Culture and nature by e-bike

First of all - all opening times, admission prices and contact details can be found in the links:

We start directly in Mürzsteg at the Appelhof family hotel (https://www.muerzeroberland.at/ausflugsziele-naturpark/ausflugsziele-im-naturpark/spielplatz-appelhof/) opposite the imperial hunting lodge (now the summer residence of the Austrian Federal President, not open to the public) and briefly follow the Mürztal cycle path R5 to the Holzknecht Museum (a 5-minute drive from Mürzsteg). After a visit to the museum (https://www.muerzeroberland.at/ausflugsziele-naturpark/ausflugsziele-im-naturpark/holzknechtmuseum/), things get sporty.

Keeping to the left, the route climbs up to the Falkensteinalm (gravel road) and, after a scenic rest, continues into the so-called ‘Tirol’ (named after lumberjacks from Tyrol who worked here many years ago).

Here we reach the Mürz valley again and follow the cycle path out of the valley to Neuberg an der Mürz. The minster (https://www.muerzeroberland.at/ausflugsziele-naturpark/ausflugsziele-im-naturpark/muenster-neuberg/) , the nature museum (https://www.muerzeroberland.at/ausflugsziele-naturpark/ausflugsziele-im-naturpark/naturmuseum-neuberg/) , the Kaiserhof Glasmanufaktur (https://www.muerzeroberland.at/ausflugsziele-naturpark/ausflugsziele-im-naturpark/kaiserhof-glasmanufaktur/) and of course numerous catering establishments make a stop here almost obligatory.

At Teichwirt Urani, about 2 km in the direction of Mürzzuschlag outside the centre of Neuberg, our path branches off to the left and leads us, cycling briefly uphill towards Schneealm, but keeping right before Michlbauerhof, to the Forest of the Senses (https://www.muerzeroberland.at/ausflugsziele-naturpark/themenwege/wald-der-sinne/).

After a walk through this unique forest, we cycle briefly back to the road that leads up to the Schneealm. Keep right and cycle uphill past the Michlbauerhof until you reach the so-called ‘Öd’, which is quite steep. Here we do not continue on to the Schneealm but keep slightly to the right downhill to the ‘Hanslagrabner’ farm and to Altenberg an der Rax.

There we visit the small, fine Montanarum (https://www.muerzeroberland.at/ausflugsziele-naturpark/ausflugsziele-im-naturpark/bergwerksmuseum-montanarum/), a museum on the history of mining in the Altenberg valley, right next to the Altenbergerhof inn. Incidentally, the unique Austrian climate change trail (https://www.muerzeroberland.at/ausflugsziele-naturpark/themenwege/erlebnisweg-klimawandeln/) and the Montanrundweg (https://www.muerzeroberland.at/ausflugsziele-naturpark/themenwege/montanrundweg-altenberger-erzberg/) also start here.

After a visit to the museum, we return from here and cycle out of the valley to Kapellen with the world's largest spinning wheel (https://www.muerzeroberland.at/ausflugsziele-naturpark/ausflugsziele-im-naturpark/spinnstube-kapellen/) and from here along the Mürztal cycle path R5 into the valley again to Neuberg an der Mürz. We follow the R5 further up the Mürz to Mürzsteg, our starting point, where we can make a short stop at the tunnel cinema in Krampen (approx. 15 minutes' walk from the cycle path) (https://www.muerzeroberland.at/ausflugsziele-naturpark/themenwege/schauberger-triftanlage/).

Extend the tour with an overnight stay in the nature park and also visit the sights in nearby Mürzzuschlag (WinterSportMuseum, SÜDBAHN Museum). Or ride one of the numerous other mountain bike routes (including the Schneealm) (charging stations at www.bikeregion-muerztal.at).

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.

E-bike hire at the Altenbergerhof (Altenberg an der Rax, Tel: +43 3857 2202).

All charging stations at www.bikeregion-muerztal.at

Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Tel. +43 3857 8321, www.muerzeroberland.at , open Mon - Fri from 8.00 am - 12.00 pm 

Tourist Office Hochsteiermark

Tip: the Styria Tours app, which is available free of charge on Google Play and in the App Store (Android, iOS), offers detailed first-hand information: short facts (length, duration, difficulty, ascent and descent in metres of altitude, ratings), map, route descriptions, altimeter, compass, summit finder, navigation along the tour. You can also create your personal favourites list of favourite tours and points, save tours and destinations offline, use social media channels and more.