Weg zur Vielfalt

The Path to Diversity is located directly in front of the village of Altenberg an der Rax - on both sides of the road. The easily walkable path first circles around a pond, touches a small wet meadow, and then crosses the state road.  The length of the path is approximately 500 m.

In the Pond and in the Hedge

The Path to Diversity  consists of several biotopes such as "pond", "hedge", "wet meadow", "dead wood", and "stone pile". With a bit of luck, you can observe various - some even rare - animals from these habitats. Animals, plants, and ecological relationships are clearly illustrated on display boards.

Hedges are the lifelines of the landscape

At the shrub hedge, which is made up of 23 native shrub species, you will learn interesting facts about its ecological value and benefits for humans. Hedges increase the structural diversity of our cultural landscape and connect various biotopes with each other.

It is one of many initiatives and projects that Erwin Gruber from Altenberg an der Rax has implemented in recent years - the "Path to Diversity", a unique circular path around a total of 14 biotope stations in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park.

Some time ago, Erwin Gruber began planning and implementing this small, approximately 500-meter-long  themed path. He was supported in this by the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park as well as by the municipality of Neuberg an der Mürz. Even Mayor Peter Tautscher personally helped out, for instance, carrying out work with the tractor during the construction of the dry stone wall.

As mentioned, 14 stations lead around a wet biotope, ranging from habitats for amphibians to a small flower meadow, a dead wood pile, and a hedge, to the presentation of the metamorphosis of a dragonfly or a wet meadow. Naturally, this path also fits perfectly into the ongoing biotope connection project of the state of Styria.

In 2024, the commitment of the active Altenberger was rewarded with the Biodiversity Prize of the state of Styria, the Silver Thistle. He received this award at Graz's Landhaus during a ceremonial event from Environmental Councillor Ursula Lackner and the founder of the award, Marianne Graf. In the brief laudation, the commitment of Erwin Gruber, which goes far beyond the usual in terms of nature conservation, was emphasized. But also as a regional historian, who is responsible, among other things, for the Mining Museum Montanarum in the district of Altenberg an der Rax, as well as for the Altenberger Erzberg circular hiking trail or the local chronicle, he is an indispensable supporter of the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park.