From Farfel across the Schneealm to Altenberg

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty challenging

Route 15,6 km

Time 6:40 h

Uphill 1250 hm

Downhill 1195 hm

Highest point 1903 m

A true mountain hike in Hochsteiermark, offering magnificent panoramic views over the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park. The route crosses the largest continuous alpine pasture area in the Northern Limestone Alps and includes both steep ascents and descents.

We hike from the Mürz Valley across the eastern Schneealm massif, including a summit ascent of the 1,903-meter-high Windberg, and continue on to Altenberg an der Rax – accompanied along the way by cozy mountain huts and a traditional alpine dairy.

Best season

January

February

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More information

From Mürzzuschlag, drive to Neuberg an der Mürz and enter the Arzbach Valley. Parking is available opposite the guesthouse Anni Holzer (please ask for permission to park).
Return by bus line 189 from Altenberg to Neuberg.

Parking available opposite GH Anni Holzer (please ask for permission to park).

From Neuberg, the trail leads up to the plateau via the Farfel – fully marked and signposted. From there, the route continues partly along a forest road and partly on alpine paths to the Windberg summit.

The descent leads toward the Michlbauerhütte, then across the plateau in the direction of the Lurgbauer alpine dairy. After a visit to the dairy, descend at the junction with a bench via the Almgraben (somewhat rocky in places) to Altenberg an der Rax.

A long and partly steep mountain hike, but with few exposed sections. Good physical fitness and proper equipment – including sturdy footwear – are absolutely essential.

Mountain rescue emergency number: 140

Recommended gear: rain protection, small first aid kit, sturdy hiking boots, headlamp, fully charged mobile phone, spare clothing, plenty of water, and sun protection.

The Mining Museum in Altenberg an der Rax is always worth a visit.

Take a long-distance train to Mürzzuschlag station, then continue by regional bus 189 to Neuberg an der Mürz, getting off at the Arzbach stop.
Return trip by regional bus 189 from Altenberg / Rax back to Mürzzuschlag.

An alternative descent from the Windberg leads via the Schneealpenhaus and the Blarergraben to Altenberg an der Rax. The route is steep and includes a short secured section.