Culinary delights, culture and charm – hiking in Eastern Austria

450 miles (720 km) running from Lower Austria, through Burgenland to Styria, Nebelstein in the northern Waldviertel and on to Bad Radkersburg on the Slovenian border. Since its conception in 1979, the Ostösterreichische Grenzlandweg 07 (the Eastern Austria Borderland Trail) has guided hikers through three Austrian federal provinces, introducing them to the many faces of Eastern Austria. In this Collection, I take you on a lovely hike which focuses on the Styria region.

The Styrian part of the Eastern Austrian Borderland Trail begins in the town of Friedberg at the foot of Mount Wechsel. From here, you hike through eastern Styria, exploring the region’s thermal spas and the romantic border town of Bad Radkersburg which is famous for its healing thermal water.

Culture and culinary delights combine on this section of your hike. And, of course, the nature is stunning. You will roam through dreamlike vineyards and untouched nature reserves, all the while admiring spectacular panoramic views. Along the way, you can stop off at the Vorau Abbey in Joglland or learn more about Styrian history at the Riegersburg in Vulkanland. Foodies can hang out at the traditional "Buschenschänke"

Culture enthusiasts enjoy, among other things, the Vorau Abbey in Joglland or get a taste of Styrian history at the Riegersburg in Vulkanland. Gourmets can pursue their favourite pastime in the traditional "Buschenschänke" local taverns which are dotted along the route. Styria is also a great place to taste wines, for which the region is famous.

You don't need any special hiking knowledge to take on this hike. You will, however, need a certain amount of stamina. If you want to complete the route in seven stages, you have to master between 11 to 15.5 miles (18 to 25 km) every day. But, of course, you can always add overnight stops along the way. With the right shoes, lots of water and the information from this Collection, not much can go wrong. However, you should remember to reserve accommodation in the individual stage destinations in good time. I point out how exactly you can get to the starting and finishing points (Friedberg and Bad Radkersburg) in the respective stage descriptions.

So, let your adventure along the East Austrian Borderland Trail – or at least the Styrian version of it – commence!