Crossing the Wildalpe in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

Opposite the Freinerhof guesthouse, there is a memorial cross. To the left of it, a forest road begins, which – although unmarked – leads us in several switchbacks and across a few small ravines to the Sulzriegelalm. There, we turn sharply left and follow the clearly visible trail across the wide alpine meadows of the Hochalm, heading west toward the distinctive summit cross of the Wildalpe (a transmitter station is nearby).

The descent continues westward and finally turns southwest down to the Freinsattel. From here, the trail is marked and leads us back eastward along a forest road through the Freingraben, returning to the Freinerhof guesthouse.

The "Totes Weib" – a waterfall and natural monument not far from the starting point – is a true highlight of the region. The cozy Freinerhof (which also offers overnight stays and its own wellness area) is located just a short distance from the trailhead.

Nature Park Taxi in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park: Tel. +43 3857 20170, www.naturparktaxi.at

ÖBB www.oebb.at or Verbundlinie Styria www.busbahnbim.at

The BusBahnBim app from Verbundlinie makes checking public transport schedules easier than ever: All bus, train, and tram connections throughout Austria can be found simply by entering place names, addresses, stops, or points of interest. The app is available for free on smartphones (Android, iOS) – on Google Play and the App Store.

Parking available in Frein an der Mürz

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

Tourism Association Upper Styria (TV Hochsteiermark), Tel. +43 3862 55020, www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark

Mountain, hiking, and nature park guides: For information, contact the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Tel. +43 3857 8321