Stage 17 From Glacier to Wine North Route Veitsch Graf Meran Haus - Neuberg an der Mürz

This stage leads from Blumenberg Veitsch in the heart of Hochsteiermark to Neuberg an der Mürz, the cultural and natural centre of the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park. The route begins with a steady ascent to the summit plateau of the Hohe Veitsch, where hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Gesäuse, the Hochschwab, the Rax, and the Fischbacher Alps. After reaching the high point of the stage, the trail descends continuously through a magnificent mountain landscape into the heart of the nature park. Nestled among the impressive mountain massifs of northern Steiermark, Neuberg an der Mürz welcomes visitors with one of the region's most important cultural landmarks: the Neuberger Münster, whose imposing presence has shaped the identity of the valley for centuries.

At the end of this stage awaits the impressive Neuberg Minster, a former Cistercian monastery and one of the most significant Gothic monuments in Steiermark.

The monastery was founded in 1327 by the Habsburg Duke Otto the Merry to commemorate the birth of his son Frederick. Its magnificent collegiate church is an outstanding example of Austrian Gothic architecture and impresses visitors far beyond the circle of art and history enthusiasts. The church is considered the earliest uniform hall church of the Austrian Gothic period and features the largest wooden church roof structure in Austria.

Other highlights of the monastery complex include the cloister with portraits of 38 abbots, the Renaissance high altar, and the chapter house with the founders' crypt, where Duke Otto the Merry and members of his family are buried.

Part of the historic monastery complex is also home to the Kaiserhof Glass Manufactory, where skilled craftspeople create exquisite glassworks throughout the year. Visitors can watch traditional glassblowing demonstrations and even try shaping molten glass themselves during a visit to the workshop.

This stage also forms part of the BergZeitReise circular hiking trail, which leads through the wild and romantic mountain landscapes of Hochsteiermark.