Stage 10 From Glacier to Wine South Route St. Peter am Kammersberg - Murau

Accessible by public transport

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

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 17,5 km

Time 6:30 h

Uphill 1011 hm

Downhill 1027 hm

Highest point 1814 m

The Murau District is one of the most densely forested regions in Austria, a characteristic that becomes particularly evident on this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine across the Stolzalpe. The challenge of the day lies less in technical difficulty and more in the considerable elevation gain. The route climbs approximately 1,000 metres, much of it through extensive forests that provide welcome shade but only occasional views of the surrounding landscape. As the trail ascends through this peaceful woodland environment, hikers gain an appreciation for the vast forest resources that have shaped the region's economy, culture, and landscape for centuries. The dense tree cover creates a tranquil atmosphere, interrupted only occasionally by small clearings and glimpses of the mountains beyond. The most rewarding panoramas await during the descent. Passing the well-known Stolzalpe Hospital, the trail gradually opens up to magnificent views across the Mur Valley. Ahead lies the historic town of Murau, whose striking castle rises prominently above the charming old town and provides a fitting destination at the end of this demanding stage.

The cultural highlight of this stage is undoubtedly the historic town of Murau, whose impressive castle often comes into view during the descent from the Stolzalpe, the highest point of the day.

The castle is owned by the Schwarzenberg family, one of the most influential noble families in Central Europe. The current head of the family is widely known for his role in Czech politics. The origins of the castle date back to around 1232, when the first fortress on Castle Hill was built by Ulrich von Liechtenstein, one of the most famous medieval poets and knights of the region.

The estate passed into the ownership of the Schwarzenberg family in 1617 through the remarkable marriage of Anna Neumann von Wasserleonburg and Count Georg Ludwig zu Schwarzenberg. At the time, Anna Neumann was 82 years old, while her sixth husband, Georg Ludwig, was just 25 years old. This extraordinary union laid the foundation for the centuries-long connection between Murau and the Schwarzenberg family.

History accompanies visitors throughout Murau. An evening stroll through the beautifully preserved old town reveals numerous historic buildings, charming squares, and traces of the town's long and eventful past.

A visit to the Brewery of the Senses may no longer be possible by the time hikers arrive, but there is still plenty of opportunity to sample the renowned Murau beer in one of the town's restaurants or traditional inns. If time is short, the brewery experience can easily be added to the programme the following day.

Best season

January

February

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More information

Detailed information on how to get to St. Peter am Kammersberg can be found here.

From the idyllic village of St. Peter am Kammersberg, this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine initially descends to rejoin the route from the previous day. After crossing the Katschbach stream, the trail joins Long-Distance Trail 09, the Salzsteig Trail, which accompanies us throughout the entire stage.

The route climbs steadily via the Pogerhütte and the Stolzenhütte before reaching the summit area of the Stolzalpe after approximately 1,000 metres of ascent. The initial descent is steep, but soon becomes more gentle as the trail leads towards the village of Stolzalpe, home to the renowned orthopaedic hospital.

Should orientation become difficult within the hospital complex, simply continue downhill from the upper section past the church towards the lower hospital grounds. From the lower car park, follow the route westwards until a path branches off to the left, leading to the Käferhube Inn. Its panoramic terrace offers magnificent views across Murau and the Mur Valley.

Note: A shorter alternative route leads directly to Murau, bypassing the Käferhube Inn.

The trail then descends to a road, which is followed briefly to the left. Although signposts also indicate a route via the Käferweg, the main route continues along the road before branching off at the Rahmhube bus stop onto a forest path leading directly into Murau.

Upon reaching the town, the route crosses the road and continues downhill towards the centre, passing several schools and the beautiful St. Anna Church. A final turn to the right brings hikers into the historic heart of Murau, with its attractive main square and well-preserved old town.

A special attraction in the region is the historic Murtal Railway. For more than 120 years, this narrow-gauge railway has linked the district of Murau with the neighbouring Lungau region in Salzburg. The 65-kilometre line, built to a gauge of 760 millimetres, follows the upper reaches of the Mur River between Unzmarkt and Tamsweg.

Alongside regular passenger services operated by modern railcars and diesel locomotives, historic steam trains also run as part of special heritage journeys. These nostalgic trips have become a favourite among railway enthusiasts and romantics alike. Puffing and steaming through the picturesque mountain landscape, the historic trains offer a memorable way to experience the beauty of the Mur Valley.

History will continue to accompany us on the following stage, as the route leads onwards to St. Lambrecht and its impressive Benedictine monastery.

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

There are several parking facilities available in St. Peter am Kammersberg.

Steiermark Tourismus, Tel. +43 316 4003
www.steiermark.com

Kompass WK222 Sölktäler, Rottenmanner Tauern, Ennstal, Murau, Naturpark Grebenzen www.kompass.at

Freytag & Berndt WK211 Naturpark Zirbitzkogel ·Grebenzen · Murau · Sölkpass www.freytagberndt.at