From Ghega to Graz Cycling Path - Following the Tracks of the World Heritage

1st Stage: Mürzzuschlag - Krieglach - Kindberg - Kapfenberg - Bruck an der Mur

From Mürzzuschlag, we ride downhill on the Mürztalradweg R5, passing through Peter Rosegger's Waldheimat with the towns of Langenwang, Krieglach, and Mitterdorf im Mürztal. Numerous memorials, including the Landhaus of the great writer and local poet Peter Rosegger, await us in Krieglach. Between Langenwang and Krieglach, take a short break in the idyllic area around Schloss Feistritz and the nearby golf course.

In Mitterdorf im Mürztal, the Veitschtalradweg R48 merges with the Mürztalradweg, offering a brief detour to Veitsch, where you can visit the Pilgerkreuz on Veitscher Ölberg. This monumental cross, marking the intersection of important European long-distance hiking routes, is a symbol of peace and understanding between peoples. It’s surrounded by the beautiful Hohe Veitsch mountain range.

Next, we continue on the Mürztalradweg to the picturesque town of Kindberg, known as the flower city of Styria. A detour through Allerheiligen leads us to Kapfenberg, where we can admire Burg Oberkapfenberg, famous for its exhibitions, bird of prey shows, and festive events. From Kapfenberg, we continue towards Bruck an der Mur, our stage destination. This historic trading town has become a popular destination, with its charming city center offering great restaurants and cafes.

Distance: approx. 50 km

2nd Stage: Bruck an der Mur - Frohnleiten - Stübing - Graz

The route continues through the initially narrow valley near Pernegg an der Mur, almost always directly alongside the Mur River, heading towards Frohnleiten. As mentioned before, numerous attractions along the way, similar to the Mürztal, invite us to visit. Halfway between Pernegg and Frohnleiten, we find the Bärenschützklamm, one of the most beautiful water-filled gorges in Austria, declared a natural monument in 1978 due to its unique natural treasures. A hike through untamed waterfalls and rugged rocks is an impressive experience for any hiker.

Following the winding Mur River, we soon arrive in Frohnleiten, with its beautiful main square, perfect for a rest. The cafes and inns invite us to refuel. Our tour continues through Deutschfeistritz to Stübing, where we can visit the Lurgrotte, Austria's largest water-filled stalactite cave, and the Stübing Open-Air Museum. This museum is one of the 10 largest and most impressive open-air museums in Europe. It is the only open-air museum worldwide showcasing original and historical farm buildings from all over Austria. It provides valuable insight into Austria's past rural culture.

A bit further, we come across the Zisterzienserstift Rein, the oldest Cistercian monastery in the world. The monastery also houses exhibitions and a fascinating library.

After passing through Gratkorn, north of Graz, we soon reach Graz, which can now proudly call itself the culinary capital of Austria. As the capital of Styria, the Green Heart of Austria, Graz is a city where one does not have to choose between urban flair and rural idyll, as both are always accessible. Geographically, Graz is located in a basin that opens southwards towards the hills of the Styrian Wine Road and is bordered to the north by the alpine foothills of the Eastern Alps.

From a culinary perspective, one could describe this region as a woven basket, continually filled with foods that seek no comparison in their variety and quality. The region surrounding Graz is defined by small-scale farming and intact natural spaces that provide the highest quality produce. With 15 Styrian gourmet regions, Graz is supplied with meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables, making it a first-class culinary capital. Grazer Krauthäuptel, a crisp lettuce specialty, makes Graz itself one of these gourmet regions. In no other Austrian city can chefs so effortlessly access such premium ingredients. Thus, a visit to Graz is always a culinary experience, strongly influenced by the seasons.

But Graz is not only the culinary capital, it was also the European Capital of Culture in 2003. Upon arriving in Graz, we immediately understand why Styria is often praised for its diversity. Over centuries, a cityscape developed around the Schlossberg, with the famous Clock Tower (Uhrturm), reflecting key architectural styles from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Historicism, and Art Nouveau periods, as well as contemporary architecture.

A particularly vivid impression of life in the Middle Ages can be gained at the world-famous Landeszeughaus. But also, the streets and alleys of Graz bear witness to the cultural significance of a city where, both then and now, art and culture have been central to everyday life.

Our tip: Guided "Old Town - Cycling Tours": Sporty, exciting, and diverse. From the city center to the green spaces, past villas, universities, and impressive cultural buildings. Accompanied by stories about cycling culture, pioneers, and legendary cycling clubs. On your bike! Duration: approx. 2.5 hours. For more information: die.grazguides.at

Distance: approx. 63 km

Emergency number for rescue: 144

Tip for emergency reporting – Answer the following questions:

• What happened?
• How many injured?
• Where did the accident happen? (possibly GPS coordinates)
• Who is reporting? (callback number)
• When did the accident happen?
• Weather conditions at the scene?

Touring bikes are recommended, while racing bikes are not ideal, as there are some short sections on gravel roads, though they can be bypassed on main roads.

Tip: A basic set of tools and accessories such as a spare tube and/or patch kit, wrench, air pump, brake and gear cables, and a screwdriver are always useful.

ÖBB: www.oebb.at
Verbundlinie Steiermark: www.busbahnbim.at

With the BusBahnBim App from Verbundlinie, timetable information has never been easier:
All bus, train, and tram connections in Austria can be searched by entering locations, addresses, stops, or important points.

The app is available for free for smartphones (Android, iOS) on Google Play and the App Store.

Steiermark Tourism

• Phone: +43 316 4003
• Website: www.steiermark.com

TV Hochsteiermark

• Phone: +43 3862 55020
• Website: www.hochsteiermark.at

TV Erlebnisregion Graz

• Phone: +43 316 8075
• Website: www.regiongraz.at

Pocket Card "Radwege in der Steiermark"

• Phone: +43 316 4003
• Website: www.steiermark.com