Photo: diemosbachers

Segensplatz für Kinder

St. Ruprecht an der Raab, Styria

The sculpture, carved by the well-known St. Ruprechter woodcarver Hans Pendl, is made of linden wood and depicts Jesus with four children – one of the children is even a woodcarver – and was erected under the motto of the Bible verse (Mark 10:14) "Let the children come to me, for the kingdom of God belongs to them." The trunk in which the sculpture stands is a 130-year-old oak from Burgenland and weighs 960 kilograms. The bench in front of the Marterl is also an oak – a very special one: it grew naturally at a right angle. The place where it was installed was also chosen carefully. Hans Pendl, together with Hans Hierzer, explored the entire forest to find the perfect spot for the Marterl. The current location was later identified by a dowsing rod as a point of positive energy. The “Segensplatz” for children is located near the Stefaniequelle in a beautiful forest that invites young and old to play in nature. It can be reached via the Burgthannerweg (marked with yellow signs) about 1.5 km from the main square. Also interesting is the Bienenlehrpfad (bee educational trail) along the Burgthannerweg, and you should also make a detour to the DDD – Fernseher, which is only a few meters next to the “Segensplatz” and offers a great view of St. Ruprecht. From this DDD – Fernseher, you can take a detour back to St. Ruprecht or return to the Stefaniequelle and follow the yellow signs "Burgthannerweg." This circular route is 3.1 km long and offers wonderful apple orchards and views of St. Ruprecht on the Raab. With all these sights and experiences, it is a wonderful walking and hiking trail, especially for children.