Hiking route From the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park into the Hochschwab region - Touren-Impression #1 | © Naturpark Mürzer Oberland Hiking route From the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park into the Hochschwab region - Touren-Impression #1 | © Naturpark Mürzer Oberland

From the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park into the Hochschwab region

A relatively long hike, but especially in the summer months, an entertaining one thanks to the many serviced alpine pastures along the entire route. From the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park, the trail leads directly into the Styrian Gamsgebirg and into the Hochschwab Mountains.

From Niederalpl, the trail leads via the Sohlenalm to the Rotsohlalm at the foot of the Teufelsteig – where, according to legend, the grim “Rotsohler” (a variation of the Krampus) once roamed. In truth, the alpine pasture gets its name from the iron-rich, reddish rock that stains the soles of hikers' boots.

Continuing westward at a relaxed pace, the route passes the Turnauer Alm, the Göriacher Alm, and finally the Seebergalm. Toward the end, a magnificent view of the Hochschwab massif opens up.

At the destination, Seewiesen, hikers can optionally continue with an ascent of the Hochschwab summit – the round trip from Seewiesen to the summit and back takes approximately 8 hours.

Characteristics

Skill
Fitness

Best season

January
February
March
April
November
December

The tour in numbers

medium
Level of difficulty
21,0 km
Route
7:00 h
Time
700 hm
Uphill
980 hm
Downhill
1489 m
Highest point

Map & downloads

More information

Our tour begins at Gasthof Plodererhof, located directly at the Niederalpl Pass. The forest trail starts just above the road and leads us directly to the Sohlenalm. Here, instead of following the North–South long-distance trail toward the Veitsch, we take the Mariazell Pilgrimage Route 06A. Passing a gravel pit and partially following forest roads, we reach the Rotsohlalm and the nearby Nikolokreuz.

Legend has it that the grim Rotsohler was once chained here by a brave alpine herdswoman. Well, nowadays only naughty boys and girls around Krampus time have anything to fear from this mythical figure.

We, however, have nothing to worry about and continue westward to the huts of the Turnauer Alm. From here, the trail climbs a bit, and before long we reach the Göriacher Alm — a backward glance at the Hohe Veitsch and our route so far is well worth it.

From here on, it’s all downhill — first along a somewhat steeper forest path, then along a wide forest road, passing a rock face before reaching the Seebergalm (large parking area, cozy alpine inn, overnight stays possible).

Via the Seeberg Pass (a small ski area), we descend once more and finally reach Seewiesen, our destination.

Split the tour into two days with an overnight stay at the Turnauer Alm or Seebergalm, and hike there and back at a relaxed pace. This way, you can fully enjoy the culinary delights of the alpine huts along the way.

Nature Park Taxi – Mürzer Oberland
Tel. +43 3857 20170, www.naturparktaxi.at

Public transport:
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB): www.oebb.at
Styria Transport Association: www.busbahnbim.at

With the BusBahnBim app from the Styria Transport Association, checking timetables has never been easier:
All connections by bus, train, and tram across Austria can be found simply by entering a location, address, stop, or point of interest.
The app is available free of charge for smartphones (Android, iOS) – on Google Play and in the App Store.

Ample parking is available at Niederalpl.

Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office
Tel. +43 3857 8321, www.muerzeroberland.at
Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Tourism Association Hochsteiermark
Tel. +43 3862 55020, www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark

Mountain, hiking, and nature park guides:
For information, please contact the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office at Tel. +43 3857 8321

Gallery

What the weather will be like

Mariazell (860m)

23.08.2024
very sunny
12°C 27°C
24.08.2024
sunny
14°C 29°C
25.08.2024
sunny
14°C 27°C
In love, Hochsteiermark

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