From Karlgraben to Schönhaltereck in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park

From the parking area in Karlgraben, pass the spring of the Seven Springs and continue uphill along the forest road, passing a small climbing area (Elisabethwandl). Soon, we reach the marked trail, which becomes steeper as we ascend through Karlgraben. We follow this trail, ignoring all unmarked turn-offs, always heading uphill. After passing a spring, we soon find ourselves above the tree line in a basin-like depression.

Before long, we reach the high plateau (with a small alpine hut to the right) and follow the now partially green-marked trail to Knopperwiese. Here, we must decide—if we want to summit Schönhaltereck (longer route), we leave the marked trail at the signpost and head left uphill (unmarked, sometimes marked with cairns) over point 1,864m, following a partially latschen-covered ridge towards Schönhaltereck. Through a small depression, we continue upward to the already visible summit cross. Return to the signpost at Knopperwiese via the same route. Caution: difficult orientation in fog!

The more leisurely option takes us from Knopperwiese, keeping right, following the marked path to Windberg (1,903m, the highest point of Schneealm), and from there, we descend to the already visible Schneealm Huts. Here, we can take a break at the Michlbauer Hut or, a bit further away, at the Lurgbauer Hut or Schneealmhaus.

We return towards Karlgraben, passing the previously mentioned hunting hut, and descend through the Graben back to the parking area.

You could even split the tour into 2 days and spend the night on Schneealm – making it a more relaxed and enjoyable experience!

Nature Park Taxi in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park: Tel. +43 3857 20170, www.naturparktaxi.at

ÖBB www.oebb.at or Verbundlinie Styria www.busbahnbim.at

The BusBahnBim app from Verbundlinie makes checking public transport schedules easier than ever:
All bus, train, and tram connections in Austria can be searched by entering place names, addresses, stops, or points of interest. The app is available for free on smartphones (Android, iOS) – on Google Play and in the App Store.

Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Tel. +43 3857 8321, www.muerzeroberland.at, open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 12:00

Tourism Association Hochsteiermark, Tel. +43 3862 55020, www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark

Mountain, hiking, and nature park guides: For information, contact the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Tel. +43 3857 8321