Kernkapelle

The Kern Chapel is one of the stations of the "7 Places 7 Treasures" hike and thus a popular excursion destination.

The Kern Chapel is located at an elevation of 450 meters on the ridge between the Raab Valley and the Ilz Valley, surrounded by apple and vineyards. The chapel was built in 1838 and has been under monument protection since November 1975. It has been renovated several times, most recently in 2015 by the family Hans and Angela Unger who live in close proximity. Inside the chapel, visitors are greeted by a nearly 2-meter-tall Emmaus Jesus with open arms. This figure was carved in 220 hours of labor by Hans Pendl, a well-known and very active wood carver from St. Ruprecht an der Raab. Nowadays, annual May devotions, among other events, are still held in the chapel. The chapel also remains a venue for the increasingly rare tradition of 'Herbergsuchen' (searching for shelter).

From the chapel's location, which is also directly on the Styrian Apple Route, one has a magnificent panoramic view from the Koralpe across the Schöckl, the local mountain of Graz, and the Kulm in the heart of Eastern Styria to the Fischbach Alps and the Wechsel at the border with Lower Austria.

In front of the chapel, there is a beautifully designed resting place featuring round benches and tables as well as deck chairs. This spot is particularly popular with hikers and cyclists, as the chapel is directly on the "7 Places - 7 Treasures" trail and the Kern Chapel trail. Both circular hiking trails have their starting and ending point at the main square of St. Ruprecht an der Raab. Cyclists traveling on the Ilz Valley Cycle Path R10, which connects the Feistritz Valley Cycle Path R8 and the Raab Valley Cycle Path R11, appreciate the rest area after the easy climb to the Kern Chapel, the highest point of the Ilz Valley Cycle Path. Tip: Refresh yourself with products from the self-service farm shop located right next to the Kern Chapel.