© Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen © Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    "NaturLesen" in ten stages

    The Via Natura trail – a long-distance hike in the Murau region

    Hiking in the Murau region feels good and benefits your health. The Via Natura trail leads through Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park. On a total of 130 kilometres, hikers’ hearts rejoice at beautiful natural sites.

    The long-distance hiking trail invites its visitors on a journey of exploration. The route inspires them to get to know and understand the interplay between man and nature. It’s all about developing an understanding of what the environment wants to express with its colours, shapes, and natural phenomena.

    A hike for the whole family: The discoveries that can be made along the child-friendly sections of the long-distance trail are bound to make your little ones’ eyes light up.

    Good to know: Free parking is available at the main square in Neumarkt.

    The hiking route in a nutshell

    • Start: main square in Neumarkt
    • Endpoint: main square in Neumarkt
    • Distance: 129.4 km
    • Stages: 10
    • Difficulty: medium
    © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm

    ROUTE DESCRIPTION OF THE VIA NATURA TRAIL

    The starting point of the long-distance trail is at the main square in Neumarkt. From there, you’ll follow the yellow signs that say "Weg Nr. NL1" in the direction of Mariahof and continue on through the Neumarkt forest. The route then leads you to the Green Classroom, the Nature Reading Park and finally to St. Marein.

    The route continues through Graggerschlucht gorge to Zeutschach, to the river Zeutschach’s spring and via Maria Schönanger to Grebenzen (1,870 metres in altitude). From there, the hiking trail continues to St. Lambrecht.

    Overcoming a slight ascent, you’ll hike to St. Blasen and from there towards Dürnberger Moor/Mariahof. Via the Steinschloss Castle ruins, hikers reach Perchau and finally – via Oberberger Alm – get to Zirbitzkogel, which boasts an altitude of 2,396 metres.

    You’ll descend via Tonnerhütte, the villages of Mühlen and Kulm to Dürnstein. The last stage takes you from Dürnstein back to the starting point at Neumarkt's main square.

    The 10 stages and thematic focal points of the Via Natura trail

    On the Via Natura hiking trail, everything revolves around reading the big book of nature. Step by step, hikers are brought closer to nature along a route of around 130 kilometres.

    The hike comprises ten sections, and in each one a wide variety of natural treasures are waiting to be discovered.

    NaturLesePark - Skulpturen | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Graggerschlucht | © Tourismusverband Murau | René Hochegger | © Tourismusverband Murau
    St. Lambrecht von oben | © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm | © Holzwelt Murau
    St. Lambrecht von oben | © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm | © Holzwelt Murau
    Kirche von Mariahof | © Tourismusverband Murau | René Hochegger | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Steinschloss | © Tourismusverband Murau | marygoodfoto | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Gipfelsieg | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tom Lamm | © Tourismusverband Murau
    via natura etappe 8: arbeiten im einklang mit der natur_img_18276253 | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Burgruine Dürnstein | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Burgruine Dürnstein | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    © Verein Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen | tricky.pics

    READING NATURE - WHAT IS IT?

    NatureReading is more than just a trend - it's a journey to learn from nature and discover its fascinating secrets without exploiting it. Have you ever wondered where the Velcro fastener, the parachute or even your sportswear found their inspiration? If not, then it's high time for a crash course in nature reading.

    Places of interest along the Via Natura

    In addition to nature and nature reading, the history and culture along the way are also in the foreground. Be inspired by the numerous sights along the Via Natura.

    28 results
    Schneewittchen | © Gasthof Seeblick
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Naturpark Märchenrätselwald

    Fun and games for children and the young at heart. In the middle of the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park, the family...
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    Wandermärchen Hans im Glück | © Camping am Badesee
    • Mühlen

    Wandering fairy tale Hans in Luck

    Join "Hans in luck" on his adventurous journey and learn what he has gone through at seven stops. A beautiful hiking...
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    Hoher Steg | © Holzwelt Murau
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    High bridge

    Deep below, the Kühbach rushes past, above, the High Bridge connects the two banks. It was built in 1998 to replace...
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    Aussicht | © Holzwelt Murau
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Seven churches lookout tower

    Close to the 'Buschenschenke Zeischgl' in Mitterberg is this 14 metre high tower which affords a fantastic view of the...
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    Klamm mit Steg | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • St. Lambrecht

    Klamm St. Lambrecht

    Designated a natural monument, the gorge in St. Lambrecht is only a few minutes away from the monastery. The path leads...
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    Eingangsbereich | © Natechnikum
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Natechnikum

    The former Vivarium became the Natechnikum! An exhibition under the motto "House of Diversity", a "technical...
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    Außenansicht | © Schloss Lind
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Castle Lind

    The OTHER museum of loca history/"Schloss Lind" deals with recent contemporary and social history in the form of...
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    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Graggerschlucht und Kaskadenwasserfall

    The "bionic island" is the starting point for a hike through the wildly romantic gorge "Graggerschlucht". There is a...
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    Verweilplatz | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Auerlingsee

    The Auerlingsee is surrounded by a sense of mystery. Nestling in a delightful forest location, it is hidden away at the...
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    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Landscape Park Schloss Lind

    The freely accessible landscaped park at Lind Castle with its Other Local History Museum in Neumarkt is the first port...
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    früherer Altar | © Verein Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Church ruins of St. Georgen

    Behind a farm in St. Georgen, archeologists have unearthed the remains of St. George's Church, which burned down 200...
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    Ofen in Zeutschach | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Kalkofen Zeutschach

    Burnt lime was once used as a construction material and, due to its high pH value, as a classic disinfectant. With...
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    28 results

    Refreshment stops along the Via Natura

    Experience the culinary variety!

    Along the Via Natura you will find a variety of places to stop for refreshments: cosy inns, traditional taverns and rustic mountain huts serving regional specialities.  

    Außenansicht | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Wirtshaus Stifterl

    A Styrian inn - from the house to the wine to the food. That is the Stifterl in St. Lambrecht. Enjoy tasty dishes and...
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    Gasthof Kirchmoar | © Gasthof Kirchmoar
    • St. Lambrecht

    Inn Kirchmoar

    The Kirchmoar Inn is run by the fourth generation of the family. They also run an organic farm, from which products...
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    GH Seeblick Außenanlage | © Gasthof Seeblick
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Inn Seeblick

    Family farm with inn - horseback riding, swimming and in addition a great hiking area!In the beautiful resort of...
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    Schönangerhütte | © Schönangerhütte
    • St. Lambrecht

    Schönangerhütte

    Gasthaus Schönanger is located at 1331 m above sea level and is right next to the Maria Schönanger pilgrimage...
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    Außenanlage | © Gasthaus Mareinerwirt
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Inn Mareinerwirt

    The Mareinerwirt will spoil you with local and traditional dishes, but also with culinary delicacies. They serve fried...
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    Logo | © Café Claudia
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Café Claudia

    Werner’s cafe bar is located right on the main square in Neumarkt and is an ideal meeting point for young and old.
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    Schutzhaus | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • Mühlen

    Zirbitzkogel Schutzhaus

    Just 20 meters below the summit of the Zirbitzkogel is a serviced hut, the Zirbitzkogel-Schutzhaus at 2376 m,...
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    Jausenstation Russkeusche Außen | © Jausenstation Russkeusche
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Jausenstation Russkeusche

    The rustic snack station "Russkeusche" is located on the way from the gorge "Graggerschlucht" to the "Graslupp" pond...
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    Gössler | © Gasthof Gössler
    • Mühlen

    Inn Gössler

    GUESTGOUSE GÖSSLER - Eat well, sleep well, enjoy and experience nature! The inn in the nature park Zirbitzkogel -...
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    Buschenschank Zeischgl | © Buschenschank Zeischgl
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Buschenschank Zeischgl

    Cozy cider tavern with a great view at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. Whether in the orchard, in the...
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    Grebenzenhaus | © Almgasthof Grebenzenhaus
    • St. Lambrecht

    Almgasthof Grebenzenhaus

    Eat well, live well on the Grebenzen. Dine with pleasure and immerse yourself in the dreamlike mountain world - at the...
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    Gasthof Pension Leitner | © Gasthof Pension Leitner
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Gasthof Pension Leitner

    Gasthof Pension Leitner is located near the border with Carinthia (castle town Friesach). Here about 40 guests are...
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    Hiking in the Murau region

    The Via Natura hiking trail is just one of the many routes that lead through the Murau region. On our hiking routes page, you can find other routes such as the Eight-Mountain Hike or the Murau High-Altitude Trails.

    © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm

    Summer in the Murau region