Via the Alm- and Blarergraben to the Schneealm in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

We start in the Lohmgraben (Parking space of the ÖBF) near Altenberg an der Rax (turn left at Altenbergerhof and follow the road to the barrier) and initially follow a forest path to the start of the Almgraben. There, the trail climbs somewhat steeper in a few hairpin bends to the left (in the sense of the ascent) of the stream bed, which is usually dry in summer. Shortly after a memorial stone, the path divides and we branch off to the left to ascend via the Blarergraben.

The path now becomes really steep and a few short sections of insurance quickly take us up to the Schneealm plateau. There we see the striking Schneealmhaus on the left, our first rest stop.

From here, we follow the Almsteig in a westerly direction to climb the 1,903m high Windberg and/or pay a visit to the cosy Michlbauerhütte.

From here, we hike almost flat across the plateau to the cosy Lurgbauerhütte (own alpine dairy) and the summit of the Schauerwand. Just a few 100 metres from the summit cross, the Almgraben (rest area, signposting) branches off from the plateau and leads us back to the well-known memorial stone and the starting point in Lohmgraben.

Caution: orientation is not easy in fog on the plateau!

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 call: 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!

In the valley, the Urani leisure pond offers cool refreshment on hot summer hiking days.

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 hrs  

Hochsteiermark Tourist Office, 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