Hohenau an der Raab – Nature, Trails and Culture

Hohenau an der Raab combines a distinctive landscape with varied trails and small cultural monuments. At its heart is the Hohenau Ochsenhalt pasture at the foot of the Sommeralm: The 125-hectare pasture provides a tangible starting point for combining nature, plant life and hiking experiences. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore particularly interesting to consider what you want to focus on during your stay – intensive nature observation, longer trails or discoveries of cultural history.

The Hohenau Ochsenhalt and Its Orchid Flora

The Hohenau Ochsenhalt is home to a diverse range of native orchids. These include lady’s-slipper orchids, Twayblade, wild hyacinth, red and yellow orchids, as well as bird’s-nest orchid. This unusual abundance makes the pasture a remarkable natural attraction for anyone who chooses a trip not only based on viewpoints, but also on distinctive plants and landscapes.

Hiking Trail No. 706 leads to the Hohenau Ochsenhalt. Anyone wishing to combine a hike with a clearly defined destination can include this trail in their plans. Another option is the “Styrian Mariazell Trail”: It follows the Raab via Passail to Hohenau/Raab and from there climbs steeply up to the “Ochsenhalt” and onwards to the Sommeralm. The two trail descriptions offer different focuses – one is a targeted hike to the pasture, while the other is a longer route along the Raab followed by an ascent.

A Family-Themed Trail near Passail

The Raabursprung Trail is designated as an independent trail idea in the Almenland Nature Park near Passail. It is a family-themed trail leading uphill from the “Waldmühle” at the head of the valley to the source of the Raab. Along the way, the trail is accompanied by “Pozilo” and “Sprungingerl.” For families whose travel plans are intended to combine an experience of nature with a story-based hike, this trail is another concrete way to give their stay a thematic focus.

Wayside Shrine and Maria Kleinheilbrunn Chapel

In addition to its trails, Hohenau an der Raab also offers destinations of cultural and historical interest. The Meierhof wayside shrine at Hausbauer is located about 1 km from the “Hausbauer” farmstead. The stone wayside shrine dates from the Renaissance and has a tabernacle shrine containing a Pietà. This makes it possible to complement a hiking or day-trip itinerary with a small, clearly described architectural monument.

The Maria Kleinheilbrunn Chapel also has its own history. The present-day chapel was built in 1824 by benefactors and features a small tower. The water from the spring near Maria Kleinheilbrunn is considered to have healing properties for eye ailments. This traditional attribution is part of the site’s special significance and adds to the cultural character of the surrounding area.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Hohenau an der Raab, it is worth deciding in advance what daily rhythm you want. If orchid flora and the Hohenau Ochsenhalt are the main focus, the hiking trails described there provide the common thread. If you prefer alternating between nature and culture, you can plan the Meierhof wayside shrine at Hausbauer or Maria Kleinheilbrunn as separate destinations to discover. Those travelling with children can also check whether the Raabursprung Trail near Passail fits into their personal travel plans.

Other local pages for orientation: Breitenau, Sankt Ruprecht an der Raab, Anger, Weiz, Brand, Auen, Fresen and Rettenegg.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Weiz.