Bad St. Leonhard: L1 hike Wisperndorf

Starting point Schlossberg - Kindergarten - Tuschenkogel - Wisperndorf Pond - Schloss Lichtengraben - Wisperndorf - Stora Enso - Hofbauer Bridge - bike and footpath towards Schlossberg 

For this route, good footwear and a small backpack with the essentials are sufficient.

Safe Hiking

10 recommendations from the Alpine Club

As a nature sport, mountain hiking offers great opportunities for health, community, and experience. The following recommendations from alpine clubs serve to make hikes as safe and enjoyable as possible.

1. Healthy hiking in the mountains
Mountain hiking is endurance sport. The positive strain on heart and circulation requires health and a realistic self-assessment. Avoid time pressure and choose a pace so nobody in the group runs out of breath.
2. Careful planning
Hiking maps, guide literature, internet, and experts provide information on length, elevation difference, difficulty, and current conditions. Always tailor tours to the group!
Pay special attention to the weather report as rain, wind, and cold increase the risk of accidents.
3. Complete equipment
Adjust your equipment to your undertaking and keep your backpack weight low. Rain, cold, and sun protection should always be in the backpack, as well as first aid kit and mobile phone (European emergency number 112). Map or GPS support orientation.
4. Proper footwear
Good hiking shoes protect and relieve the foot and improve surefootedness! When choosing, pay attention to perfect fit, slip-resistant sole, waterproofness, and light weight.
5. Surefootedness is key
Falls due to slipping or tripping are the most frequent cause of accidents! Note that too high speed or fatigue greatly impair your surefootedness and concentration. Beware of rockfall: Careful walking avoids dislodging stones.
6. Stay on marked paths
In pathless terrain, the risk of disorientation, falls, and rockfall increases. Avoid shortcuts and return to the last known point if you stray off the path. Steep old snowfields are often underestimated and very dangerous!
7. Regular breaks
Timely rest serves recovery, enjoying the landscape, and socializing. Eating and drinking are necessary to maintain performance and concentration. Isotonic drinks are ideal thirst quenchers. Muesli bars, dried fruit, and biscuits satisfy hunger on the way.
8. Responsibility for children
Note that variety and playful discovery are paramount for children! In passages with risk of falls, one adult can only supervise one child. Very exposed tours requiring long-lasting concentration are not suitable for children.
9. Small groups
Small groups guarantee flexibility and allow mutual help. Inform trusted persons about destination, route, and return. Stay together in the group. Beware of solo hikers: even small incidents can lead to serious emergencies.
10. Respect for nature and environment
To protect mountain nature: Leave no waste, avoid noise, stay on paths, do not disturb wild and pasture animals, leave plants untouched, and respect protected areas. Use public transport or form car pools for travel.

(Source: Austrian Alpine Club, 2014)

 www.region-lavanttal.at

 www.bad-st-leonhard-i-lav.at

Visit the Leonhardikirche from which the town also takes its name. Historically documented is the foundation of a church or chapel by Bishop Otto von Bamberg between 1106 and 1139. This original church was built in Romanesque style, of which today only the sacristy and the charnel house remain. The current Gothic Leonhardikirche dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. It is a three-aisled basilica.