Where outdoor experiences, knowledge and culture go hand in hand

Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

Walking or hiking through lush green forests, across gentle alpine pastures, against a backdrop of mighty mountain peaks and through romantic river valleys. Climbing and via ferrata adventures, cycling, e-biking and mountain biking. Horseback riding and even fly fishing … Summers at Mürzer Oberland Nature Park offer all of these experiences and more.

During winter, you can hike through snow-covered forests or explore the region’s perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails. Or how about ski touring or snowshoeing?

You’re looking for something beyond these “classic” holiday experiences? No problem! For instance, Hochsteiermark boasts numerous themed hiking trails, great museums and an impressive choice of classical and jazz concerts.

Experience nature in a different way

Whatever is klimawandeln? Find out on Austria’s first adventure trail dedicated to the topic of climate change! It features 14 stations and is suitable for families with kids. Along the themed trail, you can find out about wildlife conservation and the dangers of global climate change. And even more importantly: You’ll learn what you can do to protect our environment.

The Wald der Sinne route is another special themed trail. 23 power places along the way invite you to recharge your batteries and get up close to the green heart of Austria. While the grown-ups take a rest in the thyme bed or at the sound tree, the little ones are having fun on the suspension bridge.

Our tip: The Wald der Sinne can also be booked as an event location.

The Rosslochklamm adventure trail near Mürzsteg is a popular family attraction. In 2008, it was awarded as “Austria’s Most Creative Educational Trail” and in 2014 as “Themed Trail Of The Year”. Step by step, visitors learn about the cycle of life there in a humorous way.

Plenty of “nature knowledge” can also be found as part of the NaturErlebnisProgramm. Find out about medicinal herbs or try the forest quiz, join a guided hike or a guided bike or e-bike tour – there’s something for every taste and age!

Another tip for little fans of pixies, leprechauns and witches: Every year on the first weekend of September, the Steirische Zauberwald invites you to join a magical circular hike.

Themed trail "klimawandeln"

Der Wald der Sinne

Cultural highlights (not just) for rainy days

What if the weather is rainy? Then it’s time to explore the region’s cultural treasures! For instance, how about a visit to magnificent Neuberg Abbey with its impressive hall church and fully preserved Gothic cloister?

From churches to spinning rooms: even more attractions

The abbey’s surrounding area boasts even more cultural gems. For instance, there’s the nature museum with its collection of taxidermied animals from all over the world and Kaiserhof Glasmanufaktur. The latter gives you fascinating insights into the art of glass making. Apart from marvelling at and purchasing shimmering glass objects there, you can also try your hand at glass making during an introductory course.

By the way: The manufactory also offers children’s activities and workshops for school classes.

Would you like to discover even more museums? Then we recommend a visit to Holzknechtmuseum Mürzsteg or the sculpture hall of Austrian sculptor Josef Pillhofer. Or would you like to learn how to spin wool using a spinning wheel? The ladies at the spinning room in Kapellen will be happy to show you how it’s done.

From Gregorian music to the present: acoustic highlights

Concert lovers should visit the Upper Mürz Valley in July, when the Neuberger Kulturtage festival directed by Stefan Vladar brings renowned musicians to the region. The concert programme includes everything from Gregorian music to classical music and jazz, performed at extraordinary locations including the abbey’s dormitory and other monastery rooms, a swimming lake and a disused railway station.

Would you like to hear more? Then we recommend Brücken in die Gegenwart (“bridges to the present”), a small, exquisite New Music festival. What’s more, the Ernst Jandl Award is run every two years as part of a multi-day programme dedicated to the Austrian wordsmith and experimental poet of the same name.