Pilgrimage by bike from Bruck an der Mur to Mariazell

We start at the Parish Church in Bruck an der Mur (491 m) and follow the Mürztal Cycle Route (R5) through urban areas and along cycle paths running parallel to the River Mürz to Kapfenberg (502 m). Passing through the town, we join the Seeberg Cycle Route (R13) and continue on a gentle ascent to Thörl (638 m).

From there, the route follows Hinterbergstraße, a road closed to motorised traffic, before reaching the main road. The journey then continues on a dedicated cycle path. For approximately eight kilometres before and after Turnau (780 m), the route follows the main road until turning left towards Scheiklalm.

From here, the climb begins in earnest. A gravel road winds steadily uphill through the Hinterhofgraben valley to Scheiklalm (1,088 m). The ascent then becomes steeper, continuing to Rotsohlalm (1,413 m) and the Nikolokreuz. A long descent follows, interrupted by a few short climbs, before reaching the Niederalpl Pass (1,221 m).

At the pass, turn right and enjoy a five-kilometre descent to the Dobrein/Gschwandtgraben bus stop. Here, the route turns left onto gravel roads and climbs steadily—at times quite steeply—through the Buchalpengraben valley to Dürrieglalm (1,353 m).

After taking in the magnificent alpine views, the route descends through the forest on gravel roads to Schöneben and continues to the cycle junction at Gußwerk/Mooshuben. Turn right here for one final climb to the rest area at the Mooshuben Pilgrims' Cross (939 m).

The route then follows quiet asphalt roads through Mooshuben and descends into the Unteres Halltal (792 m). Following the River Salza, the trail initially leads gently downstream before tackling the final ascent in long, winding switchbacks to Mariazell-Kreuzberg.

The final kilometres are an easy ride through Mariazell (868 m), ending at the forecourt of the famous Basilica, where this memorable bike pilgrimage comes to a fitting conclusion.

Travel by train to Bruck an der Mur railway station.

For timetables and journey planning, visit the websites of ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) or the Styrian Transport Association (Verbund Linie Steiermark).

With the BusBahnBim app from the Styrian Transport Association, planning your journey is easier than ever. The app provides timetable information for all bus, train and tram connections throughout Austria by simply entering a destination, address, stop or point of interest. The app is available free of charge for Android and iOS devices via Google Play and the App Store.

For a convenient return journey to the railway stations in Bruck an der Mur or Mürzzuschlag, use the Bike Taxi Mariazell. The service can accommodate up to 8 passengers and is available by advance booking only.

Taxi Schweighofer
T: +43 660 8524892
E: taxischweighofer@gmail.com