Gamsgebirg: Lethkogel, History and Hiking Trails

Those considering Gamsgebirg as a travel destination can explore the area through two easily identifiable themes: the archaeological significance of Lethkogel and the hiking trails with their distinctive landscape features. Lethkogel is one of the most important hilltop settlements in western Styria. The Stainzer Warte stands on it, and the Pletterikapelle is also located in Gamsgebirg. These places offer different starting points for planning a trip—from archaeological history to views and trail conditions.

Lethkogel and its history

Lethkogel is located in Gamsgebirg at an elevation of 608 m. As a fallback hill, it lies on an eastern spur of the Koralpe and drops steeply to the east. Its elevation, terrain and orientation together give a specific picture of the place: the hill is defined not only by its height but also by its steep eastern slope.

Archaeological excavations at Lethkogel revealed that it was used during the Early Copper Age, the Late La Tène period and the Early Middle Ages. These three named periods give the site a nuanced chronological context. For travellers interested in archaeology, a particular point of interest is that both the specific settlement site and periods of use spanning three historical eras are identified. This chronological range complements the description of the hill’s elevation with a glimpse into its long history.

Heritage protection also applies specifically to two named places. The hilltop settlement of Pöllikogel/Lethkogel in Gamsgebirg is protected as a monument under a decision pursuant to Section 3. The Pletterikapelle in Gamsgebirg is protected as a monument under a regulation; its heritage protection entry is dated 23 June 2026. The hilltop settlement and the chapel each have their own protection status and a different legal basis. These two points of reference should be distinguished when considering the area’s cultural heritage.

Stainzer Warte and hiking trails

The 26 m-high Stainzer Warte stands on Lethkogel and offers an excellent 360-degree panoramic view of Stainz and the surrounding area. It can be reached via hiking trails 1 and 571. The elevation figures refer to two different things: 608 m is the height of the hill, while 26 m is the height of the tower. The viewpoint, panorama and named access trails give you specific information to help plan your outing around its destinations and routes. The view takes in Stainz and the surrounding area, so the panorama is not limited to a single location.

On the Stainzer Warte circular trail, a longer ascent leads through the forest to the Pletterikapelle. A bench there invites you to linger. The trail description combines a specific route with a named destination and a place to rest. On the descent via Trail 12, also known as Jägersteig, the route follows a steep path through a natural forest. The trails therefore have different features: the Warte circular trail has a longer forest ascent to the chapel, while Trail 12 is a steep descent through a natural forest.

If you are comparing hiking trails by their character, these details can provide practical guidance: on one trail, the Pletterikapelle and its bench are the destination; the other is characterised by its steepness and natural forest. This distinguishes the specific trail descriptions from the access information for a viewpoint: Trails 1 and 571 lead to the Stainzer Warte, while the descriptions of the Warte circular trail and the Jägersteig each highlight their own trail features.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Martin Im Sulmtal, Breitenbach in western Styria, Bad Gams, Hörmsdorf, Greisdorf, Stainz, Zirknitz, Freidorf An Der Laßnitz.

Back to the regional travel overview: Deutschlandsberg.