’ll notice the historic architecture, especially the impressive Mausoleum Ehrenhausen, a Renaissance-style landmark dedicated to the Counts of Eggenberg. Tonight, rest in a charming hotel within this historically rich village.

Weingut Gästezimmer Gruber

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Weingut Gästezimmer Gruber
Day
4

Ehrenhausen - Kitzeck

Duration: 05:00 h
Distance: 18 km
Ascent: 500 m
Descent: 210 m
Today’s journey takes you uphill to Kitzeck, the highest wine-growing village in Austria, at over 560 meters above sea level. Expect a more challenging ascent with rewarding panoramic views over the South Styrian hills. As you hike, you’ll encounter beautiful landscapes of terraced vineyards, with patches of forest providing shade. Kitzeck is a perfect spot for a late afternoon wine tasting, where you can enjoy the views alongside a glass of Welschriesling or Gelber Muskateller. End your day with a well-earned Styrian dinner at a local inn, soaking in the high-altitude atmosphere of this unique village.

Wohlmuth-Lückl

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Wohlmuth-Lückl
Day
5

Kitzeck im Sausal - Leibnitz

Duration: 04:30 h
Distance: 15.5 km
Ascent: 330 m
Descent: 600 m
On this final leg, the route descends through a mix of lush forests and vine-laden hillsides. The moderate downhill terrain makes for a leisurely end to your hike, allowing you to savor the views of the surrounding valleys. Approaching Leibnitz, the path meanders past traditional farmhouses and blooming meadows. Leibnitz is a lively town known for its wine festivals and rich history dating back to Roman times. Celebrate your trek with a wine tasting at a historic cellar, paired with local cheeses and smoked meats—a perfect toast to an unforgettable journey.

Privatpension Lang

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Privatpension Lang
Day
6

Departure from Leibnitz

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, taking in the final moments of South Styrian hospitality. Depart with memories of scenic hikes, exquisite wines, and picturesque villages—and maybe even plans for your next adventure in Austria’s wine country!
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Included

  • Accommodation

    We will arrange your accommodation on the South Styria Experience in hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Accommodation will be private in single, double or twin rooms and with en-suite bathroom where possible.

  • Full travel guide

    We will send you on your way with a digital travel guide which includes a route description, interactive South Styria Experience hiking maps, and the most important information applicable to your trek.

  • Baggage Transfer

    This trek includes the transfer of your luggage throughout the entire South Styria Experience trek. Your bags will be picked up every morning from the hotel lobby and will be driven to your next next accommodation. Baggage transfers allow you to travel lighter during the day and enjoy the walk in a more relaxed manner.

  • Breakfast

    Breakfast is, if possible, included in this trek and it will be provided every morning at your accommodation.

  • Accommodation before and after the tour

    Accommodation before and after the trek is included. Breakfast is part of your stay.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport. This also applies to any transport from the end point of your trail.

  • Transfers

    If you require any form of public or local transport during the trek, it is not included in the package unless stated otherwise. This applies to taxis, buses, cable cars, gondolas, and similar services.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Lunch and Dinner

    Breakfast is, if possible, included in the price of the trek. You can get lunch and dinner at the shops, hotels, and restaurants along the way.

FAQ

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Packing List for the South Styria Experience

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