Seewiesen: Mountains, Trails and History

Seewiesen combines an impressive mountain landscape with a remarkable history. From here, there is a striking view of the towering rocks of the Hochschwab massif. At the same time, the Styrian Seeberg belongs to the Seewiesen district. Those planning a trip can therefore consider the village a starting point for mountain tours, historic trails and cultural discoveries.

Mountain Landscape around Seewiesen

The Dullwitz high valley lies in the surroundings of Seewiesen and is a remnant of glaciation during the last major Ice Age. The origins of the village are also linked to the history of the landscape: A large lake once shaped the surrounding area, and Seewiesen was formed when it was drained. This connection between the geological past and today’s mountain scenery gives the village a special character.

For challenging mountain planning, climbing from Seewiesen to the 2,277 m-high Hochschwab is one concrete option. The route is 12.3 km long, involves 1,410 metres of elevation gain and takes around 5½ hours. Take these details into account when planning your day and choose accommodation that suits your preferred rhythm between mountain tours and relaxation.

St. Leonhard Church and Historic Traces

St. Leonhard Church stands at the centre of the district. The church in Seewiesen is known as the “Styrian Heiligenblut”. The filial church of St. Leonhard in Seewiesen has been documented since 1366; from 1754 to 1996, it was an independent parish. The Catholic parish church of St. Leonhard and the churchyard are protected by law as historic monuments.

Another historic landmark is the monument in Seewiesen commemorating Archduke Johann’s first tourist ascent of the Hochschwab. Those interested in local history and sacred architecture will find points of connection here that can be combined with an active trip. The church thus adds to the historical and cultural impressions in Seewiesen.

Hiking Trails, Pilgrimage Routes and Stages

The 01 Northern Alpine Trail leads from Seewiesen via the Voisthalerhütte and the Sonnschienhütte to Eisenerz. Seewiesen is also an eastern starting point for reaching the Voisthalerhütte via the Dullwitz. This ascent is used in both summer and winter. Depending on your travel plans, the village can therefore serve as a starting point for a longer route or for a single mountain tour.

Stage 04 of the BergZeitReise also connects Seewiesen with Mariazell via the Mariazell Founders’ Trail. It follows historic trails along an old pilgrimage route, the Mariazell Founders’ Trail. There is a large car park in Seewiesen and at Seeberg for this stage. The Aflenz–Bürgeralm–Seewiesen hiking tour can be reached by train to Bruck an der Mur and then by RegioBus routes 170 and 171 to the Aflenz Kurort Kirche stop; RegioBus route 170 is available from Seewiesen for the return journey.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Trip?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Seewiesen, it is worth defining the focus of your trip first. For ascents of the Hochschwab and routes to the Voisthalerhütte, route planning and the desired length of the day are the main considerations. Those planning historic trails and the connection to Mariazell can make the BergZeitReise stage a central part of their trip. For a combination of landscape, local history and activity, Seewiesen offers several different points of connection, without every outing having to have the same character.

On another section of the route, Stage 15 descends via the Graf Meran Steig serpentine trail. Steel cables assist in some sections, and sure-footedness is required. Such specific requirements should be part of your personal tour planning. Accommodation in Seewiesen can serve as a conceptual starting point when selecting suitable routes, while you check the distance, elevation gain and character of each trail for the planned outing.

For the higher-level travel overview: Turnau.