Sankt Johann in der Haide: Nature, Trails and Culture

Sankt Johann in der Haide offers several ways to make the most of a stay: the unspoilt Lafnitz along the eastern municipal boundary, extensive woodland, a circular hiking trail, and leisure and cultural attractions.

Landscape and outdoor activities

The Lafnitz forms the municipality’s unspoilt eastern boundary and also marks the border with Burgenland. Forests also shape the local landscape: 75 percent of the municipal area is wooded. One way to explore the landscape over a longer distance is the 11 km Lafnitzau Loop. It starts at St. Johann in der Haide railway station, follows the Lungitzbach stream and passes agricultural land. The loop is suitable for jogging and Nordic walking. Its length and the activities mentioned provide a practical basis for including the route in your travel plans.

Getting there and leisure

The Thermenbahn railway runs through the municipality and can be accessed at the “St. Johann in der Haide” stop. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable before your trip. You can also reach the Lafnitzau Loop via the A2 Süd Autobahn, taking the Hartberg exit. This gives you two different transport options to consider: the railway connection within the municipality and the road access to the trail’s starting point.

ABC Park is next to the sports and leisure centre in Sankt Johann in der Haide and is a public recreational facility. Children can explore the alphabet and nature there through play. This offers a distinct option for travellers who want to include a child-friendly activity in their plans. Park operating details may change; check them locally before your visit.

The Wald- und Sonnenbad St. Johann in der Haide outdoor swimming pool is close to the forest and has many shaded areas. Along with the trails and ABC Park, it provides another direct connection to the municipality’s wooded landscape.

Rest stops and cultural sites

Between Schölbing and Habersdorf is the Bildstock & Fotopoint, a place where visitors can rest and relax. It features an original Styrian bench made by Almholz and a high-quality copper and larch-wood frame made by the Wilfinger carpentry workshop in Schölbing. The frame offers a view of the surrounding landscape. The bench and frame give the spot a distinct character, different from a hiking trail or recreational facility.

The parish church of St. John the Baptist is protected as a historic monument by ordinance. A Roman stone is set into its wall. The church brings together two distinct historical features: the protected church building and the stone embedded in its wall. The single grave from the Roman Imperial period, the Hügelgrab Sankt Johann in der Haide burial mound, is also protected as an archaeological monument by ordinance. In Schölbing, within the municipality, the Catholic Mariae Opferung branch church is likewise protected as a historic monument by ordinance.

The Lorettokapelle Mitterberg chapel is located in the municipality of Sankt Johann in der Haide in Styria, in a forest clearing between Altenberg, Mitterberg and Unterrohr. The “Sternenwanderung” of the three parishes continues to take place at the chapel. This ongoing religious tradition adds a distinct cultural dimension to the historic churches and archaeological monument.

Discover more destinations: Schildbach, Sankt Lorenzen Am Wechsel, Burgau, Schaueregg, Hartberg, Stein, Großwilfersdorf, Pöllau.

For the higher-level travel overview: Hartberg-Fürstenfeld.