Fernitz bei Graz: Hiking Trails and Views
Accommodation in Fernitz bei Graz
If you’d like to combine hiking with local events during your stay, Fernitz bei Graz offers several options. The Grabenland Trail starts in Fernitz, and the Fernitz–Allerheiligen section of the Josef Krainer Trail takes about three and a half hours to walk. There are also views in fine weather, trails through the Gnaning area, and market and pilgrimage events in the municipality of Fernitz-Mellach.
Hiking trails for different timeframes
The Grabenland Trail is a 130-kilometre loop. It starts in Fernitz, south of Graz, leads to the Slovenian border and then heads north on the return route. Along the trail, field and forest paths climb from Fernitz towards Fernitzberg and continue to the Gnaning Chapel. Trail numbers 790, 791 and 792 help with navigation. The marked routes on the ascent to Fernitzberg include the Graz Surroundings Trail (GUW), the GU-SĂśD circular hiking trail (GSR) and hiking trail 792. Check trail markings and conditions on site.
The Josef Krainer Trail is accessible year-round. The Fernitz–Allerheiligen section takes about three and a half hours to walk; this estimate applies to the section named, not the entire trail. If you plan your time around it, bear in mind that trail markings and conditions should be checked on site. The municipality of Fernitz-Mellach also has well-marked hiking and circular trails, as well as running routes of varying difficulty.
Scenery and trails near Gnaning
Gnaning is about a 30-minute walk from Fernitz and offers views of the Graz Basin. In fine weather, the section towards Fernitzberg offers views of the Mur Valley and the Bachern Mountains in Slovenia, the southeasternmost foothills of the Central Alps. Nearby, the GU-SĂĽd circular hiking trail, the Grabenland Trail, the Josef Krainer Trail and the Graz Surroundings Trail pass the Gnaning Dorf Chapel. This makes it easy to combine a walk and scenic views with a visit to the nearby chapel.
Chapels and pilgrimages
The Gnaning village chapel is mainly used for Marian devotion, not for Mass. The Gnaning Dorf Chapel was built in 1820 by the landowner of the time as a votive chapel. The Gnaning village community holds a traditional festival at the chapel every two years.
A pilgrimage takes place at Fernitz Parish Church on the 13th of every month. If you’re interested in a guided church tour, contact the parish office on 03135 55400 for information about trained church guides. The information relates to church guides; ask the parish office about options relevant to your visit.
Market and cycling network
The Fernitz farmers’ market is held in the municipality of Fernitz-Mellach every Friday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Fernitz Church Square. It offers fresh local specialities made by the producers themselves. Check the date before travelling if you’re planning to visit the market.
The municipality of Fernitz-Mellach also offers specific connections for cycling tours: the cycling network connects directly to the Mur Cycle Path, the Ferbersbach Cycle Path and the Mellach Heights Cycle Path. Check the current signage on site. Alongside hiking and circular trails, these named cycle-path connections give you further options for planning your stay.
Discover more destinations: MĂĽhlriegel, KleinstĂĽbing, Sankt Radegund bei Graz, Ăśbelbach, Raaba, Unterfriesach, Gschnaidt, Deutschfeistritz
See the wider travel overview: Graz-Umgebung.
