Hikes of a special kind

Hiking in Hochsteiermark

There is nothing that does not exist. At least that applies to hiking vacations in Hochsteiermark. Whether you want to get active on mountain tours in alpine terrain or explore the region's towns on foot. Almost anything is possible in Styria's first alpine region as seen from Vienna and Lower Austria.

Hikes through nature and history

Impressive mountains, gentle alpine pastures, green forests and bubbling springs: Anyone who indulges in their passion for hiking in Hochsteiermark has a "problem", because it is difficult to decide where to start. How should it be: high alpine and challenging or gentle and relaxing? And what is important: the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains or exploring your own senses?

Hiking (not only) at the Hochschwab

The BergZeitReise is a very special hiking route. It leads right across Hochsteiermark, from the alpine terrain of the Hochschwab via the Schneealm and Rax to the forest home of the poet Peter Rosegger.

The route at a glance:

start and end point: Bruck an der Mur (entry possible at every stage)
total distance: 290 km
15 stages
15 day tour tips

Our tip: You can also choose to do only certain sections of the trail. In fact, we even recommend doing so as the individual stages have different levels of difficulty.

Arnica, mountain lavender and more

herbal hikes

The Styrian Semmering, the impressive Hochschwab area and the Fischbach Alps have a lot in common. For instance, all of them are home to numerous medicinal herbs, fragrant alpine flowers and unique spice plants.

Mürzer Oberland Nature Park is a paradise for herb lovers. If you’re a hobby herbalist, you will be able to stock up on “medical supplies” during your hikes.

If you don’t know about the healing powers of herbs yet, we recommend joining a herbal hike or a herbal workshop at the Nature Park. For instance, did you know that arnica, valerian or spicy horseradish are natural remedies to alleviate colds and boost the immune system?

Alternatively, you can find out about planarians and solve forest puzzles during the NaturErlebnisProgramm (nature experience programme) guided by qualified forest and herbal educators.

Herb hikes

At the heart of the action – city walks

To explore Hochsteiermark on foot, you don’t need to head to the mountains. You can also take a walk through one of the region’s many towns and cities! For instance, how about a hike up Bruck’s Schlossberg? Or a stroll through Mürzzuschlag’s historic centre and the Mürz floodplains?

Explore Hochsteiermark’s towns and cities on foot!

A view from the top

via ferratas in Hochsteiermark

Archduke John of Austria (1782–1859) already knew that you get the best views from high above the valley. That’s why the brother of emperor Franz Joseph I was the first tourist ever to climb the Hochschwab.

If you want to follow in his footsteps, you can do so in the high-alpine regions of Hochsteiermark. The area features numerous via ferratas for all skill levels, not just in the Hochschwab area, but also in other parts of the province, for instance in the Schneealm-Rax area.

All via ferratas at a glance

For families and romantics

themed trails

Those who prefer a more manageable route can opt for one of the many themed hiking trails.

Love can be followed on the "Hob mi gern" trail in Aflenz. Children become little explorers on the "klimawandeln" adventure trail in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park. The Bründlweg trail on the Pogusch, the highest barefoot trail in Hochsteiermark, is a refreshing experience.

Tip: The Bründlweg celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and invites you to a big anniversary celebration on August 25th.

The great thing about the themed hikes: They are mostly circular hiking trails. You arrive back at the starting point and don't have to worry about the return transportation. The perfect tours for families with children.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Romantischer Bründlweg

Stanzer Sonnenweg

Wulfingweg: Der Panoramarundweg der Stadt... ...

Celtic path

Jakobusweg Turnau

Wanderung in das Naturschutzzentrum Weitental

Hob mi gern Steig - Aflenz

"Fitness- und Vitalparcour" (Wanderweg Kindberg... ...

Steirischer Semmeringbahn-Wanderweg

Themed trail "klimawandeln"

Saints and Healing Ways to Mariazell

take a break: mountain huts

What would a long hike be without a nice spot to take a break? Fortunately, the hiking trails of Hochsteiermark are dotted with numerous mountain huts and restaurants, where you can sample delicacies fresh from the local rivers, lakes and meadows. As a side, you get to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding forests, mountains and streams.

Culinary highlights in Hochsteiermark