Masenberg

The Masenberg is a mountain in the range east of the Mur in Styria. Its long ridge separates the Vorau basin to the north from the Lafnitz valley to the east. The forested summit crest runs roughly one kilometre from the Pongratzer Kogel in the east to the highest point, also called Masenberg, in the west. The summit area holds the Kernstockhaus, named after Ottokar Kernstock, once owned by the Neunkirchen section of the Austrian Touring Club. Since 1987 the Hildegard-von-Bingen-Naturhaus has operated there privately. Nearby stands a year-round ski hut beside the single remaining ski tow. The East Austrian Borderland Trail crosses the ridge on its route from the Waldviertel to Bad Radkersburg. On the eastern slope at 925 metres the small church of St Pankrazen was first recorded in 1544. Its altar faces west, unlike most Catholic churches, and each 12 May a mass is celebrated on St Pankratius Day. A wooden sacristan’s house beside it serves as a weekend inn, and the Pankratius Trail links Vorau with Pöllauberg via St Pankratzen.