Hammerleck über Gstättner

On this tour, we get to know the hiking side of Fohnsdorf. Numerous hiking trails can be found on the Gaaler Höhenzug, the local recreation area north of Fohnsdorf. Starting from Fohnsdorf, this tour via the farmstead vlg. Gstättner farm to the Hammerleck. Here we are literally travelling on the sunny side, as both a large part of the ascent and the destination, the Hammerleck, are exposed to the south. On the descent, you should definitely take a look at the Fohnsdorf ruins - with the new "Styrian Heart" built in 2020. Nearby is also the Fohnsdorf Reconciliation Cross, which symbolises common ground, openness and respect for all people. Conclusion: All in all, a beautiful hike starting from the centre of Fohnsdorf.

We start at the main square in Fohnsdorf (1), 736 m, and hike slightly uphill, past the church, always straight ahead, following the red-white-red markings or trail number 993. We walk slightly uphill along the densely populated area, passing a car park with a hiking overview board. We hike along the tarmac road, which then becomes a gravel road past the ruins of Fohnsdorf (Vanestorff) and continues uphill. The ascent is very scenic and after a total of approx. 3 km and 300 metres in altitude, we reach the farmstead vlg. Gstättner (2), 1040 metres above sea level. Shortly after the house, the hiking trail to the right leads to the chapel and then more steeply uphill along a path. Here we are travelling for approx. 1 km on a clear hollow path that leads to a forest path, which we continue to follow moderately uphill. The view of the surrounding mountains and the Judenburg-Knittelfeld basin becomes more impressive with every metre of altitude. The forest road ends at a hut and from now on we continue uphill in serpentines across the open alpine pastures until we reach the Hammerleck - Hölzelkogel (3), 1451 metres. The descent follows the ascent route, taking a detour to the ruins and the reconciliation cross.