Mariahof – Nature and History

Mariahof brings together natural attractions and a layered local history. When choosing where to stay, it can help to distinguish between outings to the moor, time at Furtner Teich and visits to historic buildings. The Dürnberger Moor and Furtner Teich offer different nature experiences; the ruins of Steinschloss Castle and the parish church of the Assumption of Mary provide two ways to explore the area’s history. This makes it easy to choose what to focus on in Mariahof, depending on what interests you most on your trip.

Nature experiences in Mariahof

The Dürnberger Moor formed around 12,000 years ago. It is home to rare animals and plants, including the carnivorous sundew. The moor thus brings together two aspects of nature: its ancient origins and the presence of distinctive species. The sundew offers a tangible example of the plant life found here. For travellers who want to experience nature not only through the landscape but also through its plant and animal life, this combination adds a distinctive dimension.

A path to the Dürnberger Moor and its observation tower starts at the Oberdorf car park, northwest of Vockenberg, and passes the Anawander farmstead. The starting point, waypoint and destination are all identified by name: the path leads from the car park via the farmstead to the moor and its observation tower.

Swimming and fishing are the main attractions at Furtner Teich. Visitors can explore the area along a circular trail around the bird sanctuary. The contrast with the Dürnberger Moor is clear: there, the described path leads from a named starting point via a waypoint to the observation tower; at Furtner Teich, swimming and fishing go hand in hand with a walk around the protected area. From 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026, Furtner Teich is freely accessible every day throughout the year.

Building history and traces of the past

The ruins of Steinschloss Castle in Mariahof are considered the highest-altitude castle in Styria. It was probably built in the 12th century by the noble family “von Stein”. A later, precisely dated turning point came in 1503, when the castle’s owner at the time, the Liechtenstein noble family, sold Steinschloss to St. Lambrecht Abbey. The castle ruins therefore bring together a presumed date of origin and a dated sale.

The parish church of the Assumption of Mary in Mariahof was first mentioned in a document in 1066 as “ecclesia Grazluppa”. After its destruction by the Hungarians, it was renovated in the Late Gothic style between 1482 and 1511; it was also converted into a fortified structure. The name points to the early written record, the dates mark the rebuilding, and the conversion represents a further change to the building.

The historical dates offer different perspectives on Mariahof: the parish church’s written record dates back to 1066, while the origins of Steinschloss are attributed to the 12th century. Later developments include the church’s rebuilding between 1482 and 1511 and the castle’s sale in 1503. In Mariahof, early written records, structural changes and a dated change of ownership all form part of local history.

Discover more destinations: Krakauhintermühlen, Winklern bei Oberwölz, Sankt Georgen Ob Murau, Sankt Veit In Der Gegend, Wildbad Einöd, Sankt Peter Am Kammersberg, Krakauschatten, Peterdorf

For the main travel overview: Murau.