© Hochsteiermark | Stefan Filzmoser © Hochsteiermark | Stefan Filzmoser
From the summits down to the valley and into the cities

BergZeitReise hiking trail

Impressive views from the summits of the Hochschwab mountains. Peaceful serenity at the romantic plateau of Sonnschienalm. Shimmering colours reflected by the water of Lake Sackwiesensee, Austria’s highest located swimming lake. Plus: the finest culinary delights. If you want to experience all of this (and more), we recommend the BergZeitReise hiking trail.

Eisenerz, the Hochschwab mountains, the Mürzer Oberland region, the Fischbach Alps and the Waldheimat region, home of famous Austrian poet Peter Rosegger. These are just a few of the stages of this impressive long-distance hiking trail that leads you through the past and present, the innovations and traditions of Hochsteiermark.

Ten stages of the 18-day tour make up the northern route of the From Glacier to Wine long-distance hiking trail that runs through the entire province of Styria. The BergZeitReise trail takes you on a journey from the region’s mining past to today’s high-tech locations such as Bruck an der Mur or Kapfenberg. Along the way, you can expect romantic mountain landscapes, picturesque Alpine pastures and lush green forests.

270km | 92 Stunden | 13.841 hm

The BergZeitReise trail in a nutshell

  • starting point and end point: Eisenerz, tourist office
  • distance: 302 km
  • stages: 18
  • 3 tributary trails
  • best time to visit: May to October
  • overnight options for every stage

Did you know? There are 12 new single-day stages that start in the city and lead up to the mountains. One of them is Peter Rosegger’s Waldheimat tour.

Keep in mind: If you want to hike the entire trail, you will need excellent stamina and sufficient mountain hiking experience. But don’t worry: There are many easy single-day tours that are also suitable for families.

Important: In high summer, this long-distance hiking trail is very popular. Don’t forget to book your overnight stays at the mountain huts well in advance!

The BergZeitReise in stages: single-day tours

If 18 days in a row are a bit too much hiking for you, we recommend choosing a single- or multi-day tour along the trail. There’s plenty of choice, with tours ranging from easy circular trails through the Waldheimat region where Peter Rosegger was born to more challenging hikes like the one up to beautiful Voisthalerhütte mountain hut. Or how about a relaxed tour from the historic Old Town of Bruck an der Mur up to Madereck? All in all, there are 13 of these laid-back tours for leisure hikers.

Almhütten, Steirische Wirtshäuser & Haubenlokale

Culinary delights at mountain huts and restaurants

What would a (long-distance) hiking trail be without mountain huts and restaurants along the way? After all, you’ll surely want to fuel up on energy. Or reward yourself for your efforts. Or simply savour the moment. Along the BergZeitReise trail, you can enjoy traditional mountain hut cuisine as well as fine-dining delights. For instance, how about traditional “Käsespätzle” cheese dumplings, venison or roast pork? As a dessert, we recommend “Fedelkoch”, “Bauernkrapfen” or “Kaiserschmarrn” with a cup of coffee.

One thing’s for sure: You certainly won’t find any “Homunkelfraß“, as Styrian poet Peter Rosegger called unlovingly prepared food, around here. After all, in the green heart of Austria, freshly cooked food made with regional ingredients is a matter of course – just like heartfelt hospitality is.

Optimally equipped for your (long-distance) hike

Preparation is key!

The BergZeitReise trail is a grand adventure. Here are a few tips to make your hike a success: 

  • Wear sturdy footwear with good grip!
  • Don’t forget to bring a sun hat and sunglasses as well as plenty of sunscreen!
  • Pack sufficient food and drinks for every tour! You can fill up your bottle with crystal-clear mountain-spring water at the many springs along the trail.
  • Don’t forget to pack plasters, a first-aid kit and painkillers!
  • Plus: ALWAYS make sure your mobile phone is fully charged before setting out on a hike!

Even more hiking options

Would you like to discover even more hiking trails in Hochsteiermark? Then how about one of the region’s pilgrimage routes or mountain hikes?