© 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.

    29 results
    Kirche am Mühlsteinboden | © Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • 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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    Wasserfall | © Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Graggerschlucht und Kaskadenwasserfall

    The "bionic island" is the starting point for a hike through the wildly romantic gorge "Graggerschlucht". There is a...
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    Sonnenuntergang im Stiftsgarten | © Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Abbey garden St. Lambrecht

    This wonderful complex with the pavilion at its centre was set out in the middle of the 17th century according to plans...
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    Schloss mit Aussicht | © TV Murau, Tom Lamm
    • 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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    Weg zum Pöllauer Ursprung | © Gerda Kasparec
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Ursprungsquelle Pöllau

    The waterproof rock in the interior of the mountain "Grebenzen" reveals the origin spring of Pöllau.
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    Kirchenansicht | © Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • open today
    • St. Lambrecht

    Wallfahrtskirche Maria Schönanger

    Maria Schönanger is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church in the nature park Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen. The church can be...
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    Miravita Garten
    • 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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    NaturLese- und Generationenpark | © Holzwelt Murau
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    NatureReading and Generation Park

    This park, artistically laid out in the shape of a leaf and featuring unusual sculptures, quotes from philosophers and...
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    Wandermärchen Hans im Glück | © Marieke Wernig
    • Mühlen

    Wandering 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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    Aussichtsturm 7 Kirchen-Blick | © Verband der Naturparke Österreich
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Seven churches lookout tower

    Close to the 'Buschenschenke Zeischgl' in Mitterberg is this 14 metre high tower which affords a fantastic view of the...
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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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    Keltendorf am Badesee | © Naturpark Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen
    • open today
    • Mühlen

    Adventure mile by the lake

    The sunny Mühlner Badesee is located at the foot of the Zirbitzkogel. A walk around the Mühlner Badesee promises fun...
    More Details
    29 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.  

    Auf der Terrasse | © Camping am Badesee
    • Mühlen

    Campinggasthaus am Badesee

    Welcome to the cozy camping inn with sun terrace directly at the Mühlner Badesee. Here, a lot revolves around the...
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    Gössler
    • Mühlen

    Inn Gössler

    GUESTGOUSE GÖSSLER - Eat well, sleep well, enjoy and experience nature! The inn in the nature park Zirbitzkogel -...
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    Zirbitzkogelschutzhaus
    • Mühlen

    Zirbitzkogel Schutzhaus

    Just 20 meters below the summit of the Zirbitzkogel is a serviced hut, the Zirbitzkogel-Schutzhaus at 2376 m,...
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    Schönangerhütte
    • St. Lambrecht

    Schönangerhütte

    Gasthaus Schönanger is located at 1331 m above sea level and is right next to the Maria Schönanger pilgrimage...
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    Außenansicht Knappenwirt | © Gasthof Knappenwirt
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Inn Knappenwirt

    In the idyllic setting of the "Murtal", modern cuisine meets styrian plain fare at the Knappenwirt in Mariahof. There...
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    Hausgemachte Strudel | © Moorstüberl
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Mostschenke Moorstüberl

    Hiking in Mariahof, exploring the "Dürnberger" moor and then having a good snack in the cozy "Zirbenstüberl" or in...
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    Marktcafe Pristovnik | © Marktcafe Pristovnik
    • St. Lambrecht

    Marktcafe Pristovnik

    In the heart of St. Lambrecht with a view of the Benedictine monastery, they look forward to welcoming you!
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    Buschenschank Zeischgl | © Ferdinand Wölfl
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Buschenschank Zeischgl

    Cozy cider tavern with a great view at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. Whether in the orchard, in the...
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    Steinschlosshütte neben der Burgruine | © Alexander Trienitz
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Steinschlosshütte

    The Steinschloßhütte is located directly under the castle ruins that give it its name. Idyllically located, the hut...
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    GH Fischerwirt
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Inn Fischerwirt

    Inn with a direct location between the two "Graslupp" ponds. Homemade cuisine with fish dishes as a recommendation. And...
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    Gh Ritzinger | © Armin Ritzinger
    • open today
    • Neumarkt in der Steiermark

    Kirchenwirt Inn Ritzinger

    Family Ritzinger is looking forward to your coming. Suitable for bus groups, celebrations of all kinds. Advance...
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    Hirschenwirt | © Gasthaus Hirschenwirt
    • Mühlen

    Inn Hirschenwirt

    BEING A GUEST MEANS BEING WELCOMEIn their family business in Mühlen in Styria, which has been awarded the title "Gute...
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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