The Turmbauerweg has a lot to offer. Not only does it lead us to a wonderful hiking area, it also draws our attention to cultural-historical objects, which are explained in more detail by display boards. The first panel tells us the oldest legend of our homeland; another one informs us about compulsory labor in the Middle Ages; on the Turmbauer plateau we learn interesting details about the first medieval castle and about one of the oldest farms in the region.
During the hike we will pass three chapels and a wayside shrine. We will be surprised about the art appreciation of the peasant families, who had precious works of sacral art created by academic painters. Before returning to the valley, we will have the opportunity to visit two cozy inns. Both are popular destinations and famous for their good Styrian cuisine.
The circular trail (about 80% asphalted, total length 6.3 km, about 2 hours walking time) starts in front of the Eibiswald parish church, where a showcase tells about the foundation of the first church. We walk across the church square into the narrow Bachgasse lane, which leads us to the second display board. Then we continue uphill on the asphalt road to the sites of the tower fortifications. Where the asphalt turns into gravel, we see an imposing hill on the left; this is where the front castle complex once stood. Today there is an ancient linden tree. From there we have a wonderful view.
We turn towards the old farm “Turmbauer,” rich in history, and follow the dirt road that cuts through a large field. Here, on a plateau that has been cultivated for many centuries, is one of the most beautiful places in our homeland. In front of us lies a forest with many secrets. Just behind the first trees we recognize a small plateau, surrounded by earthen ramparts. This is where the first castle of the Saggau River Valley stood; it is depicted on a display board. We follow the signpost and arrive at the local road via a romantic forest path. There we turn right and walk in a westerly direction to the farmstead “Proter,” where a richly furnished chapel invites us to linger. Then we turn around, walk back on the road and pass the exquisitely designed “Stelzer” wayside shrine until we see in front of us, on the right hand and somewhat elevated, the Kohlweiss chapel. From there we walk slightly downhill to the Pommer Chapel and further back in the direction of Eibiswald.
The Turmbauerweg trail in EibiswaldDownload PDF