Conquering the Hochlantsch: A hiking story

The Hochlantsch, standing proudly at 1,720 meters, is the highest peak in the Graz Highlands and a true gem of the Almenland region in Styria, Austria. For photographers and hikers, this mountain offers a rewarding challenge with its diverse landscapes, breathtaking panoramic views, and the chance to encounter unique alpine flora and fauna. This story will walk you through a memorable hiking trip on the Hochlantsch, providing you with all the information you need to capture its beauty through your lens.

The Journey

Our journey begins at the idyllic Teichalmsee, a serene lake nestled amidst lush alpine pastures. This area, part of the Almenland Nature Park, is a destination in itself, with the iconic wooden ox statue, a landmark of the region's beef production, greeting visitors at the lake. From the large car park by the Teichwirt Inn, we embark on trail no. 740, a well-marked path that will lead us to the summit.

The initial part of the hike takes you through picturesque meadows and into a dense forest. The trail is steep but manageable, winding its way steadily upwards. As you gain altitude, clearings in the forest offer tantalizing glimpses of the Teichalmsee below, its turquoise waters shimmering in the sunlight. This is an excellent opportunity to capture some beautiful shots of the lake and the surrounding pastures.

One of the most exciting aspects of hiking the Hochlantsch is the chance to spot the Alpine Ibex. These majestic creatures, with their impressive curved horns, are often seen grazing on the rocky slopes. Keep your camera ready, but remember to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them.

As we continue our ascent, the landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic. The final 500 meters to the summit follow a ridge with a steep drop-off on the northern side, offering spectacular, vertigo-inducing views into the valley below. This section requires surefootedness, but the reward is well worth the effort.

The summit of the Hochlantsch is marked by a traditional cross and offers a stunning 360-degree panorama. On a clear day, the view extends as far as Hungary and Slovenia. This is the perfect spot to take a break, enjoy a well-deserved snack, and, of course, capture some breathtaking photographs. The expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys provide endless compositional possibilities for landscape photographers.

From the summit, we begin our descent along a jagged ridge, following the trail markers painted on the rocks. The path leads us down through the forest, where loose stones and tree roots require careful navigation. Our next destination is the Steirischer Jokl, a charming mountain hut perched on the edge of a cliff. Here, you can enjoy a traditional Austrian meal and soak in the incredible views from the terrace.

Just below the Steirischer Jokl, a short detour takes us to the pilgrimage church of Schüsserlbrunn. This tiny wooden chapel, clinging to the rock face, is a truly unique sight and a must-see on this hike. The church and the grotto behind it, with its supposedly healing spring water, are steeped in legend and history.

From Schüsserlbrunn, we continue our descent, following the signs back to the Teichalm. The trail takes us along the Mixnitzbach stream, through a mix of forest and pastures, offering a pleasant and scenic end to our hike.

A hiking trip on the Hochlantsch is an unforgettable experience for any photographer or nature lover. With its stunning scenery, diverse trails, and unique attractions, this mountain offers a wealth of opportunities to capture the beauty of the Austrian Alps. So, pack your camera gear, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to conquer the Hochlantsch!