Following in the footsteps of knights, noblemen, monks and beer brewers

Cultural highlights in the Murau region

The Murau region is full of cultural highlights. Culture lovers can look forward to numerous historic sites reflecting the region’s special history, geography and identity.

Murau, city of culture

With the city of Murau, its 525-year-old brewing history, Murau Castle, St. Lambrecht’s Abbey and Steinschloss Castle Ruins, the Murau region is one of Styria’s most important cultural centres.

Culture lovers appreciate the region’s many historic sites as well as the vast choice of events. For instance, there’s an Operetta Festival, numerous theatre performances, museums, exhibitions and historic walks through the Medieval towns of Oberwölz and Murau.

St. Lambrecht’s Abbey

St. Lambrecht’s Abbey is the region’s cultural and spiritual centre. The abbey was originally built in Romanesque style, but the collegiate church collapsed in 1327. Construction works on the new Gothic-style building continued until 1421. In 1471, the church and the monastery were once again damaged by a fire. Under the abbott Benedikt Pierin (1638–1662), the church was rebuilt in Baroque style.

During a guided tour, you can find out about the abbey’s history and marvel at the Prelate’s Hall with its marvellous stucco work and the oval ceiling painting. The Folklore Collection and the Bird Museum also offer interesting insights into the abbey’s history. If you listen closely, you might even hear the four-ton bell from the year 1627 ringing.

What’s more, you can visit different seminars such as painting classes at the monastery. At the abbey shop, you can buy numerous regional products that make perfect souvenirs to remind you of your stay in Murau.

Murau Castle – the city’s landmark

The cityscape of Murau is characterised by its landmark castle and its eventful history – a lively cultural centre with European values.

How about a little trip to the past? First mentioned as a castle (“Burg”) in 1250, it was the property of the Liechtenstein family for a long time. In 1617, the widow Anna Neuman von Wasserleonburg married for the sixth time, this time the young Imperial Count Georg Ludwig of Schwarzenberg, who had the original Burg removed in 1628. In its place, he built the castle in its present form. Ever since, the castle has been the property of the Schwarzenberg family.

Currently, it is owned by Prince Karel Schwarzenberg. The former Czech foreign minister and TOP 09 honorary chairman has strong ties to the city of Murau. Today, Murau Castle houses the “Fürstliche Schwarzenberg‘sche Forstverwaltung“, the Castle Museum and the “Schwarzenberg‘sche Archiv“.

At the Castle Museum, you can take a journey back in time. The picture gallery, the kitchen, the knights’ hall, the cats’ hall, the dungeon and the chapel all offer fascinating insights into life at the castle.

In addition, visitors can find out more about the owner family. One of the castle’s highlights is the princely Gobelin collection with its artfully embroidered tapestries. The castle can be visited as part of a guided tour. There are also special children’s tours.

Ride with the Murtal nostalgic steam train

A ride with the Murtal steam train is a special experience. Hissing and chuffing, the train chugs along the river Mur, winding its way through picturesque mountain landscapes, forests and floodplains. On board the historic train carriages, you can enjoy culinary delights and Styrian accordion music.

A perfect combination: Numerous hiking trails as well as the popular Mur Cycle Path can easily be combined with a stream train ride.