© Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen © Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    "NaturLesen" in ten stages

    The Via Natura trail – a long-distance hike in the Murau region

    Hiking in the Murau region feels good and benefits your health. The Via Natura trail leads through Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park. On a total of 130 kilometres, hikers’ hearts rejoice at beautiful natural sites.

    The long-distance hiking trail invites its visitors on a journey of exploration. The route inspires them to get to know and understand the interplay between man and nature. It’s all about developing an understanding of what the environment wants to express with its colours, shapes, and natural phenomena.

    A hike for the whole family: The discoveries that can be made along the child-friendly sections of the long-distance trail are bound to make your little ones’ eyes light up.

    Good to know: Free parking is available at the main square in Neumarkt.

    The hiking route in a nutshell

    • Start: main square in Neumarkt
    • Endpoint: main square in Neumarkt
    • Distance: 129.4 km
    • Stages: 10
    • Difficulty: medium
    © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm

    ROUTE DESCRIPTION OF THE VIA NATURA TRAIL

    The starting point of the long-distance trail is at the main square in Neumarkt. From there, you’ll follow the yellow signs that say "Weg Nr. NL1" in the direction of Mariahof and continue on through the Neumarkt forest. The route then leads you to the Green Classroom, the Nature Reading Park and finally to St. Marein.

    The route continues through Graggerschlucht gorge to Zeutschach, to the river Zeutschach’s spring and via Maria Schönanger to Grebenzen (1,870 metres in altitude). From there, the hiking trail continues to St. Lambrecht.

    Overcoming a slight ascent, you’ll hike to St. Blasen and from there towards Dürnberger Moor/Mariahof. Via the Steinschloss Castle ruins, hikers reach Perchau and finally – via Oberberger Alm – get to Zirbitzkogel, which boasts an altitude of 2,396 metres.

    You’ll descend via Tonnerhütte, the villages of Mühlen and Kulm to Dürnstein. The last stage takes you from Dürnstein back to the starting point at Neumarkt's main square.

    The 10 stages and thematic focal points of the Via Natura trail

    On the Via Natura hiking trail, everything revolves around reading the big book of nature. Step by step, hikers are brought closer to nature along a route of around 130 kilometres.

    The hike comprises ten sections, and in each one a wide variety of natural treasures are waiting to be discovered.

    NaturLesePark - Skulpturen | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Graggerschlucht | © Tourismusverband Murau | René Hochegger | © Tourismusverband Murau
    St. Lambrecht von oben | © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm | © Holzwelt Murau
    St. Lambrecht von oben | © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm | © Holzwelt Murau
    Kirche von Mariahof | © Tourismusverband Murau | René Hochegger | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Steinschloss | © Tourismusverband Murau | marygoodfoto | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Gipfelsieg | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tom Lamm | © Tourismusverband Murau
    via natura etappe 8: arbeiten im einklang mit der natur_img_18276253 | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Burgruine Dürnstein | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Burgruine Dürnstein | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    © Verein Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen | tricky.pics

    READING NATURE - WHAT IS IT?

    NatureReading is more than just a trend - it's a journey to learn from nature and discover its fascinating secrets without exploiting it. Have you ever wondered where the Velcro fastener, the parachute or even your sportswear found their inspiration? If not, then it's high time for a crash course in nature reading.

    Places of interest along the Via Natura

    In addition to nature and nature reading, the history and culture along the way are also in the foreground. Be inspired by the numerous sights along the Via Natura.

    27 results
    Außenansicht | © Schloss Lind
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Castle Lind

    The OTHER museum of loca history/"Schloss Lind" deals with recent contemporary and social history in the form of...
    More Details
    Hoher Steg | © Holzwelt Murau
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    High bridge

    Deep below, the Kühbach rushes past, above, the High Bridge connects the two banks. It was built in 1998 to replace...
    More Details
    Ofen in Zeutschach | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Kalkofen Zeutschach

    Burnt lime was once used as a construction material and, due to its high pH value, as a classic disinfectant. With...
    More Details
    Burg Dürnstein - Burgansicht | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Castle Dürnstein

    On the border between Styria and Carinthia, the ruins of Dürnstein castle, built in the 11th century by Duke Henry III...
    More Details
    Kapelle am Mühlsteinboden | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Chapel Mühlsteinboden

    According to legend, the Mühlsteinboden was a witches' mountain. Bad storms are said to have showered it with their...
    More Details
    früherer Altar | © Verein Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Church ruins of St. Georgen

    Behind a farm in St. Georgen, archeologists have unearthed the remains of St. George's Church, which burned down 200...
    More Details
    Hochofen Pöllau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Hochofen Pöllau

    As far back as 1430, the Benedictine monastery of St. Lambrecht was granted imperial rights to dig for ore on its own...
    More Details
    Wegweiser Wandermärchen | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • Mühlen

    Wandering fairy tale Hans in Luck

    Join "Hans in luck" on his adventurous journey and learn what he has gone through at seven stops. A beautiful hiking...
    More Details
    Schmiede Noreia | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • Mühlen

    Historische Schmiede Noreia

    Fancy a personal vacation souvenir? Then you are in the right place.
    More Details
    Schloss Fochtenstein | © Christa Fürnkranz
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Exhibition: Legendary castles and palaces

    In its exhibition, the Neumarkter Hochtal Historical Working Group focuses on some of the region's most impressive...
    More Details
    Aussicht | © Holzwelt Murau
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Seven churches lookout tower

    Close to the 'Buschenschenke Zeischgl' in Mitterberg is this 14 metre high tower which affords a fantastic view of the...
    More Details
    Kirchenansicht | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Wallfahrtskirche Maria Schönanger

    Maria Schönanger is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church in the nature park Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen. The church can be...
    More Details
    27 results

    Refreshment stops along the Via Natura

    Experience the culinary variety!

    Along the Via Natura you will find a variety of places to stop for refreshments: cosy inns, traditional taverns and rustic mountain huts serving regional specialities.  

    Logo | © Café Claudia
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Café Claudia

    Werner’s cafe bar is located right on the main square in Neumarkt and is an ideal meeting point for young and old.
    More Details
    Jausenstation Straussenhof Wallner | © Jausenstation Straussenhof Wallner
    • St. Lambrecht

    Jausenstation Straussenhof Wallner

    The snack station in St. Blasen offers delicious delicacies - among others from our own farm! Taste delicacies around...
    More Details
    Buschenschank Zeischgl | © Buschenschank Zeischgl
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Buschenschank Zeischgl

    Cozy cider tavern with a great view at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. Whether in the orchard, in the...
    More Details
    Tonnerhütte 1 | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • Mühlen

    Tonnerhütte

    Culinary and communicative center in the alpine village "AlmDorf Tonnerhütte" at 1.600m above sea level. Best...
    More Details
    Alpengasthof Moser im Winter | © Alpengasthof Moser
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Alpengasthof Moser

    Soft meadows and forests, a small pond, a few farms, wonderful views and wonderful peace. Where is this paradise to...
    More Details
    Hausgemachte Strudel | © Mostschenke Moorstüberl
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Mostschenke Moorstüberl

    Hiking in Mariahof, exploring the "Dürnberger" moor and then having a good snack in the cozy "Zirbenstüberl" or in...
    More Details
    Auf der Terrasse | © Camping am Badesee
    • Mühlen

    Campinggasthaus am Badesee

    Welcome to the cozy camping inn with sun terrace directly at the Mühlner Badesee. Here, a lot revolves around the...
    More Details
    Dreiwiesenhütte | © Dreiwiesenhütte
    • St. Lambrecht

    Dreiwiesenhütte

    In the middle of the forest and lake region of the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park lies the Dreiwiesen cabin at...
    More Details
    Restaurant - Bistro Golfblick | © Restaurant - Bistro Golfblick
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Restaurant Golfblick

    Enjoyment with a golf course view! The team at the Restaurant Golfblick cordially invites you to spend enjoyable and...
    More Details
    Gruber Alm | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Gruber Alm

    Mrs. Erika Gruber is one of the gastronomic fixed stars in St. Lambrecht.
    More Details
    Auszeit Hotel | © Auszeit-Hotel St. Lambrecht
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Auszeit Hotel St. Lambrecht

    Here you will find ideal vacation offers in the middle of the Murau region. Relaxing and active time with the whole...
    More Details
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Seppwirt Stüberl

    Nice snuggery at the gas station - Here you can have drinks and small snacks already in the morning to enjoy on site...
    More Details

    Hiking in the Murau region

    The Via Natura hiking trail is just one of the many routes that lead through the Murau region. On our hiking routes page, you can find other routes such as the Eight-Mountain Hike or the Murau High-Altitude Trails.

    © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm

    Summer in the Murau region