We start the BergRadlRunde in Mürzsteg. Passing the Imperial Hunting Lodge, the summer residence of the current President of Austria, we first warm up by cycling along the main road towards Frein with the Freinerhof, a popular meeting point for pilgrims on their way to Mariazell, as well as cyclists and mountain bikers. There is also an E-bike charging station at the Freinerhof if needed.
At the Freinerhof, we turn left into the Freinbachgraben and follow this narrow valley for about 8.5 km until we reach the unmanaged Höhenreithalm. The mountain hut invites us for our first break, and here we can wonderfully enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. We then head downhill towards Schöneben, a junction where we could also turn towards Mariazell, but instead, we follow a rugged streambed uphill to the unmanaged Falbersbachalm. Shortly after the Falbersbachalm, the hut owner shows some leniency with us, as we find cool drink crates in a fountain and a small cash box nearby.
He knows that we need some refreshment because now comes the last and steepest climb of the circular route—the final ascent to the Dürriegelalm (open in the summer, for more information, call +43 3857 8321). The view from this idyllically located alpine hut is truly stunning, and we take a short break here as well before heading downhill through the Buchalpengraben. While we have another amazing view here, we focus entirely on the descent, as the trail is winding and steep. After around 7 km of rapid descent, we reach the main road and leisurely cycle the final stretch back to Mürzsteg.