Bretstein: Hiking and Local History

Two named hikes, the memorial site of the former Mauthausen subcamp and the parish church offer concrete points of interest. This can help you decide whether a route, historical topics or both will shape your stay.

Hiking in Bretstein

The “Hochschwung from Bretsteingraben” hike is of moderate difficulty and 14.1 km long. It starts at the Tubay car park in Bretsteingraben, at an altitude of 1,196 m. Length and difficulty rating are different planning criteria: the number of kilometres describes the distance, while the rating indicates the level of difficulty. Together, they give you two specific points of reference when choosing a hike. Seasonal trail conditions can vary; check them before setting out.

The second hike, “Kreuzkogel via Schwabergeralm”, starts at the Gamperhütte in Bretstein. This lets you compare two named starting points: the Tubay car park in Bretsteingraben for the Hochschwung hike and the Gamperhütte for the Kreuzkogel hike. The details on length and moderate difficulty refer to Hochschwung. Another local feature of the landscape is Lake Tubay, a cirque lake with a small summit cross.

History and memorial site

The Bretstein subcamp was one of the satellite camps of Mauthausen concentration camp and began operating in June 1941. At least 170 prisoners were interned there, mainly Spanish Republicans and German Jehovah’s Witnesses. This figure should be understood as a minimum, not a definitive total. The Bretstein subcamp memorial site opened on the former camp grounds in April 2003. 1941 marks the start of the camp’s operations, while 2003 marks the opening of the memorial site: the years refer to two different stages in its history.

Church, resting place and tradition

Bretstein parish church was designated a church in 1373; its high altar was made in the early 18th century. These dates mark different aspects: the church’s designation and the creation of a specific furnishing. They offer two points of reference for the history of the church in Bretstein. A high altar is the main altar of a church.

The timeline runs from the designation of the parish church in 1373 and the early 18th-century high altar to the camp’s operation from 1941 and the opening of the memorial site in 2003. This sequence brings Bretstein’s different historical connections into focus.

The Hubertus Chapel serves as a resting place for hikers, walkers and cyclists. A Hubertus celebration is traditionally held in Bretstein every year. The resting place and the recurring event are different points of interest to consider when planning a trip. If the celebration fits your reason for travelling, check the date in advance.

Ice stock sport

Ice stock sport is listed as an activity at Gasthaus Schaffer and Gasthof Beren in Bretstein. Seasonal availability may vary; if you plan to take part, ask about current availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Preggraben, Weißkirchen in Steiermark, Gaal.

Return to the regional travel overview: Murtal.