Up the Rabenstein near Neuberg in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

At Neuberg Abbey (car park, Steirischer Bauerngarten), either an unmarked path leads directly across the meadow or along the small road past Gasthof Holzer and the Kalvarienberg to the Schenkfeld promenade (literature trail).

Follow this path past a prominent tree standing alone (bench, dung bin, signpost ‘Rabenstein’) on a narrow path, sometimes quite steep and winding uphill, past numerous benches, to a clearing with a large set of seats.

Here, a somewhat rocky path secured with wooden railings takes us uphill to the left to the summit with a large overview stone (faded) and a marvellous view of the imposing monastery. Be careful with children - danger of falling!

Return along the same path.

Well-secured summit path in the upper part (wooden railing), be careful with children, danger of falling.

Most of the hiking and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park are in alpine terrain. A good level of fitness, sure-footedness 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.

Normal hiking equipment, sturdy footwear.

Packing a 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).

Avalanche transceivers, avalanche shovels and probes can be borrowed from the nature park office for a small fee.

This hike is ideal for combining with a visit to the abbey, the Kaiserhof glass factory and the nature museum.

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