Bleiweißgrube and Hohe Scheibe in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park
A relatively long but beautiful ascent to the Hohe Scheibe with the cosy Scheibenhütte hut just below the summit (open at weekends). The ascent can be ideally combined with a visit to the Bleiweißgrube (cave).
Bleiweißgrube cave in Kapellen
Characteristics of the cave
The Bleiweißgrube is an exciting cave that has been designated a natural monument. It is located on the northern slope of the Karsteinerkogel in Kapellen on a marked path. It is formed as a passage several metres high and just as wide with rich wall and ceiling sintering as well as mountain milk formations. Deposits of clay and mountain milk can be found on the floor.
In 1948, the only artefact (man-made object) from the Upper Mürztal dating from the Palaeolithic period was found here. It can therefore be assumed that the Bleiweißgrube served as a shelter for Palaeolithic hunters.
Visiting the cave
The Bleiweißgrube cave can be entered independently; a new staircase has been built in the cave to provide easy access. The total walking time (there and back) is around 2 hours, the route is around 2 km long.
Good footwear, a headlamp and, of course, surefootedness are recommended.
The starting point for the hike is in the centre of Kapellen, in front of the former Gasthof zum Touristen (opposite the musicians' home). There the path branches off in the direction of Bleiweißgrube (signpost no. 822 to the Große Scheibe). An alternative ascent is also possible from the Stojen district opposite the former Pferschy inn (turn-off Kohlbachgragen - Moassa), signposting is available (green and white).
The cave as a winter roost
The cave is used by bats as a winter roost and must therefore not be entered in winter.
Self-guided tour: the cave is freely accessible, a new staircase has been built.
Equipment: good shoes, headlamp
Suitable for families, children aged 8 and over must be accompanied by an adult! Sure-footedness required.
Characteristics
Best season
The tour in numbers
Map & downloads
More information
From the small village of Kapellen, the route initially heads eastwards to the Ploderer Kreuz cross, which is already visible from the valley. Finally, the path turns northwards until we reach the cross (watch out for the rocky outcrops). Here you have a wonderful view of the Altenberg valley and the Styrian side of the Rax. Now we head east again, always through extensive forests, to the Karnsteiner Kogel and shortly before that to the marked cave of the Bleiweißgrube (open to the public, stairs, be careful when walking with children!)
Always slightly ascending, we now follow the well-marked trail, crossing a few forest paths, up to the Hohe Scheibe.
Just below the panoramic summit is the Scheibenhütte, which is open at weekends.
We can return to Kapellen via the ascent route - or descend directly to Mürzzuschlag (slightly shorter) and then take the bus or the nature park taxi back to Kapellen.
Descent from the Hohe Scheibe to Mürzzuschlag and return by bus or nature park taxi to Kapellen - a great circular hike.
Nature Park Taxi in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park: Tel.: +43 3857 20170, www.naturparktaxi.at
ÖBB www.oebb.at or Verbundlinie Steiermark www.busbahnbim.at.
With the BusBahnBim app from Verbundlinie, timetable information has never been easier: all bus, train and tram connections in Austria can be called up by entering locations and/or addresses, stops or important points. The app is available as a free app for smartphones (Android, iOS) - on Google Play and in the App Store.
Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Tel. +43 3857 8321, www.muerzeroberland.at , open Mon. - Fri. from 8.00 - 12.00.
TV Hochsteiermark, Tel.: +43 3862 55020, www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark
Mountain, hiking and nature park guides: Information at the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Tel.: +43 3857 8321
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Neuberg an der Mürz (734m)
