© 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

    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.

    © 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.

    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Gragger Gorge and Cascade Waterfall

    The "bionic island" is the starting point for a hike through the wildly romantic gorge "Graggerschlucht". There is a...
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    Schneewittchen | © Gasthof Seeblick
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Nature Park Fairytale Puzzle Forest

    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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    Keltendorf am Badesee | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • Mühlen

    Adventure mile by the lake

    The sunny Mühlner Badesee is located at the foot of the Zirbitzkogel. A walk around the Mühlner Badesee promises fun...
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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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    Ofen in Zeutschach | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Lime kiln 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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    Kapelle am Mühlsteinboden | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Chapel Mühlsteinboden

    According to legend, the Mühlsteinboden was a witches' mountain. Bad storms are said to have showered it with their...
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    Klamm mit Steg | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    St. Lambrecht Gorge

    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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    Miravita Garten | © Verein Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Miravita - The garden of life phases

    In the middle of Neumarkt, with a view of the Zirbitzkogel, there is a private garden that is probably unique in the...
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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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    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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    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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    Peterskirche | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • St. Lambrecht

    St. Peter's Church

    The Gothic St. Peter's Church in St. Lambrecht Abbey underwent a bold adaptation in 2017. Even the front building gives...
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    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.  

    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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    Jausenstation Straussenhof Wallner | © Jausenstation Straussenhof Wallner
    • St. Lambrecht

    Jausenstation Straussenhof Wallner

    The snack station in St. Blasen offers delicious delicacies - among others from our own farm! Taste delicacies around...
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    Barbaras Genuss & Bio Laden | © Barbara's Genuss & Bio Laden
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Barbara's Genuss & Bio Laden

    Barbara's Genuss und Bio Laden is located directly in St. Lambrecht and offers a wide variety of local products as well...
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    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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    Hausgemachte Strudel | © Mostschenke Moorstüberl
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Mostschenke Moorstüberl

    Hiking in Mariahof, exploring the "Dürnberger" moor and then having a good snack in the cozy "Zirbenstüberl" or in...
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    Jerá am Furtnerteich | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Bertl's Genuss Kuchl KG

    Located directly on the banks of the Furtnerteich lake, the restaurant offers Italian specialties and Italian wines...
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    Schönangerhütte | © Schönangerhütte
    • open today
    • 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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    Alpengasthof Moser im Winter | © Alpengasthof Moser
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Alpengasthof Moser

    Soft meadows and forests, a small pond, a few farms, wonderful views and wonderful peace. Where is this paradise to...
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    Auf der Terrasse | © Camping am Badesee
    • open today
    • Mühlen

    Campinggasthaus am Badesee

    Welcome to the cozy camping inn with sun terrace directly at the Mühlner Badesee. Here, a lot revolves around the...
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    GH Krapinger | © Gasthaus Krapinger
    • Mühlen

    Inn Krapinger

    Our cozy inn is located in the middle of the nature park Zirbitzkogel - Grebenzen and invites you to stay!
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    Restaurant zum Pölzl | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Restaurant zum Pölzl

    The right dish for every taste! The focus is on selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients from local producers. The...
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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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    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.

    Summer in the Murau region