Neudorf im Sausal: Hiking at Demmerkogel

Route No. 22, the Neudorf-Demmerkogel loop, begins in Neudorf im Sausal and is a scenic hike. It leads to the world’s largest Klapotetz on Demmerkogel, continues to the Demmerkogel observation tower and passes through the butterfly meadow. Demmerkogel is also home to a nature reserve with butterflies, while the village has a protected historic chapel. Hiking, views, nature and local history each offer a different focus. If you are looking for a hotel in Neudorf im Sausal, you can consider which of these matters most for your stay.

Hiking to the Klapotetz and the Demmerkogel observation tower

The world’s largest Klapotetz is 17 metres tall and stands on Demmerkogel, within the municipality of St. Andrä-Höch. The start of the loop and this destination are in different places: you begin the hike in Neudorf im Sausal, while the structure stands within the municipality of St. Andrä-Höch. The Demmerkogel observation tower and the butterfly meadow are also part of the same loop: the route leads to the tower and passes through the meadow. When planning your outing, you can distinguish between the Klapotetz as a named destination, the tower as another point on the route and the meadow as a stretch of the trail. The loop is described as scenic, so views are an explicit part of its character.

Observation tower: opening and access

The observation tower on Demmerkogel officially opened to visitors on 15 October 2023. A 2024 statement by the Austrian Alpine Club gives the observation platform on Demmerkogel a height of 24 metres; it can be reached via more than 140 steps. The opening date records a historical event, while the height and number of steps describe specific features of the platform. This gives you different reference points: the date of the official opening and information about the height and access via steps.

There is no parking at the observation tower. A hiking trail leads to the tower from the car park below the world’s largest Klapotetz; the walk takes about 15 minutes. This approximate walking time applies to the route from that car park. If you plan to visit the tower, check access information before your visit, as visitor conditions at the site may change.

Butterflies and local history

The nature reserve on Demmerkogel is still home to 51 butterfly species. More than 50 percent of the butterflies found on Demmerkogel are considered threatened. The number of species in the reserve and the conservation status of the butterflies found on Demmerkogel are different perspectives; future surveys may change species counts and assessments.

An ordinance protects the chapel in Neudorf im Sausal as a historic monument. It is listed in the Federal Monuments Authority’s Styrian monuments register, dated 30 June 2025. The chapel is therefore a cultural point of interest in the village; the butterflies and nature reserve offer a different focus on Demmerkogel. When planning your trip, you can combine hiking and nature with an interest in local history.

Use your reason for travelling to guide your hotel search

If you are looking for a hotel in Neudorf im Sausal, your reason for travelling can be a useful starting point when choosing: if you are planning a hike, Route No. 22 is the route associated with the village; for the observation tower, the approximate walking time is from the car park below the Klapotetz. The nature reserve and village chapel appeal to other, distinct interests.

Discover more destinations: Nestelberg, Arnfels, Gamlitz, Heimschuh, Lebring, Kitzeck Im Sausal, Berghausen, Greith

View the wider travel overview: Leibnitz.