Spring is gradually arriving in Austria; the first flowers are sprouting and bringing new life to the countryside. Starting in late March, we can look forward to the cherry blossoms and magnolias in Vienna, and the apricot trees in Wachau are also worth a visit. If any of you have the time and inclination for a longer weekend trip, you should add Hinterlobming to your list this spring. Here, the heather blooms in the forests, inviting you to take a springtime hike.
Heather as far as the eye can see
Hinterlobming is part of the municipality of St. Stefan in the Styrian district of Leoben. It borders the pine forest on Matzlerberg, where heather sprouts from the ground in the spring . The route through the forest up the hill is easy to navigate and leads over soft ground. It’s best to park at the Musikheim and follow the forest path up Matzlerberg from there. On the loop trail, you’ll hike practically the entire way past fields of blooming heather, so you’ll be constantly surrounded by a sea of purple blossoms.
From the mountain, you can also catch glimpses of Hinterlobming from above. Depending on which route you choose, your descent will also take you past an alpaca farm where you can watch these adorable animals. Or you can take the steeper path and make a detour to the St. Nicholas Chapel. The circular hike takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours.
When do the heather flowers bloom in Hinterlobming?
To experience the heather in Hinterlobming, you should visit between mid-February and mid-April. Sometimes it blooms well into May. From Vienna, it takes about 2 hours and 14 minutes by car to reach Hinterlobming. The Musikheim is located right on the edge of the forest and has a parking lot. The striking wooden building, which once housed a school, is impossible to miss. If you’d like to grab a bite to eat after your hike, you can visit the Gasthaus zum Kirchenwirt in Hinterlobming.
