The Mur Cycle Route

Your bike tour on the Mur Cycle Route begins in the scenic Lungau region of Salzburg, in the charming town of St. Michael. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Radstädter Tauern, Obertauern, and Nockberge, this idyllic setting creates the perfect atmosphere for your cycling vacation. Take a moment to visit the parish church of St. Michael, where a church has stood since the 9th century. The structure you see today was consecrated around 1513, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and architectural heritage. This blend of natural beauty and cultural significance sets an inspiring tone for your adventure ahead.

As you cycle along the Mur Cycle Route, you’ll traverse a picturesque river valley, framed by towering mountains. The path takes you past charming flower-filled farms and quaint chapels, enhancing the serene beauty of the landscape. A stop in Tamsweg provides the perfect opportunity to take a break. Be sure to explore the historic market square, where colorful houses create a vibrant atmosphere that is a must-see. Continuing your journey along the river, you'll arrive in Murau, known for its rich beer and timber heritage. The town features impressive wooden buildings, including the Mursteg, which connects two sections of the town and lends its name to the area. Don’t miss a visit to the brewery museum, where you can savor a glass of locally brewed Murauer beer, a delightful way to conclude your cycling day.

Leaving the charming wooden town behind, you’ll navigate hilly paths through lush, flower-filled landscapes. The Mur meanders closely alongside the imposing rock faces, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your ride. The Mur Cycle Route takes you right past Sauerbrunn Castle, featuring its notable Sternschanze. Built in the 15th century, the castle is renowned for its 12 healing springs, celebrated as the most famous healing waters in Styria. The Sternschanze itself is an impressive structure, and its purpose remains a mystery to this day. As you arrive in Judenburg, be sure to climb the 75-meter-high town tower. The panoramic view from the top offers stunning vistas of the town and the rolling hills that surround it, making it a highlight of your cycling journey.

As you cycle past the Maria Buch pilgrimage church—one of the oldest churches in Styria—the Mur Cycle Route takes you through charming, densely wooded areas. From this scenic path, you can catch glimpses of the Gulsenberg, a nature reserve renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. Notably, the rare serpentine houseleek, which grows exclusively in this region, can be found here. Upon reaching Leoben, we recommend dismounting to explore the historic old town on foot. Here, you’ll find the striking red Hacklhaus, which boasts the most important baroque façade in the city, adorned with intricate façade ornamentation dating back to 1660. This blend of history and architectural beauty enriches your cycling journey through this enchanting area.

As you continue along the Mur, you’ll pass through vibrant nature filled with old orchards and towering rock faces. Plan a well-deserved rest stop in Frohnleiten, where baroque townhouses in a variety of colors create a picturesque atmosphere. After your break, pedal on with energy as the valley opens up, revealing the majestic Schlossberg in the distance—you are approaching Graz! The Schlossberg, crowned by the iconic Clock Tower, serves as the heart of the old town. Take the Schlossbergbahn to ascend to the summit, where you can immerse yourself in the enchanting charm of Graz from above, enjoying breathtaking views over the rooftops of this beautiful provincial capital.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind, you’ll follow the serene Mühlgang River along the Mur Cycle Route into the expansive countryside. The reed-covered river meanders through lush green fields, offering breathtaking views of the high, wooded mountains that signal your entry into the wine region of Styria. As you cycle through this picturesque landscape, you'll pass charming, overgrown winegrowers' houses and lush vineyards. Before long, you will arrive in Leibnitz, your destination for today’s stage. Be sure to visit Seggau Castle, home to one of the most significant collections of Roman stones in Europe. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the 300-year-old wine cellar, where you can sample some exquisite local wines, completing your experience in this beautiful region.

On your final day, hop on your bike for a leisurely ride along the Mur. As you cycle, you’ll notice the river serving as a natural border to neighboring Slovenia. Take a well-deserved break in Mureck, where you can visit the Mureck Ship Mill. Here, the power of the Mur is harnessed to mill organic grain daily using traditional stone grinders, all in a completely natural manner. If you wish to make the most of your last day, consider a refreshing swim at Röcksee, conveniently located along your route. Your journey will conclude in Bad Radkersburg, a town with a distinct southern flair. The old town is characterized by closely lined houses, each adorned with paintings that narrate stories of the past. This blend of history and charm makes for a delightful finish to your cycling adventure.

After breakfast, your cycle tour along the Mur Cycle Route comes to a close. Before you embark on your journey home, take the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate at the thermal baths. If you’d like to extend your stay in Bad Radkersburg for an additional night, we would be delighted to accommodate you. Take the time to unwind and explore the charming town before you head back home.