I am a Murtaler - Erikablüte

The serpentine rock and the dry location in the red pine forests are decisive for the abundance of erica in the Seckau Alps and on the Gulsenberg. The purple flower known as heather has other names such as erica blossom or typical Styrian hoada. Only very few people realise that there are over 800 species of heather and that it originally comes from South Africa, where it thrives in dry, warm locations. 

Many hikers admire the purple natural wonder every year and enjoy the beautiful hike on the Gulsenberg to the full. But beware: the erica blossom is a spectacle that needs to be protected. It is an important early source of food for bees and insects, which still find it difficult to forage in the cooler months around the end of February and March. Respect and a sustainable approach to nature are essential for expeditions of this kind, so that we can continue to admire this wonderful blaze of colour for many years to come.
 

Erlebnisregion Murtal: "What connects you to the Murtal?"
Erikablüte: "I rest within myself, I love nature, the bees and I'm happy every year when the first warm rays of sunshine warm up this beautiful region and I blossom from my hibernation."

Erlebnisregion Murtal: "When do you feel your heart beating in the Murtal?" 
Erika: "When lots of bees are buzzing around me. You know, I'm an important source of food for the little buzzers. I'm always very happy when they come to visit me and nibble from me!"

Erlebnisregion Murtal: "Where is your favourite place in the Murtal?"
Erika: "I love my Gulsenberg. But do you know where I really want to go one day? To the Seetal Alps to get to know the Almrausch blossom. So many hikers rave about it when they visit me. But it could be a bit of a problem in terms of time because we're not here at the same time. But you can dream."
 

Fancy the next flower hike? Discover the colourful beauties of the Murtal nature. You can find hiking tours at www.murtal.at/touren.