Karreralmgrat to the Rax in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 7,5 km

Time 4:00 h

Uphill 850 hm

Downhill 850 hm

Highest point 2007 m

Certainly one of the most beautiful, longest, and also challenging mountain tours on the entire Rax in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park. 600 meters of elevation in alpine terrain with stunning landscape impressions and a beautiful Styria panorama. Absolute surefootedness and climbing skills (up to 2+, rope-free) are absolutely necessary!

From Gasthof Moassa (access only possible from Thursday to Sunday), the hike starts along the marked trail to Karreralm, then continues briefly toward Fuchsloch (keep right). At the first debris field on the right, ascend (a bit tedious) until a small trail branches off to the right into the forest. Continue on the next debris field (briefly) until you reach the marked entry point (through larch bushes).

From here, continue mostly along the ridge or slightly to the right, following the red markings, ascending until you reach the high plateau and Heukuppe.

Now, you have two options:

For a quicker descent, head west along the marked and easy Altenbergsteig back to Gasthof Moassa.
For a longer, but more varied route, head east to Karl Ludwig Haus, and then continue via the secured Gretchensteig back to Gasthof Moassa.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

www.at.map24.com

Parking at Gasthof Moassa (Thursday to Sunday), otherwise in Kerngraben, accessible via Altenberg an der Rax.

Gasthof Moassa (access possible Thursday to Sunday, otherwise start at the small **parking area in Kerngraben / Altenberg an der Rax) – Karreralm – heading towards Fuchsloch until the first debris field – keep right to the entry point – via the Karreralmgrat (difficulty 2 - 3, key sections with solid rock, the rest somewhat loose, but with fantastic scenery) directly to the 2,007m high Heukuppe – Altenbergersteig or Karl Ludwig Haus / Gretchensteig (secured, A, B) – back to Gasthof Moassa.

Most hiking and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park take place in alpine terrain. For longer hikes and mountain tours, good physical fitness, surefootedness, and a head for heights are recommended.

On the high plateaus of Rax, Schneealm, and Veitsch, orientation can be difficult in fog or bad weather. Always be aware of avalanche risks in winter!

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

Alpine mountain tour with climbing sections on somewhat loose rock, securement with sling knots makes it manageable. Beginners should use rope protection! Helmet is a must!

The former key rope section (up to IV+ in loose rock) can be easily bypassed in a right-hand loop (Buchstelle).

Complete mountain tour equipment including helmet and climbing gear. Sturdy mountain boots (not climbing shoes).

The tour reaches over 2,000m elevation, so make sure to carry sufficient clothing and drinks, especially in summer (Southern exposure).

The described descent via Karl Ludwig Haus is slightly longer than the one via the Altenberger Steig, but it allows for a perfect split of the tour with a culinary stop.

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 searched by entering locations, addresses, stops, or key points.

The app is available for free on smartphones (Android, iOS) via Google Play and the App Store.

When arriving by bus, allow approximately 1 hour extra for the approach time!

Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland
Tel.: +43 3857 8321
www.muerzeroberland.at
Open Monday – Friday from 8:00 – 12:00

Tourism Association Hochsteiermark
Tel.: +43 3862 55020
www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark

Mountain, Hiking, and Nature Park Guides
For information, contact the Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland at +43 3857 8321