"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.

Go to the full route of the Via Natura trail

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.

Via Natura Stage 1: NatureReadingLearn

Via Natura Stage 2: Nature as a source of... ...

Via Natura Stage 3: The nature of water

Via Natura Stage 4: Sound in nature and... ...

Via Natura Stage 5: The Biography of the Earth

Via Natura Stage 6: People and Plants

Via Natura - Stage 7: Weather and climate

Via Natura stage 8: Working in harmony with nature

Via Natura stage 9: Energy fields in nature

Via Natura Stage 10: Power points in people and... ...

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.

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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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Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Castle Dürnstein

On the border between Styria and Carinthia, the ruins of Dürnstein castle, built in the 11th century by Duke Henry III...

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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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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

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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Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Blast furnace Pöllau

As far back as 1430, the Benedictine monastery of St. Lambrecht was granted imperial rights to dig for ore on its own...

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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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Mühlen

Farmers' Museum

The museum of Farming in Mühlen is a world of adventure for young and old alike. The farming way of life, work and...

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St. Lambrecht

Pilgrimage church Maria Schönanger

Maria Schönanger is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church in the nature park Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen. The church can be...

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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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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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St. Lambrecht

St. Lambrecht Benedictine Monastery

For more than 900 years, the Benedictine monastery of St. Lambrecht has shaped not only the local landscape of the...

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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.

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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St. Lambrecht

Inn Torwirt

The inn, opposite the Benedictine monastery, is a traditional inn where everyone feels at home. Good home cooking,...

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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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St. Lambrecht

Auszeit Hotel St. Lambrecht

Here you will find ideal vacation offers in the middle of the Murau region. Relaxing and active time with the whole...

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Mühlen

Guest house Rauchenwald

Quaint and cozy family business with organic farming.

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St. Lambrecht

Heuschupf'n Grebenzen

The ‘Heuschupfn’ ski hut on the Grebenzen, the oldest and most rustic hut in the ski area, awaits you right next to...

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Mühlen

Inn Gössler

GUESTGOUSE GÖSSLER - Eat well, sleep well, enjoy and experience nature! The inn in the nature park Zirbitzkogel -...

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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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Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Restaurant Golfblick

Enjoyment with a golf course view! The team at the Restaurant Golfblick cordially invites you to spend enjoyable and...

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St. Lambrecht

Seppwirt Stüberl

Nice snuggery at the gas station - Here you can have drinks and small snacks already in the morning to enjoy on site...

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Mühlen

Inn Steiner Mondorf

Gladly let you look over your shoulder while baking bread in the wood-fired oven. Please book in advance. You are...

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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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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.