Stage 20 From Glacier to Wine North Route Karl Ludwig Haus - Mürzzuschlag

This stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine leads from the alpine limestone massif of the Rax into the green mountain landscapes of the Fischbacher Alps, characterised by dense forests, gentle alpine pastures, and rolling upland terrain. The stage destination is the town of Mürzzuschlag, situated at the foot of the Semmering. Rich in history and culture, it serves as both the starting and ending point of the UNESCO World Heritage Semmering Railway and its surrounding cultural landscape. Mürzzuschlag also surprises visitors with its remarkable variety of museums, making it an attractive place to spend additional time exploring the region's heritage before continuing the journey southwards.

This tour leads from the spectacular natural landscapes of the Rax Massif in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park to the charming town of Mürzzuschlag, whose history and development have been closely linked to the Semmering Railway.

Today, the railway is more than 150 years old, yet it remains a pioneering achievement in railway engineering. When it opened in 1854, the 41-kilometre-long line between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag became the world's first true mountain railway. In recognition of its outstanding cultural and technical significance, the Semmering Railway and its surrounding landscape were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Visitors interested in railway history should not miss the Southern Railway Museum, located directly beside the station in Mürzzuschlag. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of the railway and its impact on the region.

Mürzzuschlag is also home to a remarkable range of cultural attractions. These include the FIS Winter Sports Museum, which houses one of the world's most extensive collections of winter sports equipment, the Kunsthaus Mürzzuschlag, and the Brahms Museum. The latter is located in the former summer residence of the renowned composer, pianist, and conductor Johannes Brahms, who spent the summers of 1884 and 1885 in Mürzzuschlag. During his stays, he composed his Symphony No. 4 as well as more than 30 songs and choral works.

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