Stage 11 B Mariazell Route Mürzsteg - Mariazell

Accessible by public transport

Public bus (within 15 minutes walking distance from starting point)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 21,9 km

Time 7:00 h

Uphill 805 hm

Downhill 739 hm

Highest point 1399 m

The final ascent to the destination: The last 24 km lead via the Buchalpenkreuz, the final major climb of the Mariazeller Way, directly to Mariazell – marking the culmination of an impressive pilgrimage journey.

Welcome to Mariazell, the largest pilgrimage destination in Central Europe – shaped by a turbulent history: fires, plague, wars, and the famine year of 1816 all left their mark. Key milestones include the opening of the Mariazellerbahn in 1907 and the cable car to the Bürgeralpe in 1928.

Today’s basilica dates back to a Gothic church from the 14th century and was expanded in Baroque style in the 17th century. The striking central tower houses the largest bell in Steiermark (1950, 5,702 kg). Since 1907, the church has held the status of a Basilica minor and was most recently comprehensively renovated between 1992 and 2007.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

Detailed information on how to get to Mürzsteg can be found here.

In Mürzsteg stehen beim Sportplatz im Ortszentrum mehrere Parkplätze zur Verfügung.

From the village of Mürzsteg, the trail first follows the road for a short distance before turning off into the Buchalpengraben. The first kilometres offer a gentle walk along the Dobreinbach before the path becomes steeper, climbing through forest terrain. Via a hiking trail, we reach the Buchalpenkreuz. Across meadows and pleasant paths, the route then continues steadily downhill via the Falbersbachalm to Schöneben, where we join Variant A of the Mariazell Trail.

Part of the route runs along the road via the Mooshuben – home to the legendary Mooshubenwirt, a popular stop for Mariazell pilgrims. Crossing the Kreuzberg, we finally reach our destination: Mariazell.

For centuries, Mariazell has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Central Europe. The basilica dominates the townscape and continues to attract pilgrims to this day.

Mountain Rescue Emergency Number: 140

Emergency Call Tip – Answer the six key questions: What happened? How many people are injured? Where did the accident happen (possibly with GPS coordinates)? Who is calling (call-back number)? When did it happen? What are the weather conditions at the accident site?

Packing your backpack properly makes a big difference: pack heavier items first. Your water bottle should always be easily accessible in a side pocket. Items you need frequently, such as sunglasses, a camera, or a hiking map, should be placed on top. An emergency kit, including blister plasters, belongs in every backpack, and dressing in layers (“onion principle”) is always recommended.

Cycling Pilgrimage in the Hochsteiermark
Cycling pilgrimage combines cycling, experiencing nature, and inner reflection. Across four routes leading to Mariazell, the focus is not on speed, but on mindful travel — with time for breaks, encounters, and personal thoughts. The combination of movement, landscape, and spiritual places makes a cycling pilgrimage to Mariazell a truly special journey: being on the move while, at the same time, arriving within oneself.

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

Mit der BusBahnBim App der Verbundlinie ist eine Fahrplanauskunft so einfach wie noch nie: Alle Verbindungen mit Bus, Bahn und Straßenbahn in Österreich können durch die Eingabe von Orten und/oder Adressen, Haltestellen bzw. wichtigen Punkten abgefragt werden. Erhältlich ist die App als Gratis-App für Smartphones (Android, iOS) – auf Google Play und im App Store

TVB Hochsteiermark, Tel. +43 3862 55020
www.hochsteiermark.at

Steiermark Tourismus, Tel. +43 316 4003
www.steiermark.com
www.steiermark.com/mariazell-pilgrimage-route