© TVB Murau | René Hochegger

© TVB Murau | René Hochegger

Experiences amidst unspoilt nature

Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park

Nestled between the mountains of the same name, Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park boasts a wealth of experiences and highlights in nature. Go hiking in the mountains, refresh yourself at the waterfall at Graggerschlucht gorge or enjoy regional culinary delights: The extensive recreational area invites you to truly savour your leisure time.

Nature is particularly multifaceted in this part of the Murau region: from idyllic bathing lakes such as Furtnerteich or Grasluppteich to two enchanting moors, lush alpine meadows, and mountain peaks with magnificent views.

What’s more, the Nature Park is one of Austria's model regions for sustainable tourism. The attractive and climate-friendly mobility concept includes Nature Park e-bikes, Nature Park e-cars and a Nature Park hikers’ bus. Hikers can use this means of transport to get to the starting points of many hikes and then back to their accommodation.

365 days of adventures at Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park

In spring and summer, hiking trails and cycling routes lead through the nature reserve, offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Particularly refreshing: a visit to one of the natural ponds, such as Grasluppteich, or the outdoor swimming pools.

As a year-round nature paradise, the two landmark mountains, Zirbitzkogel and Grebenzen, are also a prime destination for numerous sports and outdoor activities in winter. On Grebenzen, there is a ski resort with 25 kilometres of slopes that’s especially popular with families. Speaking of which: Everyone up to the age of 28 receives a ski pass at the youth rate! At the foot of Zirbitzkogel, more specifically at Tonnerhütte, there is a family ski lift and you can even go BERGaufRODELN (uphill sledging). Cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing routes and winter hiking trails complement the list of offers.

Nature park hosts

The nature park partner companies are qualified ambassadors and certified accommodations of the nature park. They are the face of the “nature vacation” in Styria.

NATURE PARK HOSTS

Culinary delights at the Nature Park

Nature Park specialities are served by local innkeepers or sold at the Nature Park’s direct marketers, at the Nature Park organic farmers' market, and in the various Nature Park shops.

Refreshing summer adventures at Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park

At the pristine nature reserve, you will find natural treasures shaped by the Ice Age – from powerful primordial springs to idyllic ponds and moor landscapes. They are nestled between the 1,892-metre-high Grebenzen and the 2,396-metre-high Zirbitzkogel. A true paradise for refreshing experiences on warm summer days.

Hiking trails as far as the eye can see

Beautiful hiking trails lead through the Nature Park and offer fantastic views. One of many examples: From Zirbitzkogel, you can enjoy scenic 360-degree views stretching from the Karawanken to the Dachstein mountain ranges.

Long-distance hikers will also find a suitable route at the Nature Park: The Via Natura with its focus on "NaturLesen" (“reading nature”) spans more than 130 kilometres and ten different themed stages. It also leads you through the three certified hiking villages of Mühlen, Neumarkt and St. Lambrecht. Duration of the tour: seven days.

Cooling off in natural ponds and outdoor pools

When the sun shines all day, a refreshing dip in the water is just what you need.

You can choose between the quiet Grasluppteich pond , the diverse Furtner Teich pond, the fairytale-like Podolerteich pond, Lake Auerlingsee in the middle of the forest, or Mühlner Badesee lake.

Families with children spend eventful days on the slides of the children's playgrounds or playing beach volleyball at the outdoor pools in St. Lambrecht and Neumarkt.

Forest bathing at the Nature Park is a different kind of refreshing experience. It allows nature lovers to get to know the forest and bring their body and soul back into balance – surrounded by trees and moss.

Forest bathing

Cycling through the Nature Park

From easy to challenging: The extensive network of cycle paths leading through Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park has a suitable route for every taste and skill level.

More summer activities

Playing golf or minigolf, horseback riding, archery or Nordic walking: Summer visitors can look forward to relaxing days at Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park.

Winter adventures at the Nature Park

Cross-country skiing, ice skating, skiing, sledging, ski touring or winter hiking: The cold season at Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park offers plenty of variety.

Skiing at the Nature Park

Winter sports enthusiasts can choose from two ski resorts at Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park. Guaranteed snow and perfectly groomed slopes make skiers' hearts beat faster. At Grebenzen ski resort, cosy huts invite you to take a break and relax. Passionate skiers put their skills to the test on the FIS race course. At Tonnerhütte ski resort, snow is guaranteed throughout the entire winter season.

Ski touring

Put the skins on your skis, step into the bindings and climb the mountain without a lift: Ski touring on Zirbitzkogel or Grebenzen is a wonderful experience in nature. Newcomers can play it safe by taking part in a guided ski tour. Grebenzen ski resort offers ski tourers the opportunity to go night ski touring every Friday.

BERGaufRODELN at Tonnerhütte ski resort

At the BERGaufRODELN facility, a special tow lift takes sledgers to the starting point of a fun ride downhill. Visitors of all ages enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience and can indulge in it both during the day and in the evening thanks to floodlights.

Cross-country skiing

On more than 20 kilometres of cross-country ski trails around the villages of Mühlen, St. Blasen and St. Lambrecht, cross-country skiers can explore the wonderful nature paradise that is Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park. Among seasoned cross-country skiers, the snow-sure Weirerteich trail with its biathlon shooting range is a particularly popular choice.

Good to know: Beginners can take part in cross-country skiing taster lessons.

Ice skating at Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park

Frozen natural ponds and iced sports fields invite you to go ice skating at the Nature Park surrounded by the wintry landscape. A truly magical experience.

Winter hiking through the snow-covered landscape

A leisurely tour in the valley or a more challenging tour up the mountain: Hikers can indulge in their wanderlust along the many winter hiking trails. If you are not quite as experienced yet, you can simply take part in a guided tour.

Discover the winter hiking trails at the Nature Park

Other winter sports activities

Dog-sledging with huskies, archery at a 3D course or winter hiking with horses: There is something for everyone among the winter sports activities you can do at Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park.

The Murau region: a nature paradise

Nature lovers definitely get their money's worth in the Murau region. Both in summer and in winter, numerous activities invite you to go exploring in fresh mountain air.