Steinplan via Papst Pirschtling

The 1670 m high Steinplan is part of the transition area between the Stub- and Gleinalpe and is a worthwhile destination with the Steinplan shelter, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the summit cross. The small summit surprises with a great view. The view extends from the Seetal Alps, the Wölzer and Seckauer Tauern to the Graz and Leibnitz basins. This hike can be combined with a pleasant train journey, as Knittelfeld is easily accessible by train. It is only a few minutes from the railway station to the main square if you want to enjoy a leisurely coffee after the tour. The hike from Knittelfeld to the Steinplan runs along a section of the long-distance hiking trail 02, which leads from Hainburg to Feldkirch. The trail is well marked and technically easy to follow, as you are mainly travelling on forest roads and paths. On the descent, you also have the option of stopping off at the Thalberghof (approx. 500 metres from the hiking trail) and then hiking back to the Landschach waypoint via the panoramic loop.

We start at the railway station in Knittelfeld (1), 643 m, walk parallel to the tracks and orientate ourselves by the church. At the first crossroads, turn left towards Großlobming. Continue along the Stubalpenstraße out of town, past the Apfelberg fire station, until you see the start of the hiking trail after the Mur bridge (opposite the Hoffelner inn). Here, at the waypoint Landschach (2), 630 m, we follow the yellow signposts in the direction of Naturfreundehaus Steinplan (02) and the red-white-red markings. The ascent begins now. Along forest roads and paths we reach the farm vlg. Sattelbauer (3), 922 m, where the hiking trail leads directly between the house and the farm. We reach "'s 12er Platzl" via a forest road and see the entrance to the path on the left. We follow the well-marked path through the forest until we reach the pastures of the Größingalm. We orientate ourselves along the cart track, across the pastureland, and arrive at the "Papst Pirschtling" (4) crossroads, 1346 m. This is followed by a flat section before continuing uphill through the forest. The trail leads us directly to the refuge and the summit of the Steinplan (5) at 1670 m, just a few metres away. The descent is via the ascent route. On the descent, you also have the option of stopping off at the Thalberghof (approx. 500 metres from the hiking trail) and then hiking back to the Landschach waypoint via the panoramic circuit.