From Karlgraben to Schönhaltereck in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

From the parking area in Karlgraben, pass the spring of the Seven Springs and continue uphill along the forest road, passing a small climbing area (Elisabethwandl). Soon, we reach the marked trail, which becomes steeper as we ascend through Karlgraben. We follow this trail, ignoring all unmarked turn-offs, always heading uphill. After passing a spring, we soon find ourselves above the tree line in a basin-like depression.

Before long, we reach the high plateau (with a small alpine hut to the right) and follow the now partially green-marked trail to Knopperwiese. Here, we must decide—if we want to summit Schönhaltereck (longer route), we leave the marked trail at the signpost and head left uphill (unmarked, sometimes marked with cairns) over point 1,864m, following a partially latschen-covered ridge towards Schönhaltereck. Through a small depression, we continue upward to the already visible summit cross. Return to the signpost at Knopperwiese via the same route. Caution: difficult orientation in fog!

The more leisurely option takes us from Knopperwiese, keeping right, following the marked path to Windberg (1,903m, the highest point of Schneealm), and from there, we descend to the already visible Schneealm Huts. Here, we can take a break at the Michlbauer Hut or, a bit further away, at the Lurgbauer Hut or Schneealmhaus.

We return towards Karlgraben, passing the previously mentioned hunting hut, and descend through the Graben back to the parking area.

Long tour, surefootedness recommended in Karlgraben, slightly uncomfortable when wet. The trail to Schönhaltereck is unmarked, and orientation can be difficult in fog!

Most hikes and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park take place in alpine terrain. Especially on longer hikes and mountain tours, good physical fitness, surefootedness, and a head for heights are highly 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
Rescue stations in Neuberg an der Mürz and Mürzzuschlag.

Packing your backpack properly makes everything easier:

Pack heavy items first. Your water bottle (ideally 1 liter or more) should always be easily accessible, ideally in a side pocket. Items that are frequently needed, such as sunglasses, camera, mobile phone, or hiking map, should be placed on top.

An emergency kit, including blister plasters, should be in every backpack. Dressing in layers (the "onion principle") is always recommended! And for alpine hikes, never forget proper rain protection!

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

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

You could even split the tour into 2 days and spend the night on Schneealm – making it a more relaxed and enjoyable experience!

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 in Austria can be searched by entering place names, addresses, stops, or points of interest. The app is available for free on smartphones (Android, iOS) – on Google Play and in 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 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