Karnerviertel: Winter Activities Around Mönichwald

When choosing accommodation in Karnerviertel, the winter sports and excursion opportunities in Mönichwald and on the Hochwechsel are relevant. However, as no distances between Karnerviertel and the individual attractions are provided, this does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about walking distance, ski-in/ski-out access, or a specific accommodation location.

• The Hochwechsel is 1,743 metres high; from the toll stations, a gravel road suitable for buses leads uphill.
• There are numerous hiking and walking opportunities at the summit, including a hut-to-hut hike from one mountain hut to the next.
• Lake Mönichwald is 7,500 square metres in size and lies at an altitude of around 600 metres.
• The “Joglland-Roas” follows level walking paths along the Lafnitz and around the lake.
• Regional landmarks also include Mönichwald Parish Church, the leaning plague cross in Breitenbrunn, and Festenburg Castle.

Winter sports for different levels of experience

The downhill runs are considered family-friendly. Ski and snowboard lessons for beginners are also available. This makes the area generally interesting for travellers who are planning to take their first steps on skis or a snowboard, or who are travelling in a group with different levels of experience.

Cross-country skiing at Rabl-Kreuz and the Hochwechsel

At Rabl-Kreuz, trails are groomed daily for both classic cross-country skiing and skating. This documents two different cross-country skiing styles. Cross-country skiing equipment can be hired directly at the Rabl-Kreuz Hut. This is particularly relevant if you do not want to bring all your equipment; it does not imply anything about availability on a specific date.

The Hochwechsel reaches a height of 1,743 metres. A road from Waldbach or Mönichwald leads to the Breitenbrunn or Mönichwalder-Schwaig toll stations, respectively. From there, the gravel road suitable for buses begins its ascent to the Hochwechsel. This information describes the road’s suitability for vehicles, not access to accommodation, a lift, or a specific starting point without further verification.

Walking trails and alternatives away from the slopes

Lake Mönichwald is also located at the foot of the Wechsel. Visitors can go pedal boating and stand-up paddleboarding there. The leisure facility also includes a beach volleyball court and an asphalt track.

There is also a specific connection to cycling: The “Der große Jogl” mountain bike route passes through the district of Riegersberg to Waldbach-Mönichwald, specifically into the district of Mönichwald.

History and regional excursion destinations

The historical name Karnerviertel can be linked to the development of the Mönichwald estate: In the 1770 census, it was divided into the two sections Karnerviertel and Schmiedviertel. The historical Karnerviertel emerged from the settlements of Saager-, Khärner-, and Munichbauerrott.

The first church in Mönichwald, dedicated to Saint Peter in the Munichwald, was consecrated on 17 December 1163 by Archbishop Eberhard II of Salzburg. Today’s Mönichwald Parish Church is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul and was built in 1716. The leaning plague cross in Breitenbrunn was erected in the 16th century and lies along the route from Waldbach towards the Hochwechsel. Festenburg Castle is also a regional landmark; it was built around 1200 by the Lords of Stubenberg.

If you would like to combine your stay with a regional tradition, the traditional Krapfenkirtag takes place in Mönichwald every July, featuring more than 100 different varieties of Krapfen. A floral peacock also invites visitors to linger in the park in Mönichwald.

No distances are provided between Karnerviertel and the Hochwechsel ski lifts, the trails at Rabl-Kreuz, the lake, or a hiking route. Other regional destinations include Fürstenfeld, Sankt Jakob Im Walde, Mönichwald, Ilz, Pöllau, Pöllauberg, Sankt Lorenzen Am Wechsel and Loipersdorf Bei Fürstenfeld.

To the higher-level travel overview: Hartberg-Fürstenfeld.