Path of the sun in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

From Altenberg an der Rax / Altenbergerhof (overnight stay possible) via the Lurgbauer and the Blarergraben (very steep in the upper part, ladder) to the plateau of the Schneealm. This is reached directly at the Schneealpenhaus (overnight stay). However, we still hike up the Windberg (1,903m, highest point of the Schneealm), which is around 45 minutes away, and then return to our first overnight stop.

The next day, we hike via the organic alpine dairy at the Lurgbauer to the Nasskamm. A steep descent takes us there, but we immediately ascend again to the start of the insured Zahmen Gamsecksteig trail. This takes us to the plateau of the Rax / Gamseck summit. Keeping to the left, we ascend and descend across wide alpine pastures to the Habsburghaus, our second overnight stop, which is already visible.

On the third day, we cross above the Predigtstuhl (be careful not to go too far, rock faces) to the Karl Ludwighaus and turn right uphill to the 2,007m high Heukuppe, the highest point of our entire tour. Via the Reisstalersteig (insured, ladders) or via the easier Altenbergersteig, we then head first to the Moassa inn and from there downhill to Altenberg an der Rax.

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.

Zahmes Gamseck: secured path, helmet recommended!

Normal hiking equipment, sturdy footwear.

Packing your rucksack properly makes things much easier:

Pack heavy items first. The water 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).

The original trail leads from the Lower Austrian side to Schneealm and Rax and is highly recommended as an alternative! www.wegdersonne.at 

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 called up 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/hochsteiermark 

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