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.

Most hikes and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park lead through alpine terrain. Especially on longer routes, good physical fitness, surefootedness, and a head for heights are strongly recommended.

On the high plateaus of the Rax, Schneealm, and Veitsch, orientation can be difficult in fog or poor weather. In winter, always be aware of avalanche danger!

Mountain rescue emergency number: 140
Local bases: Neuberg an der Mürz and Mürzzuschlag

Packing your backpack properly makes a big difference:

Pack heavy items first. Your water bottle (ideally 1 liter or more) should always be within easy reach. Frequently needed items like sunglasses, camera, mobile phone, or hiking map should be packed on top.

An emergency kit – including blister plasters – belongs in every backpack. Dressing in layers, the so-called “onion principle,” is always recommended. And don’t forget rain protection when hiking in alpine terrain!

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.

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