To the Ploderer Cross and the Bleiweiß Mine

A circular hiking trail, not too far from the valley, yet offering beautiful panoramic viewpoints. One of the main highlights along the way is the unique Bleiweißgrube, a freely accessible show cave.

The Bleiweißgrube is a fascinating cave designated as a natural monument. It is located on the northern slope of the Karsteinerkogel and features a several-meter-high and wide passage with rich wall and ceiling formations of flowstone and so-called “moonmilk.” The cave floor contains deposits of clay and additional moonmilk formations.

In 1948, the only known Paleolithic artifact of the Upper Mürz Valley was discovered here. This suggests that the Bleiweißgrube may have served as a shelter for hunters during the Old Stone Age.

The Bleiweißgrube cave can be visited independently. A newly installed staircase inside the cave provides safe and easy access. The total hiking time (there and back) is approximately 2 hours.

Recommended equipment includes sturdy footwear, a headlamp, and, of course, surefootedness.

The starting point for the hike is located in the center of Kapellen, in front of the former Gasthof zum Touristen (opposite the Musikerheim). From there, the trail branches off toward the Bleiweißgrube (marked trail no. 822 to the Große Scheibe).
An alternative ascent starts from the Stojen district, across from the former Gasthaus Pferschy (junction Kohlbachgraben – Moassa). This route is also signposted (green-white markers).

The cave as a winter habitat

The cave serves as a winter roost for bats and must not be entered during the winter months.

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

The tour in numbers

easy

Level of difficulty

5,5 km

Route

2:05 h

Time

332 hm

Uphill

332 hm

Downhill

1035 m

Highest point

Map & downloads

Download GPX data

Download KML data

More information

www.at.map24.com

From Kapellen, we follow the marked and signposted trail toward the Hohe Scheibe. After about 30 minutes of walking, we reach the Ploderer Cross (Plodererkreuz), a summit cross already visible from the valley and offering a stunning panoramic view of the Rax mountains.

The trail continues uphill to the clearly signposted Bleiweißgrube cave. After visiting the cave, we descend by keeping to the right toward Stojen, and from there, we return to our starting point by following the road (a walking path runs alongside the road).

Kapellen is home to the world’s largest spinning wheel, as well as the traditional Spinnstube (spinning room) and a coffee roastery located in the former train station.

The BusBahnBim app from Verbundlinie makes checking public transport schedules easier than ever:
All connections by bus, train, and tram throughout Austria can be found simply by entering place names, addresses, stops, or points of interest.

The app is available free of charge for smartphones (Android and iOS) – on Google Play and in the App Store.

Parking available near the church in Kapellen.

Tourist Office Hochsteiermark
Mürzer Oberland Nature Park