The best running trails around Aspangberg-St.Peter

The Niederwechsel (1,669 m) is located on the elongated ridge of the Wechsel region and, with its open alpine pastures, offers a beautiful contrast to the later forest sections. From the summit area, wide views open up over the surrounding mountain landscape and, in good visibility, to the distinctive peaks of the Eastern Alps. A worthwhile intermediate point on the way down from the Hochwechsel towards Mönichkirchner Schwaig.

The Stoa Alm is a rustic alpine pasture on the Niederwechsel and a beautiful resting point along the hiking route. Surrounded by meadows and the gentle mountain landscape of the Wechsel region, it offers a pleasant opportunity for a break. The quiet, original atmosphere away from the more frequented paths is particularly charming.

The Festenburg summit is located on the Niederwechsel and is a rather inconspicuous, natural point along the ridge. Instead of a distinct summit structure, forest and the gentle landscape of the Wechselland characterize this section. A quiet waypoint away from the more prominent peaks – typical for the elongated ridges of the Wechsel Mountains.

The large wooden „W“ stands directly on the Hochwechsel and marks the start of the Hochwechsel Trail „The WU“. It serves as a kind of gateway to the mountain bike trail, which leads from here across the alpine pasture in the direction of Marienseer Schwaig. Due to its striking shape, the „W“ is now also a distinctive photo motif directly on the Hochwechsel.

The Wetterkoglerhaus is located directly on the summit of the Hochwechsel at 1,743 meters and is a hut of the Austrian Alpine Club. With good visibility, the hut offers a magnificent panorama over the Wechsel region to Schneeberg, Rax, and Hochschwab. Due to its immediate proximity to the summit cross and chapel, the Wetterkoglerhaus is an ideal resting and refreshment stop at the highest point of the tour.

The Hochwechsel Trail Nord leads through the open alpine and mountain landscape of the Wechsel region up towards Hochwechsel. The path, which runs predominantly on loose ground, is actually part of the Wexl Trails mountain bike trail network, but can also be used in sections as a connection along a hiking route. Especially in the upper section, the route offers beautiful views over the extensive Wechsel Alps and the surrounding mountain world.

Even though this small, sacred monument isn't located on the famous Camino de Santiago through northern Spain, perhaps some thoughts from Hape Kerkeling might offer some inspiration in light of the summit cross standing here. The entertainer, famous especially in Germany, walked the Camino Francés in 2001 and kept a diary, which was published under the title "I'm Off Then." In it, he describes his personal encounter with God along the way as follows: "Yesterday, something inside me struck a huge gong. And the sound will resonate. Sooner or later, this path shakes everyone to their core. I know the sound will slowly fade, but if I listen closely, I'll be able to perceive this echo for a very long time."

The Feistritzer Schwaig can be reached from various directions. The hut invites you to stop for a bite to eat. It offers snacks, bread, homemade pastries (Buchteln), and juices. From here, you can enjoy views of the Marienseeer Schwaig and, on a clear day, the Hohe Wand and beyond.