Bike Pilgrimage from Hubertussee to Mariazell

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty easy

Route 11,8 km

Time 1:30 h

Uphill 100 hm

Downhill 70 hm

Highest point 834 m

The approximately 12-kilometre bike pilgrimage route in the Hochsteiermark connects the Traisental Cycle Route from St. Pölten with Mariazell, passing the scenic Hubertussee lake and through the picturesque Walster Valley.

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

This approximately 12-kilometre bike pilgrimage route connects the Styrian–Lower Austrian provincial border with Mariazell, leading through one of the region's most scenic landscapes. Passing Hubertussee, the route follows the picturesque Walster Valley, shaped by the Walster, a tributary of the Salza River.

Despite decades of use for timber transport and hydroelectric power generation, the valley has retained its unspoilt natural character. The 1.2-kilometre-long Hubertussee was originally created as a reservoir for hydropower but is now regarded as a romantic lake nestled in the surrounding forests. Wooded shorelines, small islands, gravel banks, as well as resting places and memorial sites create a peaceful and unique atmosphere.

Along the lakeside path stand the distinctive Hubertus Chapel and St. Nicholas of Flüe Church (Bruder Klaus Church), a daughter church of the Basilica of Mariazell.

The history of Hubertussee and the Walster Valley is also closely linked to Arthur Krupp (1856–1938), owner of the former Berndorf Metalware Factory, now Berndorf AG, Austria's oldest cutlery brand.

Conclusion: A remarkable bike pilgrimage route combining pristine nature, fascinating history and centuries-old pilgrimage traditions.

Best season

January

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More information

ÖAMTC Route Planner – use the ÖAMTC route planner for detailed directions to the Walster Valley.

The route begins at the border between Styria and Lower Austria, where it connects with the Traisental Cycle Route (Route 4). Shortly afterwards, you pass the popular inn "Zur Wuchtelwirtin" (834 m).

Just before reaching Hubertussee, turn right off the Walster Road and follow the route around the lake along its northern shore. Along the way, you will pass the distinctive Hubertus Chapel and St. Nicholas of Flüe Church (Bruder Klaus Church) (825 m), a daughter church of the Basilica of Mariazell.

A short tunnel leads to the dam wall, after which the route turns right and continues down the valley. Following the Walster, you pass several points of interest, including the Peter Graf Morzin Fountain, the War Memorial, and the Emperor's Monument, situated on the left-hand side of the valley.

At the road junction in Halltal (785 m), turn right and follow the road uphill in long, sweeping switchbacks to Mariazell (868 m). The bike pilgrimage ends in front of the Basilica of Mariazell.

Approximately 75 kilometres separate the Pilgrimage Church of St. Pölten from the starting point of the bike pilgrimage route at the Styrian–Lower Austrian border – making it an ideal way to connect two of Austria's most important pilgrimage destinations by bike.

For timetable information, visit ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) or the Styrian Transport Association (Verbund Linie Steiermark).

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.

A paved parking area is available near the Wuchtlwirtin.

Our tip: Start your bike pilgrimage in Lower Austria, cycle to Mariazell, and return comfortably to your starting point on the Mariazell Railway.