From Mürzsteg to the Kleinveitschalm in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 10,8 km

Time 4:00 h

Uphill 670 hm

Downhill 670 hm

Highest point 1446 m

A lesser-known hike from the upper Mürz Valley to the Kleinveitschalm, also suitable for uncertain weather! It directly connects to the Upper Styria BergZeitReise and the long-distance hiking trail "From Glacier to Wine".

The lower section is a rather monotonous forest road hike, but the upper section offers a beautiful and scenic alpine loop, perfect for families and also suitable for uncertain weather.

In the gorge-like Dürrntal, the trail ascends to a peaceful clearing beneath the Geierwandl'n. From here, a slightly overgrown but scenic path quickly leads to the Kleinveitschalm.

Best season

January

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

www.at.map24.com

Parking at the entrance to the valley, possibly ask the (very friendly) farm owner about the parking regulations.

We start in Lanau near Mürzsteg (about 2 kilometers before the center of Mürzsteg when coming from Neuberg) and hike upstream for about 45 minutes on a forest road until reaching a clearing below the Geierwandl.

Here, take two switchbacks to the left, then turn right onto a slightly overgrown trail (sparsely marked) that ascends somewhat steeper towards the Kleinveitschalm.

At a trail junction, turn right (NOT towards Hocheck) and continue uphill. After another 20-30 minutes of walking, we reach the scenic Kleinveitschalm with views of the Blaskögerl summit. The alpine hut is usually open on weekends. The return is via the same route.

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 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
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, 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!

The small, highly interesting Woodcutter Museum is only a few minutes away from the tour starting point. Additionally, the natural monument Waterfall to the "Totes Weib" and the Falkensteinalm, which is also accessible by car, are perfect additions to this relatively short hike.

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