Kaskögerl track (Kaskögerlweg) - Poppendorf/Gnas

The circular hiking trail leads along gentle, mostly natural paths through the typical landscape around Poppendorf near Gnas. The Kaskögerlweg is part of the hiking trail network "In the footsteps of volcanoes", and the Kaskögerl is one of the 40 extinct volcanoes near Bad Gleichenberg. In an old abandoned gravel pit, the differently deposited layers can be seen as an outcrop that the volcano threw out during its eruption. A strikingly beautiful, and above all species-rich mixed forest forms the backdrop of this theme trail together with the fertile meadows and fields, with sweet chestnuts, scattered fruit trees, apple orchards and vineyards testifying to the small-scale diversity of the region. In addition, information boards at numerous stations explain the origins of the region, and magic telescopes allow visitors to look back millions of years into the past. Conclusion: Around the Kaskögerl, an easy and leisurely hike for families with children who can go on an exciting geological search for clues.

We start directly at the parking lot behind the Binderhansl inn and walk slightly uphill along the edge of the forest. After a few minutes we already reach the first station with information boards and a resting place. Slightly downhill we walk along meadow and forest paths, past farms and further across fields and forests until we reach a small pond at the bottom of the valley. From now on we walk along the brook, past a barn with old agricultural equipment and continue to Poppendorf. Passing the sports ground and the playground, we continue along the through road until we turn right in the direction of Poppendorf Castle. We go over the road bridge and immediately left along the stream. The path leads over wooden bridges, past resting places and information boards, before it continues slightly uphill through the forest again. We pass a few houses and keep to the right, continuing slightly uphill, until we branch off to Poppendorf Castle. After the short detour to Poppendorf Castle, we go back to the turnoff and then turn right across the fields downhill and through the woods uphill again. Along the edge of the forest, with beautiful views, the hiking trail leads us to the rest area Sandstöckl. At this small neat little house you will find a self-service possibility in the cellar. Immediately afterwards, the trail continues through the forest and past vineyards. In the distance you can see the Frutten-Gieselsdorf lookout. The trail continues through orchards to the farm of the Haas fruit farm. Here we also have the possibility of self-service and a cozy resting place. Now we go on an asphalt road slightly downhill to the crossing, then on the gravel road slightly uphill, passing by the wayside shrine. Soon we come back to an asphalt road, which we follow continuously until we have to pay attention to the turnoff to the left at a sparsely populated area. We leave the road and follow the path across farmland and woodland. Leisurely we go along until we go downhill over a few wooden steps and in succession we pass on a wooden footbridge next to an outcrop of the Kasköger crater. The display boards inform about the rock and the history of its formation. Now a few more meters downhill over steps and we reach the edge of the forest, which we follow to the right and after a short time we reach our starting point again.