Experience the Nature of Hochsteiermark
Hiking, skiing, and more adventures
Hochsteiermark offers some of Styria’s most impressive natural experiences: from the alpine Hochschwab massif, with peaks rising above 2,200 metres, to the gently rolling, forested hills of Peter Rosegger’s Waldheimat. Whether hiking, cycling, forest bathing or following ancient pilgrimage routes, the natural landscapes of Hochsteiermark offer the perfect experience for everyone.
Explore Mürzer Oberland Nature Park
The Mürzer Oberland Nature Park in is nestled between the impressive mountain peaks of the Rax, Schneealm and Veitsch. As one of Styria’s important protected natural areas, it is characterised by extensive forests, alpine pastures and picturesque river landscapes.
Outdoor activities in the nature park focus on two key aspects: nature conservation and experiencing the natural environment. The “klimawandeln” climate change experience trail and the Wald der Sinne (Forest of the Senses) show how perfectly the two can be combined. At 23 special nature and energy spots, visitors can discover the forest and natural surroundings through touch, sound and other sensory experiences.
Skiing in Hochsteiermark
From the wide slopes of Stuhleck to Mariazell Bürgeralpe and Brunnalm on the Hohe Veitsch, Hochsteiermark offers a variety of ski areas for families, beginners and experienced skiers. Schwabenbergarena in Turnau and Niederalpl are also great places to enjoy a day on the slopes.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed family run, your first turns in the snow or a full day of skiing, Hochsteiermark’s ski areas offer welcoming facilities, cosy mountain huts and good value for money. Their convenient location between Vienna and Graz makes the region ideal for a spontaneous day trip or a winter holiday with the whole family.
Hiking in Hochsteiermark
Hochsteiermark offers hiking trails for every taste – from alpine summit tours in the Hochschwab, Schneealm and Rax mountain areas to via ferratas, educational nature trails and guided herb hikes. At the heart of the region’s hiking network is the BergZeitReise, a 290-kilometre circular long-distance hiking trail with 15 stages, starting in Bruck an der Mur and leading through the entire Hochsteiermark region.
For families and leisure hikers, circular trails such as the Stanzer Sonnenweg in Stanz im Mürztal and the Romantic Bründlweg am Pogusch are ideal for exploring the landscape at a relaxed pace. Along the hiking trails, traditional mountain huts invite visitors to stop for a break and enjoy regional Styrian specialities such as Brettljause or Fedelkoch.
Ski Touring in Hochsteiermark
Snow-covered forests, open alpine pastures and panoramic mountain peaks make Hochsteiermark a wonderful place for ski touring in the Styrian Alps. Popular touring areas include the Hochschwab, Schneealm and Hohe Veitsch, with routes for both experienced ski tourers and beginners.
For those who prefer secured, designated uphill routes, Stuhleck and Mariazell Bürgeralpe also offer opportunities for ski touring on marked ski pistes. From gentle introductory tours to challenging summit routes, ski touring in Hochsteiermark is all about enjoying the winter landscape and the mountain experience. Before heading into open terrain, always check the latest snow and avalanche conditions.
Cross-country skiing in Hochsteiermark
Glide along well-groomed trails through snow-covered forests and winter scenery. Hochsteiermark offers a variety of cross-country skiing in Styria, with routes for both classic technique and skating. From easy circuits for beginners to more challenging trails for experienced skiers, there are options for every pace.
The cross-country skiing areas around Mariazellerland, Mürzer Oberland and the Fischbach Alps are especially appealing. Enjoy the winter landscape away from the busy ski slopes, with fresh mountain air and plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments. A day of cross-country skiing in Hochsteiermark is a relaxing way to get outdoors and recharge.
Pilgrimage in Hochsteiermark
The pilgrimage routes of Hochsteiermark in Styria, Austria, lead to the country’s most important pilgrimage church: the Basilica of Mariazell. The Mariazellerweg 06 is one of the best-known spiritual pilgrimage routes in Europe. The Mariazeller Gründerweg follows in the footsteps of Mariazell’s founder, passing chapels and small churches along the way. Another special destination is the Pilgrimage Cross on the Veitscher Ölberg in St. Barbara, the world’s largest accessible wooden cross.
Four selected pilgrimage routes can also be explored by bike, e-bike or gravel bike. Cycling pilgrimage is not about speed, but about travelling mindfully, taking time to experience the landscape and finding moments of reflection along the way.
Cycling in der Hochsteiermark
From alpine mountain bike tours to leisurely riverside cycling routes, Hochsteiermark offers cycling experiences for every level. Mountain bikers can explore an extensive network of routes around the Schneealm and in the Weitental valley. At the wind+bike Park Pretul, 45 kilometres of trails lead through the mountain landscape and as far as the easternmost moor in the Alps. E-bike riders can enjoy a well-developed network of cycling routes with charging stations along the way.
Those who prefer flatter terrain can follow the Mürztal Cycle Path R5 through the Mürz Valley or continue along the Mur Cycle Path R2 towards Graz.
Motorcycle and Classic Car tours in Hochsteiermark
Winding mountain passes, scenic roads with panoramic views and cultural stops make Hochsteiermark in Austria, an ideal region for motorcycle tours. Popular routes lead across the Pogusch and Seeberg mountain passes to Mariazell, one of Austria’s best-known meeting points for motorcyclists.
Classic car enthusiasts can explore Hochsteiermark on a scenic circular tour through the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park, across the Lahnsattel mountain pass and to Lake Erlaufsee. Traditional Styrian inns and award-winning restaurants along the way provide plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy regional cuisine.
FAQ about Nature in Hochsteiermark
Hochsteiermark is characterised by three distinctive natural landscapes:
- the alpine Hochschwab massif in the north, with peaks rising above 2,200 metres,
- the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park, surrounded by the Rax and Schneealm mountains, and
- the forest-rich landscape of Peter Rosegger’s Waldheimat, surrounding the birthplace of the famous Austrian writer.
Mürzer Oberland Nature Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and nature experiences, including hiking, cycling, mountain biking and forest bathing. Visitors can explore themed trails such as the “klimawandeln” climate change experience trail or discover nature through all the senses at the Wald der Sinne (Forest of the Senses). The mountains, forests, alpine pastures and river landscapes also provide plenty of opportunities for active days in nature.
Yes, Hochsteiermark offers plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy nature together. Easy themed hiking trails, family-friendly attractions and varied outdoor experiences make it easy to explore the region with children. The Mürzer Oberland Nature Park also offers educational nature experiences such as the Wald der Sinne (Forest of the Senses), which is suitable for both children and adults.
Hochsteiermark provides nature and outdoor experiences throughout the year. In spring, blooming landscapes invite visitors to explore the region. Summer is ideal for hiking, cycling and discovering Hochsteiermark’s diverse natural landscapes. In autumn, colourful forests and clear panoramic views create ideal conditions for hiking and culinary experiences. In winter, snow-covered alpine pastures and mountains provide a scenic setting for snowshoe hiking and a variety of other off-piste winter activities.
