Stage 09 A Mariazell Route Auf der Schanz – Mitterdorf im Mürztal

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 13,7 km

Time 4:30 h

Uphill 346 hm

Downhill 924 hm

Highest point 1482 m

Descent into the Mürztal valley: This 14 km stage, which is relatively easy, leads across alpine pastures and ridgelines down to Mitterdorf im Mürztal, with wide views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

Schloss Pichl in Mitterdorf im Mürztal dates back to the 16th century and was built by Georg Idungspeuger on the site of an estate first mentioned in 1363. The U-shaped building, with its four distinctive corner towers and hipped roofs, has been preserved in its original form to this day. Historical features such as the former chapel in the north-east tower and the panelled hall on the ground floor reflect its long history.

A particular highlight is the Pilgrim Park within the castle grounds: a unique landscaped park featuring artworks centred around the themes of pilgrimage, reflection and tranquillity – a place that brings together nature, history and contemplation in a special way.

Best season

January

February

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April

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June

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November

December

More information

Detailed information on how to get there can be found here.

Numerous parking spaces are available directly at the main trailhead at Schanzsattel.

From the Schanz, the route begins with a gentle ascent through woodland, passing the European Cross erected in 1990, and continues towards the Stanglalm.

The trail reaches the Hochpürschtling wind farm, whose nine turbines supply electricity to around 13,000 households. A forest road leads to the junction with the Zentralalpenweg Trail 02 towards Alpl; however, the route continues straight ahead to the Stanglalm mountain inn (currently closed).

Passing the small mountain chapel at Stanglalm, the trail continues towards Mitterdorf im Mürztal. A short detour of just a few minutes leads to the traditional Leopold-Wittmaier hut, a worthwhile stop for refreshments.

Informations about Stage 10 A: Route, Duration & Directions Mitterdorf im Mürztal-Veitsch/Rotsohlalm

Mountain Rescue Emergency Number: 140

Emergency Call Tip – Answer the six key questions: What happened? How many people are injured? Where did the accident happen (possibly with GPS coordinates)? Who is calling (call-back number)? When did it happen? What are the weather conditions at the accident site?

Packing your backpack properly makes a big difference: pack heavier items first. Your water bottle should always be easily accessible in a side pocket. Items you need frequently, such as sunglasses, a camera, or a hiking map, should be placed on top. An emergency kit, including blister plasters, belongs in every backpack, and dressing in layers (“onion principle”) is always recommended.

Cycling Pilgrimage in the Hochsteiermark
Cycling pilgrimage combines cycling, experiencing nature, and inner reflection. Across four routes leading to Mariazell, the focus is not on speed, but on mindful travel — with time for breaks, encounters, and personal thoughts. The combination of movement, landscape, and spiritual places makes a cycling pilgrimage to Mariazell a truly special journey: being on the move while, at the same time, arriving within oneself.

Accessible by train and bus: detailed information about arriving by ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) can be found at www.oebb.at or on the Verbundlinie Steiermark website www.busbahnbim.at

With Verbundlinie’s BusBahnBim route planner app, planning your journey has never been easier: simply enter towns and/or addresses, stop names or points of interest to check all bus, train and tram connections in Austria. The app is available free of charge for smartphones – on Google Play and in the App Store

TVB Hochsteiermark, Tel. +43 3862 55020
www.hochsteiermark.at

Steiermark Tourismus, Tel. +43 316 4003
www.steiermark.com
www.steiermark.com/mariazell-pilgrimage-route