From the Schmelz hut to the Winterleiten
Characteristics
SkillThe tour in numbers
Level of difficulty
easy
Route
7,3 km
Time
2:00 h
Uphill
298 hm
Downhill
298 hm
Highest point
1846 m
Take a leisurely hike from the Schmelzhütte to the Lower and Upper Winterleitensee lakes. Depending on the season, you’ll discover a wide variety of rare plants along the way, such as alpine snowbell, lupines, wild cranberries, and many more. The Winterleiten and the Schmelzhütte invite you to stop for a cozy break before, during, or after your hike, and the two Winterleiten Lakes are perfect spots to recharge, enjoy yourself, and relax.
The hike from the Schmelzhütte to the two Winterleitenseen lakes follows a road, has a moderate incline, and is easy to manage even with children. At the smaller Winterleitensee lake, you’ll find a cozy photo spot in the Murtal Adventure Region—a wooden platform where you can relax and soak up the sun. The Winterleitenhütte will treat you to some culinary delights here.
A little further on—about 15 minutes—a true natural gem awaits you. Hidden in a basin lies the large Winterleitensee, completely natural, surrounded by small, babbling streams and more than a few secrets. Here you’ll find little frogs, crystal-clear water, tranquility, and nature in its most pristine form—a very special place of power.
A little further on—about 15 minutes—a true natural gem awaits you. Hidden in a basin lies the large Winterleitensee, completely natural, surrounded by small, babbling streams and more than a few secrets. Here you’ll find little frogs, crystal-clear water, tranquility, and nature in its most pristine form—a very special place of power.
Best season
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
More information
From Judenburg
- From Judenburg, drive in the direction of Oberweg.
- Follow the road through Oberweg and Ossach.
- Continue along Seetalstraße towards Schmelz / Seetaler Alpe military training area.
- Follow the signs for Schmelzhütte or Soldatenkirche.
The distance from Judenburg is approximately 16 kilometres, with a driving time of around 25 minutes.
From Graz or Vienna
Take the A9 or S6 towards the St. Michael junction, then continue on the S36 towards Judenburg. From Judenburg, follow the route described above via Oberweg and Ossach.
From Carinthia or Salzburg
Travel to Judenburg via Obdach, Zeltweg, or the most suitable main route. From Judenburg, the easiest route is via Oberweg – Ossach – Seetalstraße – Schmelz.
Enter into your navigation system:
“Schmelzhütte, Ossach 37, 8750 Judenburg”
The Schmelzhütte takes its name from the smelting furnace that once operated here. There is also an Austrian Armed Forces base here, featuring a park with a small pond and a soldiers’ chapel. The Winterleitenhütte, located directly on Lake Winterleitensee, offers excellent cuisine featuring Styrian home-style dishes. On select days, the lodge offers “Gourmet Alps” events, during which guests are treated to menus from its award-winning kitchen, including premium wine pairings- a very special experience!
Getting There by Train and Bus
- Take the train to Judenburg railway station.
- Continue on RegioBus route 873 towards Oberweg–Schmelz.
- Get off at the “Schmelzhütte” bus stop. The stop is located directly next to the hut.
Recreational service to Schmelz is offered primarily on weekends during the hiking season—currently from May 1 to November 1, on Saturdays and Sundays. Be sure to check the current departure times in the transit system’s schedule information before traveling.
There is a free parking lot at the smelter.
Information to the Winterleiten hut: Winterleitenhütte im Zirbenland - Startseite
Information about the events in the Murtal inkl. Gourmet Alps: Veranstaltungen | Erlebnisregion MURTAL
Information about the events in the Murtal inkl. Gourmet Alps: Veranstaltungen | Erlebnisregion MURTAL
Map & downloads
What the weather will be like Judenburg (738m)
Today, 10.07.2026
Dry and sunny throughout the day with hardly any clouds.Morning
14°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
0%
sr.Windstärke
0 km/h
Noon
27°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
5%
sr.Windstärke
10 km/h
Night
25°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
10%
sr.Windstärke
10 km/h
Tomorrow, 11.07.2026
Mostly sunny throughout the day with a chance of showers towards evening.Morning
16°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
0%
sr.Windstärke
0 km/h
Noon
28°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
25%
sr.Windstärke
10 km/h
Night
24°C
sr.Regenwahrscheinlichkeit
50%
sr.Windstärke
10 km/h
Forecast
12.07.2026
13°C
29°C
13.07.2026
12°C
30°C
14.07.2026
13°C
32°C
