© TV Murau |  Tom Lamm © TV Murau |  Tom Lamm

    Hiking in the Murau region

    Between mountain pastures, lakes and peaks

    The Murau region is one of the most diverse hiking regions in Styria. From leisurely alpine hikes and idyllic lakeside trails to scenic summit tours, hikers can discover the full diversity of the Murau mountains here.

    Mountain variety in Murau

    The Murau region delights visitors with its varied mountain landscape of green alpine pastures, panoramic peaks and idyllic mountain lakes. This unique natural backdrop offers ideal conditions for a wide range of hiking experiences – from leisurely alpine pasture hikes to challenging summit tours.

    Whether on foot or comfortably via the summer gondola lifts up the mountain, hikers will discover impressive panoramic views and unforgettable moments in nature around the eight mountain peaks.

    Several well-known long-distance hiking trails also lead through the Murau region. Along the routes From Glacier to Wine, Big Zirbitzkogel round or the Via Natura, extensive alpine pastures, bubbling springs and numerous natural gems are waiting to be discovered.

    Those who want to experience the combination of fresh mountain air, impressive nature and spectacular views will find perfect conditions for unforgettable hikes in the mountains around Murau.

    The best hiking trails of the Murau region

    Murau panoramic and summit hikes

    Varied hikes on the southern side of the Lower Tauern mountains with panoramic views:

    • Krakau high-altitude trail: The four-kilometre panoramic trail starts and ends at the centre of Unterach and is suitable for families.
    • From Kreischberg to Frauenalpe (2,171 metres): a scenic route across lush green Alpine pastures from Kreischberg to Frauenalpe for hikers with good stamina.
    • The Gstoder is a mountain hike with spectacular views. From the summit at 2,140 metres, hikers can enjoy an impressive panorama of the mountains around Murau.
    © TV Murau | Michael Königshofer

    Murau lake walks

    Nestled amid the region’s pristine nature, you can find numerous lakes that have a magical power of attraction.

     

    and others are natural highlights on every hike.

    Information about Crystal-clear lakes, thundering waterfalls
    Lakeland in the Murau region

    Murau Alpine pasture hikes

    Lush alpine meadows, rustic huts and regional cuisine make these hikes truly enjoyable tours.

    • Scharfes Eck high-altitude trail: a marvellous circular hike with a distance of 6.2 kilometres and plenty of impressive natural highlights.
    • The hike from the Murauer Hut to the Frauenalpe is a scenic tour to Murau's local mountain. The trail leads along the alpine pastures to the 1,997-metre-high summit and rewards hikers with an impressive panorama of the mountains around Murau.

    • The Eselsberg Alpine Experience Trail is an easy themed hike on the Eselsberg Alm and ideal for families.

    Further alpine pasture hikes
    © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm

    Summer mountain railways

    The summer mountain lifts provide easy access to the impressive mountain landscape of the Murau region. Even during the journey, there are sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. 
    Once at the top, there are well-marked hiking trails for different abilities.

    Tip: Cable car breakfast on the Grebenzen!

    Certified hiking region

    The certified hiking region of Murau is a paradise for nature and hiking enthusiasts. With its picturesque landscapes, well-developed hiking trails and diverse routes, it offers ideal conditions for hikers of all levels.

    The region meets the quality standards of the Austrian Hiking Seal of Quality and guarantees unforgettable hiking experiences, whether on gentle alpine paths or challenging summit tours. 

    Long-distance hiking trails

    The 126-kilometre Via Natura in the Nature Park Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen is a unique long-distance hiking trail in Styria. In ten varied stages, hikers learn to ‘read nature’ and discover romantic ponds, mystical moors, alpine pastures and impressive natural gems. The trail combines nature experiences with knowledge transfer and shows the close interaction between humans and the environment.

    An alpine highlight is the Big Zirbitzkogel round. This multi-day circular tour leads to the 2,396-metre-high Zirbitzkogel, the highest peak in the Seetal Alps. Wide alpine pastures, high alpine landscapes and impressive panoramic views make it the ideal complement to the Via Natura – especially for sporty, ambitious hikers.

    In addition, several stages of the southern route of the long-distance hiking trail ‘From Glacier to Wine’ run through the Murau region. From Styrian Krakow with its impressive Günster waterfall, the trail leads to St. Peter am Kammersberg and on via Murau to the Nature Park Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen .

    Family-friendly themed hiking trails

    The leisurely themed hiking trails in the Murau region offer splendid hiking experiences for all generations.

    Themed and adventure trails

    Nature experiences and interesting facts combined on lovingly designed trails In the southern Tauern mountains, at altitudes between 700 and 2,800 metres, lies the Murau adventure region, a unique combination of picturesque mountain landscapes, idyllic valleys and alpine pastures, as well as lush green meadows and forests. In the Murau region, you can not only enjoy magnificent views on lovingly designed themed trails, but also learn a lot about the diverse natural and cultural landscape. Along the themed trails, you will also find a wide variety of playgrounds for a wonderful family holiday. Trails that are particularly child-friendly bear the ‘Murlis Family Tip’ quality mark.

    Themed-and-adventure-trails.pdf

    Themed-and-adventure-trails.pdf

    PDF | 9.61 MB

    Guided hikes in the Murau region

    The diverse range of guided hikes and walks in the Murau region are a special experience during the summer months. Together with experienced guides, guests discover the most beautiful places in the Murau mountains and learn interesting facts about nature, history and regional specialities.

    In addition to leisurely hikes and city tours in Murau and Oberwölz, experienced mountain guides accompany guests on varied tours in the mountains around Murau – from relaxed alpine hikes to scenic summit tours.

    Pilgrimage routes

    Are you looking for spiritual and cultural centres and inspiring power places? The good news: It doesn’t always have to be the Camino de Santiago in Spain! After all, why wander far and wide when the good things are so near?

    Along the Way of St. James and Hemma pilgrimage routes in the Murau region, you can find inner peace as well as scenic spots. Another of the region’s popular pilgrimage trails is the Mariazell Founders’ Trail, which leads from St. Lambrecht and Scheifling to Mariazell.

    Take a break at an inviting mountain hut

    What would a long hike be without a nice break? The best way to recharge your batteries during a long hike is to stop by at the sun terrace of a cosy mountain hut or restaurant.

    Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover the true taste of the region. Hiking in the Murau region is full of culinary and scenic highlights!

    People say that over 1,000 metres above sea level, everyone’s on first-name terms. In the mountains, nothing’s complicated, and it’s easy to make new friends based on the common love of nature and plenty of humour.

    During an Alpine pasture hike or up at the summit, you will only see friendly faces – and the same is true when you take a break at one of the region’s many mountain huts.

    FAQ – Hiking in the Murau Region

    The Murau region in Styria offers a wide variety of diverse hiking trails – from leisurely alpine hut walks to scenic summit tours. Particularly popular are hikes in the Krakau valley, the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park, and the Lachtal area. Highlights include the Frauenalpe circular trail, the Greim summit, and numerous panoramic routes with views of the Niedere Tauern mountains.

    Yes, the Murau region is ideal for families. There are numerous easy hiking trails with short walking times, child-friendly themed trails, and serviced alpine huts. Many routes are also suitable for strollers. Discover all family-friendly themed trails at a glance.

    The best time for hiking in the Murau region is from May to October. In spring and autumn, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and colorful landscapes, while summer offers ideal conditions for alpine hut hikes and summit tours. At higher altitudes, the hiking season may start a bit later depending on snow conditions.

    In the Murau region, there are numerous serviced alpine pastures and huts that can be easily reached on foot. These include traditional alpine huts where you can enjoy regional specialties and Styrian hospitality – perfect for a relaxing break during your hike.

    .You can obtain hiking maps for the Murau region at local tourist offices as well as online. In addition, there is an online overview of all hiking tours to help you plan your trips. Many accommodations also provide maps and hiking information for their guests.

    Inspiration for your summer in the Murau region