Late last Fall, I went hiking on Schoeckel, a little northeast of Graz. Also called, Hausberg, or House Mountain. We started at Schuekelbartl. Many nice trails that led up to the top, about a 400 meter climb from there. At the top was — what else?–a restaurant serving imbiss and beer. That is the great thing about hiking in Austria: it seems that no matter where you end up, after hiking along mountain trails, through woods, along ancient paths, you will find a restaurant.

Also, most Austrians tell me I misuse the word “hike.” For them, hiking is an all-day event. You pack a lunch, stuff your rucksack and take off…for hours. It has to be a minimum 6 hours or it is not a hike; it is spazierengehen.

Well, where I am from, if you hump it up trails for a couple of hours or more, it is a hike.

Anyway, the Springlike weather recently has made me start salivating for hiking season. I would love to know what are people’s favorite hikes around Graz and why. And how to get there. Cheers.