Teichalm is about an hour from Graz and is a beautiful spot to visit for hiking. There is a small lake which is usually full of people on a sunny weekend, but just head out onto one of the hiking paths and the crowds quicky thin out. Be sure to check the weather as it’s quite a bit higher than Graz, so cooler and conditions can always change quickly in the mountains. Teichalm can also be reached by public transport in the summer months (starting beginning of July) with the 205 bus from Weiz (the timetable includes the connection from Graz) or the 169 bus from Bruck/Mur or Mixnitz-Bärenschützklamm train stations (with S1 train connection from Graz).

I have two favourite hikes. The first is an easy 45 min (one way) family friendly path which you can read more about here. The second is a more moderately challenging one but still doable for most people. This one takes you up to the top of the Hochlantsch peak with fabulous views.

It’s about 1.5 hrs up if you are fast, or two hours for a more moderate pace. There are some longer steeper sections, especially in the begining, but then it flattens out as you walk along the ridge with another shorter climb at the end. Great views the whole way!

The start of the hike is next to the Hotel Teichwirt, at the far end of the lake. Walk though the farmyard and follow the signs for Hochlantsch. Then just keep following the path up until you reach the cross at the top. The peak is on top of a pile of large rocks so be prepared to scramble at the very end, but the views are well worth it!

You can then return back the same way you came, or for a longer hike, you can continue along the path at the base of the peak. Lot of large rocks here, so walk carefully, you will then descend through the forest to the Steirischer Jockl Gasthaus (open May – October) which has stunning views from their terrace.

There is also a tiny church hanging onto the edge of the cliff next to it, down a steep flight of stone stairs (also open May to October).

You then continue back to Teichalm along a forest road for approx another 1 hr 30 mins (not too many views, mostly trees!). Round trip is about 5 hours altogether. You can find the interactive map below here.