Leechwald

The Leechwald is a city forest located in Graz, the capital of the Styrian state.During the second half of the 19th century, the area was owned by aristocrats and was originally intended to be a park.Today, the forest area spans across three city districts and, along with the Hilmteich, serves as a beloved local recreational spot and a significant ecological compensation area.

The Leechwald stretches across a foothill of the East Styrian Riedelland, which extends deep into the Graz Basin.The majority of the forest is situated in the Mariatrost district, while smaller portions can be found in Geidorf and Ries.The Riedel is a neighborhood located northeast of the city center. It is surrounded by the well-known residential areas of Mariatroster Tal to the northwest and Stiftingtal to the southeast. At the southern end of Stiftingtal, you can find the LKH University Hospital.Located at the western base of the slope, right where the forest begins, you’ll find the Hilmteich. This area used to be a clay pit, but now it’s a tranquil spot where you can access Tram line 1.

The Leechwald, in its narrower sense, spans approximately 2 km in length and varies in width from 200 to a maximum of 600 m. The northern end of the path is marked by the breakthrough of the Mariatroster Bach near Kroisbach.The altitude in this area ranges from 380 to 480 meters above sea level.I am sorry, but you did not provide any text for me to rewrite. Could you pleaseThe forest area extends from the Villa Hahnhof, which is home to the central laboratory animal facility of the clinic, and continues as a relatively narrow strip along the Roseggerweg.The forest areas extending to the Mariatrost basilica and beyond are occasionally known as Leechwald.

The Leechwald site is characterized by a diverse mix of deciduous trees, including beech and oak. Over time, pine trees have also been added to the natural vegetation in this area.The park underwent a significant transformation in the 19th century, primarily due to the extensive planting of various exotic conifer species.

Since its inception, the Leechwald has evolved from a mere wine tavern attraction to a diverse array of leisure activities.The area is highly favored by individuals who enjoy walking and running.The Hilmteich offers more than just a signposted running route and checkpoints for orienteering. It is also the starting point for a popular hiking trail that leads to Mariatrost. This trail is part of the Styrian Mariazeller Weg.Furthermore, a forest nature trail was established in 2000 through a collaborative effort between the mountain and nature rescue service, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, and the municipal property management.It has been in existence since 2007.The high ropes course spans across an expansive area of 8000 m², providing visitors with four distinct courses that vary in difficulty levels.In addition to the Leechwald, there are two notable establishments: the Graz Forest School and the Small Wild Animals in Great Need animal protection association.The Hilmwarte, which was established in 1888, has undergone changes over the years. It now includes a weather radar and is no longer open to the public without restrictions.

One notable feature is the “human rights path” that runs along the access road to Villa and Hilmwarte, as well as the perimeter fence to the LKH. This path showcases all 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on plaques.The artist Sigi Faschingbauer designed a memorial in 2011 on behalf of Lebenshilfe Steiermark, in accordance with Article 10 which states that every human being has an innate right to life.The memorial comprises a stele adorned with a poem and several gracefully curved metal rods. Its purpose is to honor and remember the victims of the persecution and extermination of individuals with disabilities during the era of National Socialism.