The Mur Cycle Path (9 day)

Let the post bus deliver you to one of the most beautiful parts of Austria. St Michael im Lungau has a mining history dating back to the 12th century. Perhaps take an excursion to the beautiful village of Muhr or up to the source of the Mur River itself.

Leaving St Michael, there’s a woodland wonderland waiting to enthral you on the way to historic Tamsweg with its fine market place and pilgrimage church. Moosham and the fortress at Mauterndorf are on the menu reaching the medieval centre of brewing history, Murau with its impressive castle.

Miles: 34 Kms: 55

The river valley narrows at the foot of the ragged peaks of Niedere Tauern and gives way to a hoard of historic sites including ancient mineral springs, tales of troubadours, city towers and townhouses. Judenburg offers an inspiring stop for the night with plenty of tiny streets for an evening stroll and chance to really drink in the local specialities.

Miles: 40 Kms: 65

Head out from Judenburg through what was once one of the most important industrial regions of Austria, with much preserved heritage in evidence, towards Oberaich. Pop in to pilgrims’ churches perhaps or take a look at the so-called ‘mushroom tower’ in Leoben. There’s another brewery museum too and medieval splendours to enjoy at castle mountain in Bruck an der Mur, ancient town where your relaxing accommodation awaits you.

Miles: 37 Kms: 60

Another day of contrasts with Frohnleiten offering delightful garden treats before you go wild in the unspoilt nature down the valley to vibrant Graz, European Capital of Culture in 2003. Ancient farm buildings punctuate the old fruit orchards; Rabenstein boasts a time-honoured fortress, then there are the weird and wonderful drip-stone Lurgrotte caves at Peggau. Stübling throws some light on rural life with its farm museum, but Graz steals the show with its famous clock tower, castle Eggenburg and numerous squares to browse and shop or take a breather over a refreshing beer.

Miles: 37 Kms: 60

Leaving glorious Graz, the South Styrian Wine Road guides down towards Mureck with its unique riverside mill. From Kalsdorf, choose from a beautiful river bank path to Wildon, a pedal across the Leibnitzer Feld and Sulmtal Valley to historic Castle Seggau with its 300 year old wine cellar, royal chambers and art gallery or take an extra excusion over the border and into Slovenia to the impressive Castle Obermureck. Your overnight accommodation is in the historic town of Mureck.

Miles: 40 Kms: 65

Enjoying water in all its forms is the theme for today, be it bathing in Lake Rocksee, taking the local Peterquelle mineral water, the wonderful views of the River Mur or the thermal springs at Bad Radkersburg right on the Slovenian border. You may choose to depart after cycling to Radkersburg or stay the night in a spa hotel.

Miles: 16 Kms: 25