HIKING IN STYRIA

Long-distance hiking on the imposing Veitschschalpe

Those who have made the ascent to the summit cross are rewarded with a magnificent view from the Hochschwab over the Rax to the Fischbach Alps.(Bild: Weges)

From Niederalpl via Hohe Veitsch to Neuberg an der Mürz - the "Krone" hiking experts Elisabeth Zienitzer and Silvia Sarcletti present the 6th stage of the "BergZeitReise" long-distance hiking trail in the Hochsteiermark region, a particularly attractive tour this time.

Many paths lead to the extensive plateau of the Veitschalpe, which is characterized by magnificent flower mats, sometimes deep sinkholes and rugged precipices. During the crossing, we get to know the popular summit area and the lonely side in the east of the limestone massif.

Magnificent flower mats line the path(Bild: Weges)

This public transport tip in the Mürzsteg Alps is an interesting challenge for sporty hikers, but can also be hiked as a varied 2-day tour with an overnight stay in a hut at Graf-Meran-Haus. Conclusion: Take your time for this mountain trip!

We start at Niederalpl (1221 m) and see the yellow signposts at the bus stop. The trail leads uphill through the forest and downhill across pastures to the Sohlenalm (1380 m).

We hike uphill on paths and forest roads - passing a spring - until we reach the Gingatzwiese waypoint (1700 m) via a wide gully.

The last few meters of altitude lead us across alpine pastures with great views up to the Hohe Veitsch (1981 m). We descend to the Graf-Meran-Haus (1836 m) and walk directly past the refuge in an easterly direction.

Wonderful place of power to take a deep breath(Bild: Weges)

The hiking trail leads across the extensive limestone plateau with its impressive sinkholes. We pass a small pond, hike gently up and down through mountain pines and along a gravel road to the Kleinveitschalm huts (1451 m).

Facts & Figures

• Hiking data: 25 km / 1100 m ascent and 1600 m descent / walking time 8 h.
• Requirements: Long, demanding mountain hike with steep sections; caution is advised in bad weather across the limestone plateau.
• Signposting system: The ascent and the paths on the plateau are well signposted and marked; sometimes insufficient towards the east; digital navigation recommended.
• Starting point: Niederalpl (parking and refreshment facilities).
• End point: Neuberg/Mürz (parking and refreshment facilities).
• Public transport: from Mürzzuschlag by bus 189 via Neuberg to Niederalpl.
• Refreshment stops during the hike: Graf-Meran-Haus, ÖTK-Hütte, 0664/1513220, Klein- veitschalm-Hütte, 0664/ 2209171.
• Questions and suggestions: WEGES - Silvia and Elisabeth, 0650/2611119, weg-es.at; Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: wegesaktiv.

Take trail 401 in the direction of Hocheck. The next few kilometers lead along narrow paths, some of which are overgrown with grasses and huckleberry bushes and sparsely marked.

The hiking experts from the "Steirerkrone"(Bild: Weges)

After the final ascent to Veitschachtörl (1406 m), the trail descends steeply to Neuberg an der Mürz (730 m).