Mantscha: Hiking and Local History

Mantscha offers some specific starting points for a stay: the Attendorf East Circular Trail, local history surrounding the chapel and lignite mining, and bus connections. These topics answer different questions: How is the hike classified, which historical aspects are part of the area, and what connections are available?

Hiking from Riederhof

The Attendorf Circular Trail No. 41 starts at the Riederhof stop in Mantscha. The Attendorf East Circular Trail also starts there; it is an easy hike covering 10.4 km. This provides a clearly named starting point along with specific information about distance and difficulty. The “easy” rating describes the character of the route, but does not replace checking current trail conditions. Check them before setting out. For the Attendorf Circular Trail No. 41, you should also check the local trail markers before starting.

Chapel and local history

The chapel has a specific local history: because of the great distance to the parish church in Straßgang, the residents of Mantscha decided to build their own chapel. Construction began at Easter 1981, and the chapel was solemnly consecrated in September 1981. The reason, start of construction, and consecration provide a clear timeline: the reason was the distance to the parish church, while both construction events took place in the same year. The Mantscha burial mound group is also protected as a historic monument by official decree. Alongside the chapel’s history, it provides another distinct point of reference for local history.

Lignite mining in Mantscha

Lignite mining is also part of Mantscha’s past. In 1919, seven miners extracted 500 tonnes of lignite in Mantscha. Lignite was mined at three different locations there. The number of miners and the amount extracted form a specific picture of that historical year; the three mining locations show that mining took place at several sites.

A 2026 article by the historical commission describes the condition of the former lignite mine in Mantscha, west of Graz: the tunnels have completely collapsed, the spoil heaps are overgrown with forest, and the mine’s facilities have been dismantled. The 1919 production figure and this later description of the site’s condition present different aspects of the mining history.

Bus connections

RegioBus routes 711 and 717 serve Mantscha. Route 711 connects the area with, among other places, Graz and Premstätten-Tobelbad station; route 717 connects it with, among other places, Lieboch and Hitzendorf. For your journey, it is important to match the right route to your destination. Since routes and timetables can change, check the latest information before travelling if you plan to use a specific connection.

Consider which focus is most important for your trip; the hike, cultural topics, and journey each involve different planning questions.

Discover more destinations: Edelsbach Bei Graz, Sankt Peter, Semriach, Feldkirchen Bei Graz, Fölling, Sankt Radegund Bei Graz, Graz, Thondorf.

View the regional travel overview: Graz-Umgebung.