Follow in the footsteps of the Queen of the Forest! The Coronas Ameisenpfad (ant trail) in St. Corona am Wechsel offers a journey of discovery for families, children, and school groups.
Description
The new adventure trail in St. Corona follows “in the footsteps of the Queen of the Forest”, and consists of 15 fun and learning stations. Here, children can learn all about the life and purpose of the tiny (but important) forest inhabitants. The ant is quite rightly considered to be the Queen of the Forest – she carries loads weighing several times her body weight over long distances, builds towers and tunnels, and keeps meadows and forests clean. The adventure trail covers 2.5km of the Kampstein, and is perfect for families with children. At the highest point of the trail, by the reservoir, there is a “relaxation realm” with sun loungers and benches.
The hike starts and finishes at the Gasthof Orthof. This is also the starting point of the new summer toboggan run, the “Alpine Coaster”, which guarantees excitement and thrills for the whole family. After a hike or toboggan ride, regain your strength with sweet or savoury delicacies at the Gasthof Orthof.
Starting point of the tour
Gasthof Orthof
Destination point of the tour
Gasthof Orthof
Route description Coronas Ameisenpfad
At the starting point at the Gasthof Orthof, there is a signpost. We will start by following the road uphill, until we see a sign for an adventure trail to our right, at the edge of the forest. This is the start of the circular route, which can be joined from a number of directions. We will keep left and walk through the forest. After the “Ameisen Reich” (ant kingdom) station, we will turn left, and will soon reach the next station. We will then keep right and follow the road for about 100m. The next station is on the right at the edge of the forest. We will then head back into the forest, keeping right, until we reach the next station. After the next station, “Arbeiten” (work), we will turn left and continue walking, crossing the forest route, until we reach the next station, which is called “Sauberkeit” (cleanliness). Here, we will turn right again, and return to the route. We will then keep left, before turning left into the forest. After passing another station, we will then follow a newly-developed path. Keeping left, and then right, we will follow the path to the former lift station by the reservoir. The adventure trail now leads to the relaxation realm by the reservoir. We will pass two stations, and carry straight on down the path back to the Orthof.
Directions
From Vienna: From the A2 motorway, take exit 69 Edlitz/Aspang, and continue down the B54 via Kirchberg am Wechsel, St. Corona am Wechsel, and Untenberg to Gasthof Orthof.
From Graz: From the A2 motorway, take exit 81 Aspang Markt, and continue down the B54 via Aspang Markt and Unternberg to Gasthof Orthof.
From Bruck/Mur: From the S6, take the Semmering exit, and continue via Gloggnitz, Kirchberg am Wechsel, St. Corona am Wechsel, and Unternberg to Gasthof Orthof.
Parking
Parking lots are available at Gasthof Orthof.
Take the train to Aspang, and from there take bus line 1762 (operated by Retter Linien) towards Kirchberg am Wechsel. Disembark at Unternberg GH Fahrner, and then walk for approx. 1km to Gasthaus Orthof.
Take the train to Gloggnitz, and from there take bus line 1734 (operated by Retter Linien) towards Kirchberg am Wechsel. Disembark at Hotel Post. Then take bus line 1762 (operated by Retter Linien) from Postamt towards Aspang Markt. Disembark at Unternberg GH Fahrner, and then walk for approx. 1km to Gasthof Orthof.
Visit www.oebb.at, www.vor.at and www.retter-linien.at/fahrplaene for more information.
Author's tip
Combine your walk with an overnight stay in the Wechsel area! The Gasthof-Pension Ödenhof in St. Corona is in the direct vicinity of the Ameisenpfad and the alpine coaster, and can be booked online.
