Hut Tour on the Rax in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

From the Alpine Inn Moassa, we first follow the lower Reisstalersteig trail to the Reisstaler Hut (unserviced). From there, we ascend steeply via the Gretchensteig to the Rax plateau (short secured sections at the upper part, surefootedness required).

At the nearby Karl-Ludwig House, after a break, we begin the summit climb to the Heukuppe, which stands at 2,007 meters (approximately 25 minutes walking from the Ludwig House). We then continue, descending from the Heukuppe in a western direction towards Gamseck. Here, we turn right (if we kept left, we could directly return to the Alpine Inn Moassa via the Altenbergersteig) and follow the path across the Grasbodenalm to the Habsburg House (visible from afar).

From the Habsburg House (be sure to enjoy the panoramic terrace!), we head south, slightly uphill and downhill, to the small Seehütte directly opposite the picturesque Preinerwand (a climbing paradise). Here, we briefly enter Lower Austria.

Now, following the yellow markings, we descend along the southern cliffs between Predigtstuhl and Blechmauer on a well-maintained trail to the Waxriegelhaus. From there, our path continues on an easy hiking trail and forest roads with little elevation change back to the Alpine Inn Moassa.

For this tour, surefootedness is essential!

Most hikes and mountain tours in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park take place in alpine terrain. Especially on longer hikes and mountain tours, good physical fitness, surefootedness, and a head for heights are highly recommended. On the high plateaus of the Rax, Schneealm, and Veitsch, orientation can be difficult in fog or poor weather. In winter, always be aware of avalanche danger!

Mountain rescue emergency number: 140
Rescue bases in Neuberg an der Mürz and Mürzzuschlag

Packing your backpack properly makes everything easier:

Pack heavy items first. Your water bottle (ideally 1 liter or more) should always be easily accessible, ideally in a side pocket. Items that are frequently needed, such as sunglasses, camera, mobile phone, or hiking map, should be placed on top.

An emergency kit, including blister plasters, should be in every backpack. Dressing in layers (the "onion principle") is always recommended! And for alpine hikes, never forget proper rain protection!

Plan for culinary and scenic breaks along the way:
The Karl-Ludwig House is a bio-certified establishment, Habsburg House offers the best panoramic view of the Rax, Seehütte provides a stunning view of the climbing area Preiner Wand, Waxriegelhaus serves its own beer, and the Alpine Inn Moassa is known for its delicious pastries.

Nature Park Taxi in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park: Tel. +43 3857 20170, www.naturparktaxi.at

ÖBB www.oebb.at or Verbundlinie Styria www.busbahnbim.at

The BusBahnBim app from Verbundlinie makes checking public transport schedules easier than ever: All bus, train, and tram connections in Austria can be searched by entering place names, addresses, stops, or points of interest. The app is available for free on smartphones (Android, iOS) – on Google Play and in the App Store.

Public transport access is available when starting from Preiner Gscheid!

Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Tel. +43 3857 8321, www.muerzeroberland.at, open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 12:00

Tourism Association Hochsteiermark, Tel. +43 3862 55020, www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark

Mountain, hiking, and nature park guides: For information, contact the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Tel. +43 3857 8321