Mürzzuschlag: Brahms, Railway and Nature Trails

Discover Mürzzuschlag through several of its distinctive features: Johannes Brahms’ musical history, the Semmering Railway UNESCO World Heritage Site and nature experiences in the Mürzzuschlag Au. There are also opportunities for exercise and contemporary art. You can tailor your stay to your cultural interests or outdoor activities.

Experience Brahms in Mürzzuschlag

Johannes Brahms lived in Mürzzuschlag during the summer months of 1884 and 1885. In what is now the Brahms Museum, he wrote his Fourth Symphony in 1884, “Die Mürzzuschlager”. The museum displays outstanding original exhibits, including the historic Streicher grand piano on which Brahms played. His stay, his work and the surviving objects offer a tangible insight into the town’s musical history.

The approximately 5-kilometre Brahms Trail is a circular route through Mürzzuschlag and takes about two hours. Its 17 interactive stops share light-hearted and serious stories about Brahms and his friends. The trail combines a walk with varied insights into his life and circle. The approximate duration can help you fit this activity into your day’s plans.

The Semmering Railway and other cultural sites

Mürzzuschlag is located directly on the Semmering Railway UNESCO World Heritage Site. The railway station is home to the SÜDBAHN Museum, among other things, and is also the starting or end point of the World Heritage Site. The museum has a children’s discovery trail through its exhibition halls. The kunsthaus muerz offers a different focus, showcasing contemporary art in the fields of music, literature, visual art and architecture. The Ratsburg, a historic building in Mürzzuschlag, adds to these cultural attractions.

The different themes can be explored independently: Brahms represents musical history, kunsthaus muerz contemporary art, and the Semmering Railway the technical and cultural heritage of the railway. If you would like to devote most of your time to museums and art, these places offer different perspectives without forming a set itinerary.

Nature and exercise in the Mürzzuschlag Au

The Mürzzuschlag Au has a running route. The public sports facility in the “Mürzer Au” is also available free of charge for recreational sports. Check the local terms of use before visiting. If you would like to experience nature beyond running, you can also explore the nature discovery trail, which brings nature to life in line with current nature education practices. It has been open to visitors since 29 September 2011. The “Waldemar Wurzel” nature trail is designed as a search for the “Green Jewel”. The Au thus offers a range of ways to spend active time and experience nature.

Hikes, a cycling route and winter traditions

Mürzzuschlag is a stop on the “From the Glacier to the Wine” hiking route. A hike up the Stuhleck also starts in Mürzzuschlag. Another type of tour is the BergRadlWallfahrt: it starts in Mürzzuschlag and goes via Kapellen-Neuberg, Mürzsteg, Gschwandtgraben, Dürriegel, Königsalm and Mooshuben to the basilica in Mariazell. The return route goes via Mooshuben, Schöneben, Freingraben, Frein, Mürzsteg and the R5 back to Mürzzuschlag.

Winter sports are also part of the local event tradition. Since 1999, the NostalSkiTeam of the WinterSportMuseum has held the “Grand Prix Nostalski” in Mürzzuschlag or Steinhaus am Semmering. The venue and dates may vary from one edition to another; check the details for the relevant edition if you are planning your trip around it.

More things to do during your stay

The VIVAX leisure centre has an adjoining sports hall with a fitness room and health centre. Operating details may change, so it is advisable to check before planning a visit. For a special break, there is a historic replica of a k.u.k. court saloon carriage, where you can enjoy coffee, cake and light snacks; the menu may vary. Alongside cultural attractions and trails, sports activities and a place to stop for refreshments offer different options for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Mürzzuschlag, Langenwang, Stanz Im Mürztal, Kindberg, Veitsch, Spital Am Semmering, Mürzsteg, Krieglach, Semmering, Neuberg, Mürzhofen, Kapellen, Allerheiligen Im Mürztal, Mitterdorf Im Mürztal.

Back to the regional travel overview: Styria.