To the Hocheckalm in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

From Neuberg Minster, we walk southwards in a few minutes to the entrance of the Veitschbach valley (directly by the Mürztal cycle path, Bahnhofstraße). There we follow the yellow arrow markings behind the small curling rink and a path with several hairpin bends uphill to the newly renovated Sieberwarte (wonderful view of Neuberg and the cathedral).

Now the trail continues uphill (sometimes a little steeper) through the extensive forests of the Hocheck via the Arzbachhöhe (rest bench) to the Veitschbachtörl (prominent hiking trail junction, several signposts, panorama square).

We continue without any significant ascents towards Hocheckalm (towards Kaarl, Mürzzuschlag) and reach this alp from Veitschbachtörl after around 20 minutes on foot.

After a panoramic rest, we return to Neuberg along the ascent path.

Quite an easy hike, but orientation is a little difficult in fog!

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.

Packing your rucksack properly makes things much easier:

Pack heavy items first. The drinking 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!

Always pack enough to drink when hiking with children!

At the starting point, the Neuberg Minster with its abbey, the Nature Museum and the Kaiserhof glass manufactory await all those interested in art and culture.

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 a.m. 

TV Hochsteiermark, Tel.: +43 3862 55020, www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark

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