Nature history trail in winter

Accessible by public transport

Public bus (within 15 minutes walking distance from starting point)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty easy

Route 5,6 km

Time 1:30 h

Uphill 21 hm

Downhill 20 hm

Highest point 738 m

Beautiful hiking trail for the whole family not far from Fohnsdorf in the Murtal adventure region. The nature and history trail is also ideal for children. The nature trail boards explain the local flora and fauna in a child-friendly way.

There are 26 information boards over a length of 3.2 kilometres providing information about the flora and fauna around the slag heap. There is also information about the history of mining in Fohnsdorf.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

From Vienna (approx. 2.5 hours):

Take the A2 towards Graz.
At 161-St. Michael junction, switch to the S36 towards Judenburg/Knittelfeld.
Exit at Fohnsdorf.
Follow the signs to the town center of Fohnsdorf.

From Graz (approx. 1 hour):

Take the A9 towards Linz/Salzburg.
At 161-St. Michael junction, change to the S36 towards Judenburg/Knittelfeld.
Exit at Fohnsdorf.
Continue into the town center .

From Salzburg (approx. 2.5–3 hours):

Take the A10 towards Villach.
At exit 63-Altenmarkt, change to the B320 towards Radstadt/Schladming.
Continue via Schladming to Liezen.
Join the A9 towards Graz.
At 161-St. Michael junction, switch to the S36 towards Judenburg/Knittelfeld.
Exit at Fohnsdorf.
Follow the signs into the town center .

At the main square in Fohnsdorf, or directly at the mining museum

This easy hike with an elevation gain of just 40 metres starts at Fohnsdorf's main square. Walk along Judenburger Straße until you reach the turn-off to the left to the mining museum. Alternatively, you can park directly at the Fohnsdorf Mining Museum.

The signposted nature trail around the sewage ponds begins here. A few steps take you to the natural paradise around the former sewage ponds. This is an 18.6-hectare bird sanctuary. Dogs must be kept on a lead.

Equipment for Winter Hiking

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip
Backpack with rain cover
Layering system: functional underwear, mid-layer, weatherproof winter jacket
Warm hiking pants, gaiters if needed
Gloves (plus a spare pair), hat/headband, scarf/buff
Sunglasses and sun protection
Hiking poles (with winter baskets)
Water bottle or thermos, snacks
First aid kit, emergency blanket, personal medication
Headlamp, mobile phone with emergency numbers, hiking map or GPS

Additional safety gear in alpine terrain:
For snowshoe or ski tours in unsecured alpine areas, an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel are essential. They are crucial for enabling quick rescue in case of an emergency.

Even a basic winter hike needs proper preparation:

Mountain weather for Styria (including Murtal): wetter.ORF – Bergwetter Steiermark
Emergency numbers: Mountain Rescue 140 | EU Emergency Number 112

The Fohnsdorf Mining Museum is closed in winter, but guided tours can still be booked for groups!

This tour can be reached by public transport.