Ratsch on the South Styrian Wine Road can be explored through three specific interests: the South Styrian Wine Road, wine-related hikes and a viewpoint overlooking the hilly landscape. These highlights suit different travel plans. The wine road provides a regional route, the Ratscher Jakobiwanderung combines a fixed date with food and music, and the Steiermark-Herzerlbank adds its own distinctive landscape feature. First decide whether a route, event or viewpoint should shape your stay; you do not need to combine these offerings into a single itinerary.
Understanding the Wine Road and landscape
The South Styrian Wine Road runs from Ehrenhausen an der Weinstraße via Gamlitz and then either through the Sulztal valley or via Ratsch to Leutschach an der Weinstraße. Ratsch is therefore one of the two named alternatives on the route between Gamlitz and Leutschach. This fork is the key point for orientation: Sulztal and Ratsch are alternatives, not consecutive places on the route as described. If you choose the wine road as the regional setting for your stay, you can specifically take the route via Ratsch into account.
The Steiermark-Herzerlbank adds a distinctive landscape viewpoint to this route. Shaped like a heart, it stands at a panoramic spot with sweeping views over the region’s gentle hills and vineyards. For a trip that takes both wine and scenery into account, this viewpoint adds a different highlight to the route.
Wine-related hikes
The Ratscher Jakobiwanderung takes place every year on 25 July in honour of Saint James, the patron saint of winegrowers. The event features traditional South Styrian delicacies, excellent wines and music. The hike follows forest and meadow paths as well as some paved roads; the route may vary from year to year. The programme may also change each year. If you are travelling for this date, check the current event programme and route in advance.
The Nordic Walking VINOTOUR includes two group hikes with Nordic walking instructors each year, with wine tastings at businesses along the routes. The two formats differ mainly in what they are organised around: the Jakobiwanderung takes place on 25 July, while the VINOTOUR comprises two group hikes per year. This lets you choose between an event on a fixed date and a recurring Nordic walking offer.
Consider regional transport and accommodation
WEINmobil takes guests within the region to wineries, Buschenschank taverns, restaurants or inns, accommodation providers, town centres and starting points for various hiking trails. The service therefore covers both destinations for a day of wine and hiking and places to stay. If you are planning your base and outings together, you can factor these destination types into your plans. Before making specific journeys, check the current WEINmobil service, as its transport options may change.
When planning your stay, you can consider these highlights separately: the route via Ratsch, the hiking day held annually on 25 July, the two group Nordic walking hikes, or the view from the Steiermark-Herzerlbank. Decide which occasion matters to you and base your other plans on it. This keeps the route, event format and viewpoint clearly distinct.
Discover more destinations: Sankt Johann im Saggautal, Neurath, Labitschberg, Straß in der Steiermark, Steinriegel, Pößnitz, Spielfeld, Wolfsberg im Schwarzautal.
Go to the overarching travel overview: Leibnitz.
