Hike across the Kleinveitschalm in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

In Mürzsteg / Dobrein district, the route initially follows the Mariazell pilgrimage route in the direction of Senkstein. The route here mostly runs through forests, in the lower part along a forest path.

From the Senkstein, the path is now somewhat flatter until you reach the Ebenhütte and soon after, keeping to the right, the Kleinveitschalmhütten (inhabited in summer).

Still walking along the Mariazellerweg trail, you then reach the Karoluskreuz cross (shrine) and continue in the direction of Veitschbachtörl. From there, do not descend immediately to Neuberg, but keep right to Hocheck and Hocheckalm (beautiful views). Return to Veitschbachtörl and now downhill to Neuberg an der Mürz.

Most of the hiking and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park are in alpine terrain. A good level of fitness, surefootedness and a head for heights are recommended, especially for longer hiking and mountain tours. On the high plateaus of the Rax, Schneealm and Veitsch, orientation can be difficult in fog or bad weather. Always be aware of the risk of avalanches in winter!

Mountain rescue emergency number: 140, rescue centres in Neuberg an der Mürz and Mürzzuschlag.

Packing your rucksack properly makes things much easier:

Pack heavy items first. The drinking bottle (ideal: 1 litre or more) should always be within easy reach. All items that are needed frequently, such as sunglasses, camera, mobile phone or hiking map, should be on top.

Emergency equipment including blister plasters should be in every rucksack and it is always advisable to dress according to the ‘onion system’! Never forget rain protection on alpine tours!

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

Avalanche transceivers, avalanche shovels and probes can be borrowed from the nature park office for a small fee.

In Neuberg Besuch des Stiftes, der Glasmanufaktur und des Naturmuseums. Rückfahrt nach Mürzsteg / Dobrein mit dem Naturparktaxi.

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

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

With the BusBahnBim app from Verbundlinie, timetable information has never been easier: all bus, train and tram connections in Austria can be accessed by entering locations and/or addresses, stops or important points. The app is available as a free app for smartphones (Android, iOS) - on Google Play and in the App Store.

Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Tel. +43 3857 8321, www.muerzeroberland.at , open Mon. - Fri. from 8.00 - 12.00

TV Hochsteiermark, Tel.: +43 3862 55020, www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark

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