"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

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.

Go to the full route of the Via Natura trail

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.

Via Natura Stage 1: NatureReadingLearn

Via Natura Stage 2: Nature as a source of... ...

Via Natura Stage 3: The nature of water

Via Natura Stage 4: Sound in nature and... ...

Via Natura Stage 5: The Biography of the Earth

Via Natura Stage 6: People and Plants

Via Natura - Stage 7: Weather and climate

Via Natura stage 8: Working in harmony with nature

Via Natura stage 9: Energy fields in nature

Via Natura Stage 10: Power points in people and... ...

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

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...

More Details

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...

More Details

Mühlen

Keltisches Museum Noreia

Since excavations uncovered an entire town and the present village in the municipality "Mühlen" was given the name of...

More Details

Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Exhibition: Legendary castles and palaces

In its exhibition, the Neumarkter Hochtal Historical Working Group focuses on some of the region's most impressive...

More Details

open today
Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Hochofen Pöllau

As far back as 1430, the Benedictine monastery of St. Lambrecht was granted imperial rights to dig for ore on its own...

More Details

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...

More Details

Neumarkt in der Steiermark

NaturLese-Museum Neumarkt

Discover the fascinating world of nature at the reading nature museum in Neumarkt. In our interactive hands-on museum,...

More Details

open today
Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Ursprungsquelle Pöllau

The waterproof rock in the interior of the mountain "Grebenzen" reveals the origin spring of Pöllau.

More Details

open today
Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Ursprungsquelle Zeutschach

Between 90 and 120 liters per second of pure, oxygen-rich drinking water bubbles out of the ground here. The excellent...

More Details

Mühlen

Historische Schmiede Noreia

Fancy a personal vacation souvenir? Then you are in the right place.

More Details

Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Castle Lind

The OTHER museum of loca history/"Schloss Lind" deals with recent contemporary and social history in the form of...

More Details

open today
St. Lambrecht

Auerlingsee

The Auerlingsee is surrounded by a sense of mystery. Nestling in a delightful forest location, it is hidden away at the...

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.

St. Lambrecht

Jausenstation Straussenhof Wallner

The snack station in St. Blasen offers delicious delicacies - among others from our own farm! Taste delicacies around...

More Details

St. Lambrecht

Schönangerhütte

Gasthaus Schönanger is located at 1331 m above sea level and is right next to the Maria Schönanger pilgrimage...

More Details

St. Lambrecht

Inn Torwirt

The inn, opposite the Benedictine monastery, is a traditional inn where everyone feels at home. Good home cooking,...

More Details

open today
Mühlen

Campinggasthaus am Badesee

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

More Details

Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Café Claudia

Werner’s cafe bar is located right on the main square in Neumarkt and is an ideal meeting point for young and old.

More Details

open today
Mühlen

Guest house Rauchenwald

Quaint and cozy family business with organic farming.

More Details

open today
Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Inn Seeblick

Family farm with inn - horseback riding, swimming and in addition a great hiking area!In the beautiful resort of...

More Details

Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Inn & Italian Restaurant - Jerá am Furtnerteich

Located directly on the banks of the Furtnerteich lake, the restaurant offers Italian specialties and Italian wines...

More Details

Mühlen

Zirbitzkogel Schutzhaus

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

More Details

Neumarkt in der Steiermark

Restaurant Golfblick, Sabine kocht´s

Enjoyment with a golf course view! The team at the Restaurant Golfblick cordially invites you to spend enjoyable and...

More Details

St. Lambrecht

Gruber Alm

Mrs. Erika Gruber is one of the gastronomic fixed stars in St. Lambrecht.

More Details

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...

More Details

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.