From Steinalpl, hike via Kleinboden to Windberg in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park.

From the parking area at Gasthof Leitner, the route begins on a forest road, leading 3 km into the valley (motor vehicle access prohibited) until reaching Steinalpl, a unique natural gem in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park. The wide alluvial fans of the Kalte Mürz provide a habitat for rare plant and animal species (more info).

Shortly after, a narrow and slightly overgrown trail branches off to the right from the forest road (marked and signposted). The path ascends steeply alongside a stream until reaching Kleinboden. With stunning close-up views of the Donnerwand, the trail follows the valley floor, occasionally passing through the streambed, and continues upward to Melkboden—an alluvial cone and pristine valley floor with a wild and untouched character.

From there, the path climbs steeply in numerous switchbacks to the Schneealm plateau. A short final ascent leads to the Windberg summit.

The breathtaking panoramic view from the summit makes it one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the entire Mürzer Oberland Nature Park. The Michlbauerhütte and Schneealmhaus mountain huts are also visible.

Descent: Follow the same route back.

Most hiking and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park take place in alpine terrain. For longer hikes or mountain tours, a good level of fitness, surefootedness, and a head for heights are highly recommended.

On the high plateaus of Rax, Schneealm, and Veitsch, fog or bad weather can make navigation difficult.

⚠️ In winter, always be aware of avalanche danger!

Mountain Rescue Emergency Number: 140

Rescue stations: Neuberg an der Mürz & Mürzzuschlag

Packing Your Backpack Properly:

• Pack heavy items first.
• Keep your water bottle (at least 1 liter) easily accessible.
• Frequently needed items (e.g., sunglasses, camera, phone, map) should be placed on top.
• Emergency gear (including blister plasters) is essential.
• Dress in layers ("onion principle") for optimal temperature regulation.
• Always carry rain protection for alpine tours!

Just below the Windberg summit, the Michlbauerhütte offers a highly recommended alpine inn. Additionally, about 30 minutes from the summit, the Schneealmhaus (a mountain shelter with overnight accommodation) provides another excellent resting point.

If you include both huts in your itinerary, the tour extends by approximately one hour. However, this also allows you to split the long hike into a two-day tour with an overnight stay on the Schneealm plateau.

Nature Park Taxi in Mürzer Oberland
Phone: +43 3857 20170
Website: www.naturparktaxi.at

Public Transport

• ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways): www.oebb.at
• Verbundlinie Steiermark: www.busbahnbim.at

With the BusBahnBim app from Verbundlinie, accessing public transport schedules has never been easier. The app provides all bus, train, and tram connections in Austria, simply by entering locations, addresses, stops, or landmarks.

The app is available for free on Google Play and the App Store (Android & iOS).

Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland

Tourist Office Hochsteiermark

Mountain, Hiking, and Nature Park Guides: for information and guided tours, contact the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Phone: +43 3857 8321