Adventures up in lofty heights

Hiking and climbing in Erzberg-Leoben

On diverse hiking trails and via ferratas, nature lovers can hike their way to summit joy. The ERZBERG-LEOBEN region offers a variety of adventures in the mountains in both summer and winter. Your search for a high-alpine challenge will lead you to the most demanding via ferratas in Austria. And if you’re up for a multi-day tour, your journey might even take you far beyond the limits of ERZBERG-LEOBEN on the region’s extensive range of hiking trails.

Delightful hikes in ERZBERG-LEOBEN

Outdoors on the via ferratas or indoors at the bouldering gym: There are numerous climbing opportunities in the ERZBERG-LEOBEN region.

Via ferratas

Hiking routes in ERZBERG-LEOBEN

Bike & Hike in ERZBERG-LEOBEN

Hiking routes around Erzberg

Eisenerzer Reichenstein is one of the most impressive mountain giants in the region – and hiking is a particularly beautiful way to explore this natural jewel.

A popular tour among hikers leads from Präbichl to Eisenerzer Reichenstein at 2,156 metres above sea level. At the summit, you’ll have a magnificent view of Erzberg, Dachstein and the Gesäuse range all the way to Semmering. The hosts of Reichensteinhütte welcome their guests with plenty of Styrian hospitality. Both savoury and sweet delicacies such as Grammelstrudel soup or Buchteln are served there.

Those who would like to enjoy the first morning sunrays high above the clouds should take advantage of the opportunity to spend a night at the hut.

The Styrian Iron Trail

The "Styrian Iron Trail" lets hikers explore the region of ERZBERG-LEOBEN in 10 stages. The trail leads over 200 kilometres and 9000 metres of altitude through the 14 communities of the adventure and sports region. It combines scenic beauty with mining history.

The trail can be divided into 3 different levels of difficulty and leads past the most important excursion destinations in the region. In addition, almost all section stops can be reached by public transport, making it easier to divide the route.

Styrian Iron Trail Details

Wilder Berg: adventures for kids and grown-ups

Animal lovers of all ages will have a lot of fun at Wilder Berg in Mautern. At the 65-hectare wildlife park, lynxes, bears, fawns, wild cats and many other animals can be marvelled at. Three wheels will make your visit even more adventurous, or rather: a ride on the specially designed mountain karts. Or how about an exciting descent on the Wiesengleiter, the alpine coaster on Wilder Berg?

On the Mufflwalk, you can get a great view of what's happening at the park. The scenic-view platform is a good seven metres high and can be found right next to the mouflon enclosure.

On foot or comfortably by lift or bus: Wilder Berg is easily accessible for all visitors. Those who prefer to explore it on foot can expect not only beautiful surroundings, but also several themed stations on the topics of wood, forests, and nature. Many exciting aha-moments guaranteed!

Bärenstube and Steinbockalm cater to your physical well-being: Enjoy Styrian cuisine in a cosy atmosphere before or after an eventful visit to Wilder Berg.

Hiking in the region and beyond

Where there are hikers, there are trails. Not only in ERZBERG-LEOBEN but also far beyond the limits of the region, nature lovers can explore the mountain world on foot. The Graz Region as well as Spielberg are both in ERZBERG-LEOBEN’s immediate vicinity – perfect if you want to discover even more hiking trails in the green heart of Austria.

Tour planning made easy: You can quickly find the right hiking route or a suitable via ferrata in our tour portal.

All hiking routes in the region

Climbing in ERZBERG-LEOBEN

Impressive and challenging: These two words best describe the via ferratas around ERZBERG-LEOBEN. The routes are among the most difficult in Austria and make the region a true eldorado for climbing enthusiasts. Once at the summit, nature lovers can enjoy stunning views of the Eisenerz Alps.

However, this special thrill isn’t something only seasoned climbers get to experience. Beginners can try their hand at climbing on various via ferratas in the difficulty levels A/B – for instance, on TAC-Spitze.

Climbing in ERZBERG-LEOBEN

Guided hikes and climbing tours

Thanks to helpful tips and accompanied by experienced mountain guides like Christian "Kuni" Endler, beginners head towards summit joy. The Eisenerz-ALPIN Alpine School is the first port of call when it comes to guided climbing tours in the Eisenerz Alps, in the Gesäuse range, or in the Hochschwab mountains. Its offers range from high-altitude to bivouac and via ferrata tours.

On a hike with Wilma, your climbing experience will be complemented by mindfulness exercises from qigong or yoga. These exercises not only revitalise the body but also refresh the mind. Activities with animals round off the diverse list of special hiking offers: On an alpaca or llama tour, you’re bound to forget your everyday stresses after just a few steps.

Hiking and culinary delights

On the sundecks of the local alpine huts, you can experience moments of exquisite culinary pleasure. The Kulinarium Steiermark establishments, in particular, prepare authentic Styrian delicacies for their guests.

Most of the food and drinks served there are made with products from the region. At the same time, the hosts and chefs are not afraid to think outside the box and to try new things – much to the delight of their guests, who can choose from a variety of traditional dishes as well as modern creations.

Listen up, hikers: If you want to enjoy authentic Styrian cuisine, keep your eyes peeled for the "green heart" – a seal of quality that the Kulinarium Steiermark establishments were awarded.

More information about delightful hikes in Erzberg-Leoben

ERZBERG-LEOBEN: a lot more than just hiking

ERZBERG-LEOBEN’s hiking trails are as multifaceted as the possibilities for activities in the region. Sports enthusiasts can practice and test almost any sport in ERZBERG-LEOBEN. What’s more, you can easily combine various activities. A great example of this is the trend combo Bike&Hike.

The first part of the route can be covered on two wheels and, after you have safely parked your bike, you’ll continue your journey on foot. Even better: The hotels in ERZBERG-LEOBEN are often located near the starting points of the Bike&Hike routes. That means you can leave your car parked at your accommodation. This not only helps protect the environment but also saves you the time and energy that you would usually spend on trying to find a parking space.

Car-free and carefree: hiking without a car

Speaking of the environment: Nature will thank you if you use public transport to get to the starting point of your hike. In ERZBERG-LEOBEN, it is very easy to make do without a car: Buses and trains run regularly from Präbichl to Graz as well as back and forth between the villages in the Liesing valley and Graz. From the local bus stops, you can quickly get to your destination.

The following routes are easily accessible by bus and train:

Go to route overview

Wonderfully refreshing: river hiking

A refreshing experience that revitalises the mind, especially on hot summer days, is river hiking. The place to go for this? The river Mur. Speaking of which: Boat trips on the river are perfect for group trips and company events.

River hiking in ERZBERG-LEOBEN