Via Wetterin to the Tonion in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 15,6 km

Time 5:30 h

Uphill 900 hm

Downhill 900 hm

Highest point 1694 m

A pleasant, but depending on the route chosen, also physically challenging – culinary hike across the alpine pastures and to a scenic summit between Mariazell and the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park.

After the winter season, Niederalpl truly comes to life. Where numerous skiers once left their tracks in the snow, now primroses, gentians, and many other mountain flowers stretch their blossoms toward the sun.

Additionally, the alpine huts begin to open again at the end of May, and the "Halterleut'" welcome hungry and thirsty hikers with delicious specialties.

The best way to experience this spring at Niederalpl is by going on an "Almhüpfen" – a hike to the "Halterhütten" between Wetterinalm and the Tonion summit.

Best season

January

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

www.at.map24.com

Parking directly at Niederalpl Pass is possible.

We start directly at the Niederalpl Pass and take a stroll over the ski slope for about 15 minutes to the newly leased Wetterinalm (Info Tel.: +43 (0) 664 156 16 64). Accompanied by a magnificent view of the northern side of the Hohe Veitsch, we now head north towards the Weißalm (Info Tel.: +43 (0) 676 72 45 037).

At the clearly visible trail junctions, our path/forest road turns right towards the east to the Ochsenboden. From here, we continue left upwards through the forest and head back north to Herrenboden with its homonymous Alm (Info Tel.: +43 (0) 676 325 41 50).

The more ambitious hikers can start the summit ascent to the 1,699m high Tonion from here – but only in good weather conditions.

Return to Niederalpl (GH Plodererhof, Tel.: +43 (0)3859 2390) via the ascent route.

Most hiking and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park are in alpine terrain. Especially for longer hikes and mountain tours, good physical condition, surefootedness, and a fear of heights-free attitude are recommended. In the highlands of Rax, Schneealm, and Veitsch, orientation can be difficult in fog or bad weather. Always be aware of avalanche danger in winter!

Mountain Rescue Emergency Call: 140, response locations in Neuberg an der Mürz and Mürzzuschlag.

Packing your backpack correctly makes everything easier:

Pack heavy items first. The water bottle (ideal: 1 liter or more) should always be easily accessible. Items that are needed often, such as sunglasses, camera, phone, or hiking map, should be packed on top.
A first aid kit, including blister plasters, belongs in every backpack, and clothing should always follow the "layer system." Never forget rain protection on alpine tours!

The trail is directly on the Mariazell Pilgrimage Path 06 – thus, the tour can also be extended all the way to Mariazell (e.g., with an overnight stay at Herrenboden).

Naturpark Taxi in the Naturpark Mürzer Oberland: Tel.: +43 3857 20170, www.naturparktaxi.at

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

With the BusBahnBim App from Verbundlinie, checking timetables has never been easier: All connections for buses, trains, and trams in Austria can be queried by entering places and/or addresses, stops, or key points. The app is available for free for smartphones (Android, iOS) on Google Play and the App Store.

Naturpark Office Mürzer Oberland, Tel. +43 3857 8321, www.muerzeroberland.at, open Monday – Friday from 8:00 – 12:00

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

Mountain, Hiking, and Nature Park Guides: Information available at the Naturpark Office Mürzer Oberland, Tel.: +43 3857 8321