Culinary hike on the Rax in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park.

We begin our hike at Preiner Gscheid, initially hiking uphill on a former ski slope towards Siebenbrunnerwiese.

Here, we are already treated to the first close-up views of the rocky landscapes of the Rax, including the Predigtstuhl. These stunning views can be fully enjoyed on the terrace of the Waxriegelhaus (about 1 hour from Preiner Gscheid), which is located near Siebenbrunnerwiese.

After a short rest, we continue on, first through a high forest, and then follow a partly narrow path (marked in yellow) heading northeast to the Seehütte, located below the striking Preiner Wand – we are now in Lower Austria. The small, cozy hut invites us to pause, before we continue for about 1 hour across the Rax high plateau (be cautious in foggy conditions) to reach the Habsburghaus.

This majestic mountain hut was once a popular climbing base before the Binderwirtshaus in the valley, which served as the starting point for mountain tours in this area, was demolished.

Now, the Habsburghaus is a real hidden gem.

Here, we can take a well-deserved rest before the final alpine stretch of our hut tour begins. This part of the hike takes us over mostly wide paths for about 1 hour to the Karl Ludwig Haus at the edge of the Rax high plateau.

For the more enthusiastic hikers, it is easy to detour and reach the highest point of the Rax, the Heukuppe (2,007 meters), with an additional 45 minutes of walking.

Along with spectacular panoramic views, visitors can enjoy delicious organic food here before heading downwards via the Schlangenweg (easy) or Gretchensteig (slightly more difficult, with some secured sections). From there, you can return either to the Waxriegelhaus or directly to Preiner Gscheid, where the Edelweisshütte awaits.

Hike with steep sections and/or short via ferrata passages (depending on the chosen route). Surefootedness is essential!

Most hiking and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park are in alpine terrain. Specifically for longer hikes and mountain tours, good physical condition, surefootedness, and fear of heights are recommended. On the high plateaus of Rax, Schneealm, and Veitsch, orientation can be challenging in fog or bad weather. Always be mindful of avalanche risks in winter!

Mountain Rescue Emergency Call: 140, with rescue stations in Neuberg an der Mürz and Mürzzuschlag.

Proper packing of your backpack makes everything easier:

• Pack heavy items first.
• The water bottle (ideally 1 liter or more) should always be easily accessible.
• Items that are needed often, such as sunglasses, camera, mobile phone, or hiking map, should be placed on top.

An emergency kit, including blister plasters, is essential in every backpack, and it is always advisable to dress using the "layering system". For alpine tours, never forget rain protection!

In winter, for ski tours and snowshoe hikes, appropriate safety equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe) is mandatory! Always check the avalanche report before the tour at www.lawine-steiermark.at.

Avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes can be rented from the nature park office for a small fee.

For families, it is recommended to shorten the tour (e.g., Preiner Gscheid - Waxriegelhaus - Ludwighaus and return).

Check the hut opening hours!

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

ÖBB: www.oebb.at
Verbundlinie Steiermark: www.busbahnbim.at

With the BusBahnBim app by Verbundlinie, timetable information is easier than ever: You can search for all bus, train, and tram connections in Austria by entering locations, addresses, or important points. The app is available for free on Google Play and the App Store for smartphones (Android, iOS).

Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland
Phone: +43 3857 8321
Website: www.muerzeroberland.at
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tourist Office Hochsteiermark

Mountain, hiking, and nature park guides: Information available at the Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland.
Phone: +43 3857 8321