© 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.

    27 results
    Schloss Fochtenstein | © Christa Fürnkranz
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Exhibition: Legendary castles and palaces

    In its exhibition, the Neumarkter Hochtal Historical Working Group focuses on some of the region's most impressive...
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    Schmiede Noreia | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • Mühlen

    Historic Experience Forge in Noreia

    Fancy a personal vacation souvenir? Then you are in the right place.
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    • 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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    Schaubienenstock_2 | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Reading nature museum Neumarkt

    Discover the fascinating world of nature at the reading nature museum in Neumarkt. In our interactive hands-on museum,...
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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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    Hochofen Pöllau | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • 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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    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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    Schloss mit Aussicht | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Castle ruins Steinschloss

    Across the bottom of the Mur valley, on a steeply rising rock, is the mighty, once five-towered, fortification, and...
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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
    • 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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    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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    Wegweiser Wandermärchen | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • Mühlen

    Hicking fairy tale Hans in Luck

    Join "Hans in luck" on his adventurous journey and learn what he has gone through at seven stops. A beautiful hiking...
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    27 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.  

    Gasthof Pension Leitner | © Gasthof Pension Leitner
    • open today
    • 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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    Jerá an der Grebenzen | © ikarus.cc
    • open today
    • 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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    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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    Gasthof Torwirt | © Johann Leitner
    • open today
    • 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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    Gruber Alm | © Tourismusverband Murau
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Gruber Alm

    Mrs. Erika Gruber is one of the gastronomic fixed stars in St. Lambrecht.
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    Jausenstation Russkeusche Außen | © Jausenstation Russkeusche
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Jausenstation Russkeusche

    The rustic snack station "Russkeusche" is located on the way from the gorge "Graggerschlucht" to the "Graslupp" pond...
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    GH Krapinger | © Gasthaus Krapinger
    • open today
    • 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 | © Gasthof Rauchenwald
    • open today
    • Mühlen

    Guest house Rauchenwald

    Quaint and cozy family business with organic farming.
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    Gasthof Kirchmoar | © Gasthof Kirchmoar
    • 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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    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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    Logo | © Café Claudia
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Café Claudia

    Werner’s cafe bar is located right on the main square in Neumarkt and is an ideal meeting point for young and old.
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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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    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