St. Georgen: Cultural hiking trail Spitzelofen

The starting point of the route is at Steinberg, shortly after the Stein ruin, or it can also start from the village square in St. Georgen. From here it goes on a narrow mountain road towards Unterhaus. After the Stein ruin, you cross the road again and continue, crossing the Gobelbach and passing Hart. Shortly after, the Roman quarry is reached. After a short rest, it goes over Oberhaus to the crossroads. The same way leads back to St. Georgen.

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

10 recommendations of the ÖAV

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

1. Healthy into the mountains
Mountain hiking is endurance sport. The positive stresses for heart and circulation require health and realistic self-assessment. Avoid time pressure and choose the pace so that no one in the group gets out of breath.

2. Careful planning
Hiking maps, guidebooks, Internet, and experts inform about length, elevation difference, difficulty, and current conditions. Always tailor routes to the group! Pay special attention to the weather report, as rain, wind, and cold increase the risk of accidents.

3. Complete equipment
Adapt your equipment to your plan and watch for a low backpack weight. 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. Suitable footwear
Good hiking boots protect and relieve the foot and improve surefootedness! When choosing, pay attention to perfect fit, non-slip soles, waterproofing, and low weight.

5. Surefootedness is key
Falls due to slipping or tripping are the most common cause of accidents! Note that too high a pace or fatigue strongly affect your surefootedness and concentration. Beware of falling rocks: Walking carefully prevents kicking loose stones.

6. Stay on marked paths
In pathless terrain, the risk of losing orientation, falling, and rockfall increases. Avoid shortcuts and return to the last known point if you once stray from the path. Often underestimated and very dangerous: steep old snowfields!

7. Regular breaks
Timely rest serves recovery, enjoyment of the landscape, and sociability. 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 falling, one adult can only look after one child. Very exposed routes requiring prolonged concentration are not suitable for children.

9. Small groups
Small groups guarantee flexibility and enable mutual help. Inform trusted persons about the 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 wildlife and grazing animals, leave plants untouched, and respect protected areas. Use public transport or form carpooling for travel.

Exit motorway A2 - roundabout 2 exit towards Eitweg and St. Georgen.

Take the Postbus to St. Georgen - info at Postbus - Timetable.

Parking options at the starting point of the route are hardly possible; possibly parking spots next to the road near the Stein ruin.

region-lavanttal.at

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