Soboth lies on the southwestern foothills of the Koralpe in the border region where Styria, Carinthia and Slovenia meet. The range of topics is useful when planning a trip: hiking options stretch from the Koralpe’s alpine pastures through the hiking village and on to the South Styrian wine country. The reservoir adds water sports and camping, while the Glassworks Circular Trail offers insights into the region’s glassmaking history.
In the hiking village of Soboth, the Jakobihaus serves as a hiking base and starting point for walks. A route such as Wild Hiking Feistritzbach begins there and follows the stream upstream. Alongside the broader hiking options, there is also a route with a specifically named starting point and course.
Hiking between the Koralpe and wine country
The North–South Trail 05 is a section of the European long-distance hiking trail E6. The Via Alpina runs from Lavamünd to the hiking village of Soboth on the border with Carinthia. The two descriptions highlight different aspects: the North–South Trail’s connection to a long-distance hiking route, and the Via Alpina’s route from Lavamünd to Soboth.
The Maria Apparition Trail has a different route profile. The circular trail descends steeply to the Grotto of the Virgin Mary on the Feistritzbach and then climbs moderately to a pilgrimage church. The sequence of descent followed by an ascent is a useful point of reference when choosing the tour based on its described route.
There is also a dedicated range of mountain biking tours: the Soboth Adventure Tour 125 is described as challenging and links quiet places of power, alpine views and a biking adventure. It is therefore clearly different from the routes designated as hiking trails.
Soboth Reservoir: water activities and camping
At Soboth Reservoir, you can go diving, swimming, boating, sailing, surfing and camping. The options range from activities in and on the water to staying on the shore. There is a camping pitch at the leisure centre, as well as a tent campsite right by the lake. These features make the reservoir a focus in its own right, alongside the hiking trails.
Glassmaking history and churches
The Glassworks Circular Trail starts in Soboth and passes the ruins of the Upper Glassworks. It offers a glimpse into the region’s heyday of glassmaking. The route also passes a historic lime kiln that supplied the former glassworks nearby. It thus links two tangible traces of historic glass production: the remains of the glassworks and the lime kiln that served its needs.
The churches also offer points of historical interest. Soboth’s parish church of St James the Elder is documented from 1545 and was built between 1702 and 1704. The branch church of St Leonard in Zambichl was built between 1645 and 1653. Together with the Glassworks Circular Trail, they provide a cultural counterpoint to the nature and water activities.
More experiences in Soboth
The Weg der Wandlungen (Path of Transformations) adventure trail is in the heart of the hiking village of Soboth and features numerous activity stations for families and adventure seekers. Pony trekking starts in Untersoboth, at Kulma. Both activities complement the hiking trails with other ways to experience the area.
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Soboth, your trip idea can help you get started: hiking, activities at the reservoir or cultural and historical discoveries. Consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Wernersdorf, Graschuh, Wiel, Wetzelsdorf in western Styria, Lannach, Sankt Martin im Sulmtal, Lemsitz, Stainz.
See the regional travel overview: Deutschlandsberg.
