By Bus to the Mountain – Tonion Crossing

Accessible by public transport

Public bus (within 15 minutes walking distance from starting point)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 13,1 km

Time 5:00 h

Uphill 680 hm

Downhill 1120 hm

Highest point 1696 m

A long but easy hike, away from the classic routes in Hochsteiermark. This tour connects the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park and the Mariazell region, and is also suitable for children with good endurance.

In summer, several staffed alpine huts are along the route, which also follows part of the pilgrimage trail to Mariazell.

The tour follows forest roads, woodland trails, and alpine paths to the Tonion (where Austria's coldest temperature of -52°C was recorded in winter) and then descends into the Mariazell region.

Best season

January

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

www.at.map24.com

Tour with Public Transport Access.

From Niederalpl, the route leads eastward via the Wetterinalm (overnight stay possible) to Herrenboden (staffed alpine hut, possible overnight stay).

Leaving the main trail to Mariazell at the prominent Marian statue, the path turns left toward the Tonion (caution in fog—difficult orientation due to sinkholes).

From the scenic summit, the trail descends to Gasthof Eder.

Most hiking and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park take place in alpine terrain. For longer hikes and mountain tours, good physical fitness, surefootedness, and a head for heights are recommended.

On the high plateaus of Rax, Schneealm, and Veitsch, orientation can be challenging in fog or bad weather. Always be aware of avalanche risks in winter!

Mountain rescue emergency number: 140, with rescue stations in Neuberg an der Mürz and Mürzzuschlag.

Packing your backpack correctly makes everything easier:

Pack heavy items first.
Keep your water bottle (ideally 1 liter or more) easily accessible.
Frequently used items like sunglasses, camera, mobile phone, or a hiking map should go on top.
A basic emergency kit, including blister plasters, belongs in every backpack.
Layered clothing ("onion system") is recommended.
For alpine tours, never forget rain protection!

Winter Safety:

For ski tours and snowshoe hikes, safety equipment is mandatory, including:

Avalanche transceiver (LVS device)
Avalanche shovel
Probe

Always check the avalanche report before your tour at www.lawine-steiermark.at.

Avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes can be rented for a small fee at the Nature Park Office.

The upper Mürztal offers several interesting sights, including:

Neuberg Abbey
Glassblowing workshop at Kaiserhof
Neuberg Nature Museum with the Schliefsteiner Collection
The world’s largest spinning wheel in Kapellen

Highly recommended excursion destinations also include:

The new Climate Change Trail in Altenberg/Rax
The waterfall at Totes Weib near Mürzsteg/Frein
The show mine at the Mürz riverbank in Krampen

With the BusBahnBim app from Verbundlinie, timetable information has never been easier. All bus, train, and tram connections in Austria can be searched by entering locations, addresses, stops, or key points.

The app is available for free on smartphones (Android, iOS) via Google Play and the App Store.

Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland
Tel.: +43 3857 8321
www.muerzeroberland.at
Open Monday – Friday from 8:00 – 12:00

Tourism Association Hochsteiermark
Tel.: +43 3862 55020
www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark

Mountain, Hiking, and Nature Park Guides
For information, contact the Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland at +43 3857 8321.