Via the Amaliensteig to the Rax in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

From Kogleralm, a green-and-white-marked trail initially leads us steeply over alpine meadows and then through forests, partly steep, for about 1 hour upwards to the distinctive trail junction below the Reißthalerhütte (unmanaged).

Here, we do not follow the trail straight uphill (Gretchensteig), but instead turn left, walking more flatly, where after a few minutes, we reach the somewhat hidden Reißthalerhütte.

From there, the trail ascends again, veers right from the forest road, and leads us in numerous switchbacks, and finally through somewhat stony terrain to the base of the Raxenmäuer (entrance to the secured Reißthalersteig, memorial plaque).

Here, we turn left onto the blue-painted footpath trail (the trail is partly hard to recognize) until, after about 5-10 minutes, we see a rock with the old inscription "Amalienst" in a recess in the wall.

Now, climb directly upwards over some grassy rock (caution when wet!) and slightly to the right (old blue markings) over gravelly ledges (UIAA grade I) into a shallow gully. Continue upwards through the gully (do not veer left, as further up the ridge-like rock ledge becomes impassable), always following the blue markings until a rocky rise.

Climb over this (UIAA grade I - II) and from here, head slightly left to the plateau.

In a few minutes, reach the impressive summit marker on Heukuppe at 2,007 meters – a magnificent panorama awaits us.

Descent via the Karl Ludwig Haus (managed) and either the Gretchensteig or the Reißthalersteig back to Koglergraben and the starting point.

Most hikes and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park are in alpine terrain. Especially for longer hikes and mountain tours, good fitness, surefootedness, and a head for heights 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 number: 140, emergency stations in Neuberg an der Mürz and Mürzzuschlag.

Do not hike the Amaliensteig in wet conditions, steep grass!

Properly packing your backpack makes everything easier:

• Pack heavier items first. The water bottle (ideal: 1 liter or more) should always be easily accessible.

• Items that are frequently needed, such as sunglasses, camera, mobile phone, or hiking map, should be packed on top.

• An emergency kit, including blister plasters, should be in every backpack, and dressing in layers (the "onion system") is always recommended!

• For alpine tours, never forget your rain gear! Helmet!

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

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

After visiting the Karl Ludwig Haus, a short ascent to the upper entrance of the Reißthalersteig is worth it. From here, descend via the Reißthalersteig (ladder, rope protection) to the base of the wall. A memorial plaque marks the site where the world's first mountain rescue service was founded after an avalanche accident in 1896.

From here, descend directly down the Koglergraben to the starting point.

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 is easier than ever: All connections with buses, trains, and trams in Austria can be queried by entering places and/or addresses, stops, or important locations. The app is available for free on smartphones (Android, iOS) – on Google Play and the App Store.

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

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

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