The Nordalpenweg in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 56,5 km

Time 21:00 h

Uphill 3670 hm

Downhill 2730 hm

Highest point 2007 m

Four stages of the nationwide Nordalpenweg (Northern Alps Trail) pass through the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park. This long-distance hiking trail stretches across Austria, offering hikers the opportunity to explore a variety of landscapes, including alpine meadows, forests, and rugged mountain terrain. The stages through the Mürzer Oberland showcase the beauty of the region, providing stunning views and a chance to experience the diverse natural environments of the park.

The section of the Nordalpenweg (Northern Alps Trail) through Styria stretches from Spital am Semmering to the Aussee region in Altaussee. Along the way, hikers experience some of the most stunning alpine highlights, including the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park, Hochschwab, the Gesäuse, and the Totes Gebirge mountain range. For culture enthusiasts, places like Stift Neuberg an der Mürz offer a rich historical experience.

The long-distance trail, Trail 01, was opened in 1975 and is the first Austrian high-altitude traverse through the Eastern Alps. It runs from the Neusiedler See through the northern Calcareous Alps to the Bodensee. Along the trail, alpine gear, surefootedness, and, in some sections, fearlessness of heights and orientation skills in fog are absolutely necessary.

Our starting point for crossing the entire Upper Styria, from the base of the Semmering to the Aussee region, is Spital am Semmering. From here, we head over the Kampalpe to the Rax in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park, the first 2000-meter peak of the tour. The trail then takes us through the park to Schneealm and the Veitsch, before entering the Hochschwab massif at Seewiesen.

Crossing the Hochschwab massif is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the entire Nordalpenweg. The abundance of flowers and chamois as well as the scenery of the limestone massif captivate every mountaineer and nature lover. We then reach Eisenerz and enter the Gesäuse. A part of this enchanting mountain region is now the youngest national park in Austria.

Finally, we cross the Totes Gebirge range and, after crossing the Loser, leave the Trail 01 to head towards Altaussee, completing this spectacular long-distance journey.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

From Mürzzuschlag, drive through Kapellen an der Mürz and follow the Preiner Gscheid Road to Preiner Gscheid.

www.at.map24.com

There is a large parking area at Preiner Gscheid.

Here is a breakdown of the four-day stages of the Nordalpenweg (Northern Alps Trail) through the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park:

1st Stage

Spital am Semmering (777 m) – Kampalpe (1,535 m) – Preiner Gscheid (1,070 m) – Waxriegelhaus (1,361 m) – Karl Ludwig Haus (1,804 m)
From Spital am Semmering, at the foot of Stuhleck, we start by climbing steeply on the Probststeig to reach Kampalpe, where we meet Trail 01. Continuing along the ridge, we pass over Tratenkogel to Preiner Gscheid, a pass between Lower Austria and Styria. From here, we continue climbing along the Lower Austrian-Steiermark border to reach Waxriegelhaus. Here, we have two options: the Nordalpenweg continues over the romantic Waxriegel alpine landscape with the Siebenbrunnenkessel, or we take the Slangenweg, a shorter route. Both options lead to our stage destination, the Karl Ludwig Haus, just below the Rax summit.

Distance: approx. 16 km

2nd Stage

Karl Ludwig Haus (1,804 m) – Raxgipfel / Heukuppe (2,007 m) – Gamseck (1,330 m) – Lurgbauerhütte (1,764 m) – Schneealpenhaus (1,784 m)
We begin by climbing to Heukuppe, the highest peak of the Rax massif, which is also located in Styria. Then, we descend to Gamseck, where part of the descent is secured with a rope. From the Lurgbauerhütte, we continue to the wide plateau of Schneealm, reaching our destination for the day, the Schneealpenhaus.

Distance: approx. 13 km

3rd Stage

Schneealpenhaus (1,784 m) – Windberg (1,903 m) – Waxenegghütte (1,509 m) – Hinteralm/Wiener Lehrer Hütte (1,446 m) – Krampen (752 m) – Neuberg an der Mürz (730 m)
From Schneealpenhaus, we head to Windberg, the highest peak in the Schneealm area. Continuing through alpine meadows and beautiful larch landscapes, we reach Hinteralm, and then descend to Neuberg an der Mürz. Tip: Visit the monastery with its beautiful courtyard and impressive works of art.

Distance: approx. 23 km

4th Stage

Neuberg an der Mürz (730 m) – Veitschbachtörl (1,408 m) – Hohe Veitsch (1,981 m) – Graf Meran Haus (1,836 m)
Today, we climb up to Hohe Veitsch, one of the most beautiful flower-rich and panoramic peaks in Styria. Passing Veitschbachtörl, we meet the Mariazell Way and continue through Kleinveitschalm with the Grundbauernhütte to reach the summit of Hohe Veitsch. After enjoying the stunning panoramic view, we descend a short way to the Graf Meran Haus, our stage destination.

Distance: approx. 19 km

Most hiking and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park are in alpine terrain. For longer hiking and mountain tours, good physical condition, surefootedness, and fearlessness of heights are recommended. In 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 Call: 140, with stations in Neuberg an der Mürz and Mürzzuschlag.

Proper packing makes everything easier:

Pack heavy items first.
The water bottle (ideally 1 liter or more) should always be easily accessible in a side pocket.
Items you need frequently, such as sunglasses, camera, mobile phone, or hiking map, should go on top.

An emergency kit (including blister plasters) should be included in every backpack!

It is always recommended to dress in layers (the "layering system").

For alpine tours, always bring rain protection!

In winter, for ski tours and snowshoe hikes, appropriate safety equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe) is mandatory! Always check the avalanche report before the tour at www.lawine-steiermark.at.

Avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes can be rented at the nature park office for a small fee.

Overnight stay in Neuberg an der Mürz and a visit to the monastery (Stift), the glassworks, and the natural history museum make for a great change of pace from the hike. These cultural attractions offer a relaxing and enriching experience, allowing you to dive into the local history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty of the area.

Naturpark Taxi in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park
Phone: +43 3857 20170
Website: www.naturparktaxi.at

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

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