Cycle along the Mürztal cycle path in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park
Old locomotives once travelled from Mürzzuschlag station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Neuberg an der Mürz to transport timber, ore and other raw materials. At the end of the last century, it was still used for passenger transport, but from July 1996 it was only used for freight transport - in particular for the sawmill in Neuberg an der Mürz. The line was completely closed on 31 December 2000. In mid-2011, today's well-developed cycle path was opened, which today takes sports enthusiasts of all ages along this historically significant railway line right through the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park, the only nature park in Hochsteiermark.
We start in Mürzsteg at the villa of the Austrian Federal President, the former imperial hunting lodge. We cycle along the Mürz, past Viktor Schauberger's old timber drift (timber transport canal) (lumberjack museum directly on the cycle path) to Neuberg an der Mürz. Here, at the former railway station and the famous Neuberg Abbey (nature museum, Neuberg Minster, Kaiserhof glass manufactory), the cycle path continues downstream with recurring small bathing opportunities on the nearby Mürzufer, short sections still with historic railway tracks right next to the cycle path, to Kapellen and finally to Mürzzuschlag to the railway station at the Semmering Railway World Heritage Site.
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Route: Mürzzuschlag – Neuberg an der Mürz – Mürzsteg
This scenic cycling route covers approximately 20 km from Mürzzuschlag to Mürzsteg, passing through Neuberg an der Mürz.
For the return journey, you can take the Nature Park Taxi.
Contact: +43 3857 20170
Starting from Mürzsteg, home to the Imperial Hunting Lodge, the Woodcutter Museum, and the Beekeeping Exhibition, the route follows the well-marked Mürztal Cycle Path (indicated by green signs) along the banks of the Mürz River. The path leads to Krampen, where cyclists can explore the Tunnel Cinema, featuring the Schauberger Timber Rafting System, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the natural gem, the Schneealm.
The tour continues to Neuberg an der Mürz, where the former railway line begins. A visit to Neuberg Abbey is highly recommended, as it boasts Austria’s largest wooden roof structure. Other attractions include the monastery with its Nature Museum, the Kaiserhof Glass Manufactory, and the Pillhofer Sculpture Hall.
Following the former railway route along the southern edge of the village, remnants of old railway tracks and support walls can still be seen. The path then leads to the Urani recreational pond, from where a toll road ascends to the Schneealm. The cycle route continues to Kapellen an der Mürz, where visitors are greeted by the historic railway station, now housing a café with its own coffee roastery. Here, cyclists also have the option to take a detour to Altenberg an der Rax. In the heart of this charming village at the foot of the Rax, there is an e-bike charging station at the Altenbergerhof.
The final stretch leads from Kammern to Mürzzuschlag, a town rich in cultural and historical attractions, including the Southern Railway Museum, the FIS Winter Sports Museum, the Brahms Museum, the Art House, and the Rosegger Church.
A Perfect Family-Friendly Cycling Route
This cycling route is ideal for families, offering wonderful places to stop and relax. During the summer months, a refreshing break at the Neuberger recreational pond "Urani" or along the banks of the Mürz River is perfect for cooling your feet or enjoying a picnic.
Plan a Full-Day Trip
Due to the many sights along the route, it's highly recommended to set aside an entire day for the journey. A special highlight is the Tunnel Cinema, located along the former timber rafting system—a must-see attraction with free admission!
Alternative Starting Point: Frein an der Mürz
The tour can also begin in Frein an der Mürz (about 9 km upstream from Mürzsteg), near the stunning waterfall "Totes Weib". This section of the route mainly follows the Lahnsattel - Federal Road, but passes through an impressive rocky gorge, offering breathtaking scenery.
Winter Tip
In winter, a groomed cross-country skiing trail follows the former railway route from Mürzzuschlag to Neuberg an der Mürz, provided there is sufficient snow coverage.
Travel Options to Mürzzuschlag
- By Train: Travel to Mürzzuschlag by train. For schedules and ticket information, visit www.oebb.at.
- By Regional Bus: Regional bus connections are available to Mürzzuschlag. For details, check www.verbundlinie.at.
- By Nature Park Taxi: For transportation within the region, contact the Nature Park Taxi at +43 3857 20170.
Parking is available directly in Mürzsteg, for example, near the parish church.
E-Bike Charging & Rentals
Charging stations for e-bikes can be found at:
- Urani pond
- Ja Café in Neuberg an der Mürz
- Mürzzuschlag
- Altenberg an der Rax (slightly off the cycle path, at the Altenbergerhof)
- Frein an der Mürz (at the Freinerhof)
E-bike rentals are available in Mürzzuschlag at HWS E-Bikes. For reservations and information, visit: www.hwsweb.at/bikee/.
Winter Activities
In winter, the cycle path is enthusiastically used by cross-country skiers, with a groomed trail running from Neuberg an der Mürz to Mürzzuschlag.
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Neuberg an der Mürz (734m)
