Hike between Austria and Slovenia on the Border Panorama Trail

The Border Panorama Trail leads you on six challenging stages through a natural paradise. Following the Slovenian-Austrian border, you’ll hike 130 kilometres (81 mi) through incredibly varied landscapes. You can expect dense forests and narrow gorges with rich plantlife, lush alpine meadows with fantastic panoramic views, wild river meadows, and the Mediterranean-like vineyards of southern Styria.

You’ll start in the sleepy hiking village of Soboth and walk along dreamy paths to the Hühnerkogel – the highest point of the Grenzpanoramaweg. At the top, an incomparable panorama of the Carnic and Stein Alps opens up. Your journey leads you to the spectacular border cliffs of the Jantschkifel and deep down into the heart of the enchanted Zweibach Tal valley, where Krumbach and Feistritz meet.

You’ll hike across blossoming mountain meadows and discover churches and alpine pastures that reveal the cultural and political significance of the border region. Abandoned radio stations and overgrown toll gates are reminders of the once heavily guarded border that ran between Austria and Slovenia for decades. The Border Panorama Trail, opened in 1999, is both a hiking trail through breathtaking nature and a symbol of friendship and peace.

The landscape around Leutschach an der Weinstraße is less alpine, but no less picturesque. You hike through the Heiligengeistklamm, one of the most beautiful gorges in Austria, and head up to the pilgrimage church of Heiligen Geist on Osterberg. From here, you gaze upon the spectacular slopes of the famous wine-growing region, which has more than earned its reputation as the ‘Styrian Tuscany’.

You’ll meander over gentle hills, where you can discover the delicious local cuisine at one of the numerous wine taverns scattered along the way. Then, you reach the Mur, a border river.
With the roar of the raging waters within earshot, you’ll hike through wooded meadows, tracing the river to the end point, Bad Radkersburg. our adventure concludes in the bubbling waters of the historic Parktherme spa where you can enjoy the local restaurants and wine bars.

A hike on the Border Panorama Trail is best between May and October. It’s not technically demanding, but the stages can be up to 26 kilometres (16 mi) long with quite a few metres of altitude. It's a physical challenge. It's best to find out about trail conditions and any closures in advance. Book accommodation ahead of time and call ahead to check the opening hours of the restaurants and alpine pastures along the way. Don’t forget to bring waterproof and warm clothing and sufficient sun protection.

Careful planning is an absolute must for your hike on the Border Panorama Trail. The nearest major city is Graz. From here, you can take the bus via Wies-Eibiswald to Soboth, the starting point of the hike. There are no shopping facilities here, so be sure to stock up on sufficient provisions and water for the first three stages. You can fill up your water reserves at the limited number of inns along the way. If you don't want to carry so much, consider bringing a water filter and water purification tablets. Bear in mind that it’s best to avoid taking water too close to grazing areas, or at the very least treat your water thoroughly. The nearest supermarkets are in Leutschach an der Weinstraße and in Mureck.