Bike Pilgrimage: From the Roseggerhaus on the Pretulalpe to Mariazell via the Mürztal Valley and Alpine Pastures

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty challenging

Route 90,0 km

Time 11:00 h

Uphill 2100 hm

Downhill 2820 hm

Highest point 1586 m

The most challenging of the four selected bike pilgrimage routes in the Hochsteiermark leads from the Fischbacher Alps, through the Mürztal Valley, across the Mürztaler Alps and Mürzsteger Alps, to Mariazell.

Supported by the Austrian Federal Government, the Province of Styria and the European Union (LEADER).

Across the mountains of the Hochsteiermark – on one of the region's most impressive bike pilgrimage routes. The route begins at the Roseggerhaus on the Pretulalpe, where it connects with the optional pilgrimage route from the Pilgrimage Church of Pöllauberg through the Fischbacher Alps.

After a long descent into the Mürztal Valley, the route follows the Mürztal Cycle Route before gradually climbing into the peaceful mountain landscapes of the Mürztaler Alps and Mürzsteger Alps. Along the way, cyclists pass idyllic alpine pastures, tranquil places to pause and reflect, and striking mountain peaks.

Please note that the section across Rotsohlalm is only accessible from 15 May to 15 September, meaning that the entire bike pilgrimage route can only be completed during this period.

Due to its length and the considerable elevation gain, it is recommended to divide the route into two stages. This allows more time to appreciate the scenery and to experience the unique combination of physical activity, tranquillity and pilgrimage.

From the Pretalhof, which offers accommodation, the route follows the same course as the bike pilgrimage route from Bruck an der Mur to Mariazell.

Conclusion: A physically demanding bike pilgrimage route featuring extensive natural landscapes, long gravel sections and the breathtaking scenery of the Hochsteiermark.

Best season

January

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More information

The route is primarily designed to reach the Roseggerhaus on the Pretulalpe by bike from Eastern Styria via the Großer Jogl. Alternatively, the tour can also be joined in the Mürztal Valley, for example in Langenwang. Depending on your chosen starting point, your journey to the route will vary.

Use the route planner to find the most suitable way to reach your starting point.

The route begins at the Roseggerhaus (1,586 m) on the Pretulalpe in the Fischbacher Alps and descends steadily via Ganzalm into the Mürztal Valley. In Hönigsberg (663 m), the route joins the Mürztal Cycle Route (R5), which is followed downstream to Wartberg im Mürztal.

At Wartberg railway station (584 m), the climb begins through the Scheibsgraben valley to the Pretalsattel Pass (1,068 m). At the pass, turn left and follow the local road downhill for approximately 2.5 kilometres until the turn-off to Scheiklalm appears on the right. After a few metres, you pass the Pretalhof Inn, before continuing steadily uphill through the Hinterhofgraben valley to Scheiklalm (1,088 m).

From here, the ascent becomes increasingly steep, continuing to Rotsohlalm (1,413 m) and the Nikolokreuz. A long descent follows, interrupted by a few short climbs, before reaching the Niederalpl Pass (1,221 m).

At the pass, turn right and descend for around five kilometres to the Dobrein/Gschwandtgraben bus stop. Here, turn left onto gravel roads and climb steadily—at times quite steeply—through the Buchalpengraben valley to Dürrieglalm (1,353 m).

After enjoying the magnificent alpine scenery, the route descends through the forest on gravel roads to Schöneben and continues to the cycle junction at Gußwerk/Mooshuben. Turn right here and climb once more to the rest area at the Mooshuben Pilgrims' Cross (939 m).

The route then follows quiet asphalt roads through Mooshuben before descending into the Unteres Halltal (792 m). Following the River Salza, the trail initially continues gently downstream before tackling the final ascent in long, sweeping switchbacks to Mariazell-Kreuzberg.

The final kilometres are an easy ride through Mariazell (868 m), where the bike pilgrimage concludes in front of the Basilica of Mariazell.

From the Pilgrimage Church of Pöllauberg, it is approximately 50 kilometres to the starting point of the bike pilgrimage route on the Pretulalpe – an ideal way to connect two historic pilgrimage destinations by bike.

The BusBahnBim app from the Styrian Transport Association makes journey planning easier than ever. Simply enter a destination, address, stop or point of interest to access timetable information for bus, train and tram connections throughout Austria.

The app is available free of charge for Android and iOS devices via Google Play and the App Store.

For a convenient return journey to the railway stations in Bruck an der Mur or Mürzzuschlag, use the Bike Taxi Mariazell. The service can accommodate up to 8 passengers and is available by advance booking only.

Taxi Schweighofer
T: +43 660 8524892
E: taxischweighofer@gmail.com

Parking is available, for example, in the centre of Langenwang.

Tourismusverband Hochsteiermark
Herzog-Ernst-Gasse 2
8600 Bruck an der Mur
T: +43 3862 55020