© 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
    © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm

    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.

    NaturLesePark - Skulpturen | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Graggerschlucht | © Tourismusverband Murau | René Hochegger | © Tourismusverband Murau
    St. Lambrecht von oben | © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm | © Holzwelt Murau
    St. Lambrecht von oben | © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm | © Holzwelt Murau
    Kirche von Mariahof | © Tourismusverband Murau | René Hochegger | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Steinschloss | © Tourismusverband Murau | marygoodfoto | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Gipfelsieg | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tom Lamm | © Tourismusverband Murau
    via natura etappe 8: arbeiten im einklang mit der natur_img_18276253 | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Burgruine Dürnstein | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    Burgruine Dürnstein | © Tourismusverband Murau | Tourismusverband Murau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    © 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.

    29 results
    Sonnenuntergang im Stiftsgarten | © Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Abbey garden St. Lambrecht

    This wonderful complex with the pavilion at its centre was set out in the middle of the 17th century according to plans...
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    Burg Dürnstein - Burgansicht | © Archiv Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • open today
    • 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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    Hochofen Pöllau | © Archiv Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen, Peham Evelyne
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Hochofen 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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    Wasserfall | © Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Graggerschlucht und Kaskadenwasserfall

    The "bionic island" is the starting point for a hike through the wildly romantic gorge "Graggerschlucht". There is a...
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    Verweilplatz
    • 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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    Ortstafel | © Archiv Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • Mühlen

    Keltisches Museum Noreia

    Since excavations uncovered an entire town and the present village in the municipality "Mühlen" was given the name of...
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    Schneewittchen | © Gasthof Seeblick
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Naturpark Märchenrätselwald

    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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    früherer Altar | © Verein Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Church ruins of St. Georgen

    Behind a farm in St. Georgen, archeologists have unearthed the remains of St. George's Church, which burned down 200...
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    Schmiede Noreia
    • Mühlen

    Historische Schmiede Noreia

    Fancy a personal vacation souvenir? Then you are in the right place.
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    Klamm mit Steg | © Peter Hochleitner
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Klamm St. Lambrecht

    Designated as natural monument, the gorge in St. Lambrecht is just a few minutes away from the monastery. A remnant of...
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    Weg zum Pöllauer Ursprung | © Gerda Kasparec
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Ursprungsquelle Pöllau

    The waterproof rock in the interior of the mountain "Grebenzen" reveals the origin spring of Pöllau.
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    Kirche am Mühlsteinboden | © Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • 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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    29 results

    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.  

    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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    Gasthof Kirchmoar | © Martin Stolz
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Inn Kirchmoar

    The Kirchmoar Inn is run by the fourth generation of the family. They also run an organic farm, from which products...
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    Restaurant - Bistro Golfblick | © Restaurant - Bistro Golfblick
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Restaurant Golfblick, Sabine kocht´s

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

    Inn Gössler

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

    Almgasthof Grebenzenhaus

    Eat well, live well on the Grebenzen. Dine with pleasure and immerse yourself in the dreamlike mountain world - at the...
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    GH 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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    GH Rauchenwald | © Susanne Rauchenwald
    • Mühlen

    Guest house Rauchenwald

    Quaint and cozy family business with organic farming.
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    Stifterl
    • 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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    Hirschenwirt | © Gasthaus Hirschenwirt
    • Mühlen

    Inn Hirschenwirt

    BEING A GUEST MEANS BEING WELCOMEIn their family business in Mühlen in Styria, which has been awarded the title "Gute...
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    Gasthof Pension Leitner | © Carina Holzer
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Gasthof Pension Leitner

    Gasthof Pension Leitner is located near the border with Carinthia (castle town Friesach). Here about 40 guests are...
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    Jera am Furtnerteich
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Inn & Italian Restaurant - Jerá am Furtnerteich

    Located directly on the banks of the Furtnerteich lake, the restaurant offers Italian specialties and Italian wines...
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    Außenanlage | © Reinhard Bischof
    • 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.

    © Holzwelt Murau | Tom Lamm

    Summer in the Murau region