Cycling through the green heart of Austria – the Murradweg

Bike Touring Collection by Kristof

days

1-6 h

/ day

293 mi

6,550 ft

11,900 ft

In the heart of the Alps in the Salzburg region of Lungau in Austria, a small, rippling stream springs – the Mur. As it winds its way through Styria, it becomes the largest and most significant river in this south-easternmost province of Austria. The river has shaped the region for many centuries, helping the economy to thrive. It flows through many charming villages and towns, such as the thriving metropolis of Graz.

After leaving the Alps, the Mur meanders leisurely along the border between Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary. The scenery is filled with contrasts as snow-capped peaks tower behind vineyards and wide plains. Along the way, you explore the region’s historic culture from the Stone Age to today and enjoy a culinary tradition that is second to none. Plus, you get to see all of this from your saddle!

In this Collection, I present the Murradweg for you so you can follow this great adventure. I’ve based the route on the official stages, but you can of course change it as you see fit. Maybe you’ll like a place so much that you’ll decide to stay longer or perhaps you’ll spend a day hiking in the Alps or relaxing on a wellness day in a thermal spa.

The Murradweg is a very popular and well-developed route so you’ll be well catered for on your adventure. As well as wonderful cycle paths, you find a variety of accommodation and restaurants where you can indulge in roast chicken salad or cabbage strudel. If your calves need a break, you can always find a train station closeby. You can even take a trip on the Murtalbahn steam train. You won’t find a station in every starting point or destination, but there are always alternative ways to travel to and from the route with your bike. You can find helpful information in English, here: steiermark.com/en/mur-cycling-path/at-a-glance/mobility-options

On The Map

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Der Murradweg

294 mi

6,675 ft

12,000 ft

Last updated: November 4, 2021

Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.

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Tours & Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 1: Von der Sticklerhütte nach St. Michael im Lungau – Murradweg
01:29
16.7 mi
11.2 mph
300 ft
2,625 ft
Easy
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Your bike adventure along the Mur begins in the middle of the Alps, surrounded by a magnificent mountain backdrop at an altitude of 1,750 meters. The official starting point of the Mur Cycle Path is the Sticklerhütte, a few kilometers below the source of the Mur. If you also want to see the source, you…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 2: Von St. Michael im Lungau nach Murau – Murradweg
03:13
34.7 mi
10.8 mph
800 ft
1,600 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The beautiful nature greets you again as you exit St. Michael. The Murinsel is a paradise on earth. Here you will feel like putting your feet in the fresh water. You cycle comfortably along the Mur and pass pretty, small towns. Soon you will reach Tamsweg, where the southern Taurach flows into the Mur…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 3: Von Murau nach Judenburg – Murradweg
03:12
31.3 mi
9.8 mph
1,250 ft
1,450 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Also today you drive through the narrow valley of the Mur. To your left and right, the mountains rise proudly while the river babbles next to you. There are also always small swimming areas or resting places that are suitable for a picnic. One after the other, the small, pretty towns line up, all of…
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Etappe 4: Von Judenburg nach Leoben – Murradweg
03:14
34.4 mi
10.7 mph
1,100 ft
1,725 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today's stage is particularly varied. You keep going up small hills, from where you can enjoy a wonderful panorama. The first one awaits you right after you leave Judenburg. You can see how the city is elegantly embedded in the green mountains.

A little later you drive through the beautiful Murwald. Enjoy…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 5: Von Leoben nach Graz – Murradweg
04:51
49.1 mi
10.1 mph
1,950 ft
2,600 ft
Expert
Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Don't slumber too long, because today the queen stage of the tour lies ahead of you. Although it tends to go downhill along the river, there are always short, crisp counter climbs. Fortunately, you are already trained and can hardly wait for the fifth stage. And the many enchanting villages along the…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 6: Von Graz nach Leibnitz – Murradweg
02:54
28.7 mi
9.9 mph
225 ft
500 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Now you have finally left the Alps behind you and are rolling on the plain in the direction of southern Styria. You leave Graz on the banks of the Mur via the beautiful Augarten. After the motorway bridge, you dive into the beautiful world of the Murauen.

Flora and fauna feel particularly at home here…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 7: Von Leibnitz nach Bad Radkersburg – Murradweg
03:15
32.4 mi
10.0 mph
350 ft
525 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
After a short distance on the Sulm you change the river and drive along the Mur again. In Oberschwarza you leave the now very stately Stom and drive through small southern Styrian villages. From here the Mur forms the border between Austria and Slovenia.

Shortly before Weitersfeld you can take a cable…
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Etappe 8: Von Bad Radkersburg nach Legrad – Murradweg
06:01
65.2 mi
10.8 mph
625 ft
900 ft
Expert
Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The last stage of the Mur Cycling Path summarizes the route from the Austrian border to the mouth on the Hungarian border. For a good 100 kilometers you drive through Slovenia and Croatia. Of course, you can also divide the stage.

The path itself often leads you away from the Mur, which, especially in…
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