The Witch­es’ Ex­press (“Hex­en­ex­press”)

The wind from the toboggan blowing in your face, with the “Witches’ Express” (“Hexenexpress”) on the Schöckl – what could be nicer? For most visitors the summer toboggan run is an essential highlight of a visit to Graz’s local mountain. The toboggan run, which is around 1,000 m long and winds its way from the mountain station of the funicular railway down to the “Halterhütte”, can already be seen from the railway car – and you get a good inkling of the fun that awaits you.

You race through seven bends and over two jumps on the comfortable yet sporty toboggan past wide-eyed onlookers down into the valley, at a maximum speed of 40 km/h. Incidentally, you determine the speed yourself – with the aid of the brakes which can be easily activated by a lever. For the return journey up to the plateau you can simply stay sitting in comfort in the toboggan.

A climbing aid tows the toboggan plus driver back to the starting point. Whether you are alone or with somebody else – a trip with the Witches’ Express is addictive. But that is not even a problem with the low-cost and family-friendly fares and the friendly staff. Incidentally, the summer toboggan run is an all-weather toboggan run – however, in the winter months, the “Witches’ Express” is not in operation.

The little children’s mascot of Holding Graz, “Hansi”, also likes the “Witches’ Express” a lot. He has hidden himself along the route several times and with a lot of tricks ensures that young and young-at-heart passengers are not disturbed by the Schöckl witch during their toboggan ride.

Those who want to can keep a look out for Hansi. At the end of the trip, you can compare the number of Hansis that you have counted with the correct solution. Incidentally – the number of Hansis changes constantly – there is therefore nothing to stop the summer being an exciting one.

By the way, the incredible story of Hansi and the Schöckl witch is told in our painting book.