Mountain Biking Tour over the Mürzsteg Alpine Pastures in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

We start the BergRadlRunde in Mürzsteg. Passing the Imperial Hunting Lodge, the summer residence of the current President of Austria, we first warm up by cycling along the main road towards Frein with the Freinerhof, a popular meeting point for pilgrims on their way to Mariazell, as well as cyclists and mountain bikers. There is also an E-bike charging station at the Freinerhof if needed.

At the Freinerhof, we turn left into the Freinbachgraben and follow this narrow valley for about 8.5 km until we reach the unmanaged Höhenreithalm. The mountain hut invites us for our first break, and here we can wonderfully enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. We then head downhill towards Schöneben, a junction where we could also turn towards Mariazell, but instead, we follow a rugged streambed uphill to the unmanaged Falbersbachalm. Shortly after the Falbersbachalm, the hut owner shows some leniency with us, as we find cool drink crates in a fountain and a small cash box nearby.

He knows that we need some refreshment because now comes the last and steepest climb of the circular route—the final ascent to the Dürriegelalm (open in the summer, for more information, call +43 3857 8321). The view from this idyllically located alpine hut is truly stunning, and we take a short break here as well before heading downhill through the Buchalpengraben. While we have another amazing view here, we focus entirely on the descent, as the trail is winding and steep. After around 7 km of rapid descent, we reach the main road and leisurely cycle the final stretch back to Mürzsteg.

This route is recommended for trained mountain bikers.

A few requests: the nature and wildlife of the Naturpark will thank you, and your biking experience will be even more enjoyable:

• Stay on the designated paths! We are in a nature park that aims to provide all visitors access to nature along the designated trails.
• Adhere to the "nature opening hours": March and October: 9 AM - 5 PM, April and September: 8 AM - 6 PM, May to August: 8 AM - 7 PM
• Do not leave any litter!
• Hikers and pedestrians have priority!
• Ride responsibly and stay visible!
• Only ride a bike that is in perfect working condition!

Some tips for safe mountain biking:

• Check your bike after each ride: Tire pressure, spoke tension, and brake pads.
• Always wear a helmet on every mountain bike tour.
• Think ahead about what gear you need to bring: Warm clothing, rain and wind protection, repair kit, and first aid kit should be packed in your backpack, along with a fully charged mobile phone.

For those who don't feel like a long ride, start the tour directly at the Freinerhof and bike from there to the Dürriegelalm. After a short rest, head back to the Freinerhof, where you can reward yourself with delicious culinary treats from the Webster family for the effort made during the ride!

Tip for trained bikers: If you really want to push yourself, start from Mürzsteg and ride through the Buchalpengraben to the Dürriegelalm. As a reward, enjoy a relaxing, long downhill ride and a well-deserved snack at the Freinerhof.

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

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

Naturparkbüro Mürzer Oberland(geöffnet von Mo. – Fr. von 8.00 – 12.00 Uhr)Tel. +43 3857 8321www.muerzeroberland.at

Tourismusverband Hochsteiermark Tel. +43 3862 55020 www.hochsteiermark.at