Circular Tour over the Schneealm in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

Schneealmboden Feeling – Simply indescribably good.

From the Urani natural bathing pond, we drive along the toll road to the Kohlebnerstand parking lot. From there, we take the slightly steeper, slightly rocky path along the summit ridge to the highest point of the Schneealm, the Windberg. From there, we continue to the right of the summit along a meadow path back to the Almboden. We cross this to reach the Lurgbauerhütte. Afterwards, we ascend to the Ameisbühel and then to the summit cross at the Schauerwand. From there, we continue to the prominent Schneealpenhaus and back to the parking lot.

After getting acquainted with the hiking route at the parking lot’s panoramic overview board, we begin with a moderate incline. On a wide path, we reach the beautiful high plateau of the Schneealpe, surrounded in a semicircle by mountains, populated by alpine cattle with their soothing bell sounds.

The path then leads us to Windberg with its large summit cross, where we proudly sign the summit book. From here, we have a clear view in all directions, all the way to the Dachstein, the Waldviertel, and the Steiner Alps. If you stay quiet, you might spot some wild animals, like chamois, marmots, or snow hares, as well as capercaillie and black grouse, alpine choughs, sparrowhawks, or sometimes even eagles.

Rare alpine plants such as petergerm, all types of gentians, stone carnations, limestone rush, and even edelweiss grow here. Not surprisingly, students come here twice a year for field research!

At the junction of Blarergraben and Trail 401, you’ll see earth mounds, which are a testimony to prehistoric ore mining up here. Shortly after, we reach the Lurgbauerhütte, probably the easternmost dairy farm in Austria. Sitting in the "Sonneneckerl" of the hut amidst the peace of the alpine meadows strengthens our inner calm. Passing the clearly visible Schneealpenhaus, we return to our vehicle.

On the way home, you should stop by Teichwirt Urani for a quick break... The bathing pond promises a refreshing dip and the Styria Beef specialties provide nourishment for both body and soul

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

The tour in numbers

medium

Level of difficulty

18,8 km

Route

5:00 h

Time

1046 hm

Uphill

1046 hm

Downhill

1903 m

Highest point

Map & downloads

Download GPX data

Download KML data

More information

Coming from the east and west: Take the S6, exit Mürzzuschlag, continue on the B23 until you reach the "Holz-Gams" near the Urani Pond at km 7 before Neuberg / Mürz. From there, continue to the organic farm Michlbauer (maintenance contribution per car EUR 7,-) and from there to the parking lot "Kohlebnerstand."

From the Urani Natural Bathing Pond, drive on the toll road via Lichtenbach to the Kohlebnerstand. From there, the easy hike begins over the Kampl to the alpine meadows – from here, take the path to the right of the summit, a grassy trail with a beautiful view of the alpine meadow, leading up to the summit cross. Alternatively, you can take the slightly steeper, slightly rocky path along the summit ridge up to the highest point of Schneealm, the Windberg, which offers spectacular views.

Terrain: Gravel road, alpine meadow, easily walkable, not too steep.

Places to stop for a break:

Michlbauerhütte (Almboden, 1,750 m above sea level)
Schneealpenhaus (Schauerkogel, 1,788 m above sea level)
Lurgbauerhütte with dairy farm (Ameisbühel, 1,765 m above sea level)

From Kohlebnerstand, you can reach the beautiful alpine meadows of Schneealm quickly and without much effort.

Schneealm is a 110 km² large, easy alpine hiking area with many circular routes, making it especially well-suited for families with children.

Of course, there are also rustic places to stop for a bite on the Schneealm. Visit the cozy hosts at the Schneealpenhaus or at the Lurgbauerhütte (organic cheese dairy).

Naturpark Taxi in the Naturpark Mürzer Oberland: Tel.: +43 3857 20170, www.naturparktaxi.at

ÖBB www.oebb.at or Verbundlinie Steiermark www.busbahnbim.at

With the BusBahnBim app of the Verbundlinie, timetable information has never been easier: All connections with bus, train, and tram in Austria can be queried by entering places and/or addresses, stops, or important points. The app is available as a free download for smartphones (Android, iOS) – on Google Play and the App Store.

Kohlebnerstand (1450 m). Access via the toll road (toll fee required).

Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland, Tel. +43 3857 8321, www.muerzeroberland.at, open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 – 12:00

TV Hochsteiermark, Tel.: +43 3862 55020, www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark

Mountain, hiking, and nature park guides: Information available at the Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland, Tel.: +43 3857 8321