If you fancy a little adventure in nature – with great views, some goosebumps and a touch of history – then grab your hiking boots and head to Maiden jump in the Graz district Gösting.
This striking dolomite rock is just a short walk above town, near the castle ruins Gösting. Nevertheless, the place feels like a completely different world: tranquil, mystical, almost a bit otherworldly. The view stretches far across the Mur Valley to the gentle hills of the Gleinalpe—and on a clear day, you can even make out the silhouettes of distant mountain ranges.
But it's not just the landscape that makes this place so special. The Jungfernsprung is shrouded in a tragic legend – a story of love, loss, and the final, desperate step. It is precisely this blend of natural scenery and legend that gives the place its very special charm.
The Jungfernsprung (Jungfernsprung) is located at approximately 550 meters above sea level and offers sweeping views over the north of Graz. It owes its name to a dramatic legend: According to legend, Anna von Gösting – the daughter of the last lord of the castle – is said to have thrown herself to her death from this cliff out of lovesickness. It is said that on full moon nights, she still appears above the precipice, wrapped in a long white robe.
Whether you believe in ghost stories or not, the atmosphere at the rock is certainly special. The path there leads through a tranquil mixed forest, the light falls in golden streaks through the trees, and suddenly the view of the valley opens up before you. No noise, no crowds – just you, the wind, and the panorama.
The Jungfernsprung isn't your typical viewpoint with a railing and a bench. It's a place you have to earn – along narrow paths, past ancient walls, into an almost forgotten world.
And that's precisely what makes it so special: Here, you can still sense how history, landscape, and legend have intertwined over the centuries. The rock itself almost seems like a natural stage – and anyone standing here quickly forgets everyday life.
For all those looking for the “other Graz”, away from the well-known sights, the Jungfernsprung is a real insider tip.
The Jungfernsprung is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset – then the rocks glow in warm colors and the light bathes the landscape in an almost surreal atmosphere.
In autumn, when the surrounding forest turns colorful, the short hike to the rock becomes a true nature experience. And if you're lucky, you'll be all alone up there.
Address:
Jungfernsprung, 8051 Graz-Gösting
Journey:
Take bus line 40 to the final stop, "Gösting." From there, follow the signposted Ruinenweg (hiking trail 563) toward the castle ruins. About five minutes before the ruins, a small path branches off to the right, leading directly to the rock.
Please accept Statistics cookiesto view the map.
We use Leaflet.js and OpenStreetMap – a GDPR-friendly alternative to Google Maps. When you load the map, your IP address is transmitted to OpenStreetMap's servers. Leaflet itself does not store any data.
Whether hidden courtyards, quiet squares or little surprises in the middle of the city – Graz has countless corners just waiting to be discovered.
Sign up for the exploreGRAZ newsletter and find out every month which places will truly surprise you. Personally selected, lovingly described—and guaranteed, nothing off the shelf.
The Cholera Chapel in Graz-Gösting is a quiet place of strength in the forest - built out of gratitude and ideal for moments of contemplation and silence.
Cholera Chapel
The castle ruins Gösting are a medieval highlight in the north of Graz - with wonderful views, a wooded hiking trail and an enchanted atmosphere.
Gösting castle ruins
The Admonter Kogel and the Weinzödl climbing garden in Graz-Andritz offer a perfect combination of nature, sport and views - ideal for hikers, climbing fans and anyone who wants to actively discover Graz.
Admonter Kogel & Weinzödl Climbing Garden
The Annenbründl in Graz-Gösting is a natural spring in the forest - a quiet resting place on the hiking trail, ideal for peace, nature and refreshment.
Annenbründl
The Fürstenstand on the Plabutsch in Graz-Gösting is a viewing highlight with history, nature and panoramic views - ideal for hikers and connoisseurs.
Plabutsch – Princely Estate
English (UK) 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Français 
Slovenščina 
Español 
Magyar 
Čeština 
Polski