Cycling the Mur River Valley to Graz

Day 1: Arrival in St. Michael im Lungau
Day 2: St Michael - Murau, 35 mi. (55 km)
Day 3: Murau - Judenburg/surroundings, 43 mi. (65 km)
Day 4: Judenburg/surroundings - Bruck an der Mur/Oberaich, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 5: Bruck an der Mur/Oberaich - Graz, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 6: Graz - Mureck, 41 mi. (65 km)
Day 7: Mureck - Bad Radkersburg, 16 mi. (25 km)

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork. 

Day 1: Arrival in St. Michael im Lungau
Arrival in St. Michael im Lungau, check in to your first hotel, and enjoy. You will have a welcome briefing and distribution of tour information and rental bicycles as pre-arranged. This meeting generally occurs at 6 pm at your first hotel. If you know you cannot make the welcome meeting, you can collect your tour documentation from the reception of your start hotel. Rental bikes, too, will be at your hotel. Advance notification is necessary.

The market town of St. Michael's on the upper Mura river used to be a miners' settlement originating in the 12th century. Lungau is the most remote district of the state of Salzburg.

Sample accommodations: Romantikhotel Wastlwirt
 
Day 2: St. Michael - Murau, 35 miles (55 km)
Passing first through Tamsweg, a historic market town with a Rathaus (old town) from 1570, and a Baroque parish church from about 1741, you will also find an interesting local museum exhibiting items from peasant life. You will spend the night in the old town of Murau, nestled amid extensive forests in the upper valley of the Mura River. Murau is nestled at the foot of the Stolzalpe mountain, which rises to over 5900'. Sights in Murau, other than the spectacular scenery surrounding you, include the 13th-century Murau Castle, the Gothic church, and the Leonhard Temple. Every year in July, the European Shakespeare Days take place here, where you can watch the performances in English.

Sample accommodations: Hotel Lercher
 
Day 3: Murau - Judenburg/surroundings, 43 miles (65 km)
Today, you will ride your bike through the straits of the Murvalley at the foot of the Lower Tauern Mountains. In Frojach, you will find the Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum; in Frauenburg, the legendary ruins; and in Sauerbrunn, the oldest mineral water source in Styria. Many historic sites can also be seen in Judenburg: the city tower, the former sovereign’s castle, townhouses, and Magdalen Church.

Sample accommodations: Gastehaus Karl August
 
Day 4: Judenburg/surroundings - Bruck an der Mur/Oberaich, 37 miles (60 km)
On the fourth day, you will visit Marie Buch (pilgrimage church) and the Seckau Monastery (Benedictine abbey). In the old industrial towns, one can clearly see the well-preserved legacy of the past:  well-kept old towns, vibrant pedestrian zones, and interesting museums.  In Leoben, you can visit the Göss Monastery and the Gösser brewery. In Bruck an der Mur, you will find interesting sites such as the Schlossberghill, the Kornmesserhaus, and the city hall.

Sample accommodations: Hotel Landskron

Day 5: Bruck an der Mur/Oberaich - Graz, 37 miles (60 km)
Through the lush green that is Styria, your tour leads to Frohnleiten, a typical example of a medieval market that has grown into a roadside village. Then, passing ancient farm buildings surrounded by old fruit orchards, you cycle by the fortress of Rabenstein into the Tanneben pine forest. Austria's largest stalactite cave, Lurgrotte, is located here. Also, the Austrian Open Air Museum, Stuebing, is very interesting. It is among the 10 largest and most spectacular open-air museums in Europe. There are original, historic rural buildings from all over Austria. Stuebing gives an insight into the peasant culture of Austria in the past. You will spend the night in Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, overlooked by the prominent hill, the Schlossberg. Graz is known for its value on education as manifested by the six universities that are located here. The roots of Graz can be traced back to Roman times, when a small fort was built where the city center is today; Slovenians later built a larger fortress in the same place. You will want to visit the clock tower on the Schlossberg hill, also Castle Eggenberg, which is the oldest family-owned brewery in Austria. It dates back at least to the year 999 A.D. At this time, the beer was brewed only for the inhabitants of the surrounding villages. Since 1681, the Castle Brewery Eggenberg has been brewing on a commercial basis. About 200 years ago, the ancestors of the present owner bought the castle. There are also several museums in Graz that are worth a visit. The Old Town of Graz was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1999 due to the blend of typical buildings from different time periods and architectural styles.

Sample accommodations: Das Weitzer
 

Day 6: Graz - Mureck, 41 miles (65 km)
A highlight today will be the Seggau Castle, rising above Southern Styria's wine-growing area. It can be seen for miles around. Its history goes back to Roman times, and the lover of such will find satisfaction in the royal room with its perfectly preserved baroque furnishings, considered a true artistic treasure. The wine connoisseur will covet the 300-year-old wine cellar stocked with wooden barrels. The castle's vineyard was once episcopal, dating back to the Baroque period. Be sure to visit the unique river mill, the church, and the town hall. Or perhaps venture to neighboring Slovenia and the Obermureck castle.

Sample accommodations: Pension Steirerland

Day 7: Mureck - Bad Radkersburg, 16 miles (25 km)
On the short final stage, you will find water of all kinds: the Mur River will guide you, you can swim in Lake Röcksee, visit the mineral water spring of Peterquelle, and relax in the thermal waters of Bad Radkersburg (a historic old town with many different architectural styles!). At the end of the day,  you will leave your rental bike at the designated location, and either extend your stay or depart. You can take advantage of a return transfer by bus to St. Michael (every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 2 pm, and every Sunday at 11 am) -  see pricing. Advance reservation is required.

If you are booking Category A accommodations,  admission to the thermal bath in Bad Radkersburg is included in the price, so booking an extra night is recommended.  Of course, in either category of accommodations, an extra night is enjoyable so that you can finish your cycling day and still have your evening in Bad Radkersburg.

Additional Options:

Trip to the Spring of the Mur River, approx. 35 mi. (55 km)
The route along the Mur River to the national park town of Muhr experiences minimal traffic. You’ll pedal through vibrant meadows to reach the Muritzen car park, where a transfer option is available (approx. €90 for up to 4 people, including bikes; €120 for 5–8 people, including bikes). From there, the journey continues uphill along a challenging route with gradients ranging from 1% to 19%, leading to the Stickler Alpine Hut. The final stretch requires a one-hour hike to the Mur River’s spring, situated at an altitude of 1,898 meters. Afterward, you’ll cycle downhill back to St. Michael. Transfers operate from late May onwards, weather permitting, and are subject to change based on conditions.

Extra night sample accommodations: Romantikhotel Wastlwirt

Day 1: St. Michael im Lungau
Day 2: St. Michael - Murau (33.6 miles / 54 km)
Day 3: Murau - Judenburg/surroundings (31.7 miles / 51 km)
Day 4: Judenburg/surroundings - Bruck an der Mur/Oberaich (44.1 miles / 71 km)
Day 5: Bruck an der Mur/Oberaich - Graz (37.3 miles / 60 km)
Day 6: Graz - Mureck (40.4 miles / 65 km)
Day 7: Mureck - Bad Radkersburg (14.3 miles / 23 km)

All distances are approximate. The itinerary may change due to weather, local authorities' provisions, or unforeseen circumstances like roadwork. Temporary deviations may occur along the route, not reflected in maps. Follow local directions in such cases.

Day 1: Arrival in St. Michael im Lungau
Arrive in St. Michael im Lungau, a charming village surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Take advantage of the nearby swimming spots, enjoy a leisurely walk through the village and surrounding forests, or simply relax and settle into your accommodations before beginning your cycling adventure.

Sample accommodations:
Cat. A: Romantikhotel Wastlwirt
Cat. B: Hotel Stofflerwirt

Day 2: St. Michael - Murau (33.6 miles / 54 km)
The first stage takes you to Tamsweg, known for its historic market square and the pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard. Wood in all its forms shapes this region, as showcased at the St. Ruprecht Wood Museum. Continue to the tranquil medieval brewing town of Murau, where you can discover the beer museum, Murau Castle, and beautifully preserved town center.

Elevation: +450m / -680m

Sample accommodations: Hotel Lercher

Day 3: Murau - Judenburg/surroundings (31.7 miles / 51 km)
Follow the narrow passages of the Mur Valley at the foot of the Niedere Tauern to Frojach, known for its charming narrow-gauge railway museum. Nearby, discover the legendary ruins of Frauenburg and Sauerbrunn, home to Styria's oldest mineral spring. Continue to Judenburg, where highlights include the iconic town tower, former princely castle, historic merchant houses, and beautiful Magdalene Church.

Elevation: +630m / -730m

Sample accommodations:
Cat. A: Hotel Schloss Gabelhofen
Cat. B: Das Karl August

Day 4: Judenburg/surroundings - Bruck an der Mur/Oberaich (44.1 miles / 71 km)
Today's route passes the striking pilgrimage church of Maria Buch and the Benedictine Abbey of Seckau. Along the way, well-preserved old towns, lively pedestrian zones, and fascinating museums showcase the area's industrial heritage. In Leoben, you will find Stift Göss and the famous Gösser Brewery. Upon reaching Bruck an der Mur, take some time to explore the Schlossberg hill, Kornmesserhaus, and town hall.

Elevation: +240m / -460m

Sample accommodations: Hotel Landskron

Day 5: Bruck an der Mur/Oberaich - Graz (37.3 miles / 60 km)
Continue to Frohnleiten, famous for its Murlendpark and quaint "Tratschweiberbrunnen" fountain. Cycle through a scenic landscape of traditional farmsteads, orchards, and dramatic cliffs, passing Rabenstein Castle, the Lurgrotte cave, and the open-air museum at Stübing. Your destination is Graz, the vibrant state capital, where highlights include the Schlossberg and Uhrturm, Schloss Eggenberg, the Landhaus, town hall, numerous museums, and excellent local dining.

Elevation: +450m / -580m

Sample accommodations:
Cat. A: Grand Hotel Wiesler
Cat. B: Hotel Intercity Graz

Day 6: Graz - Mureck (40.4 miles / 65 km)
At Schloss Seggau, discover the Fürstenzimmer and art gallery with their impressive artworks, as well as the 300-year-old wine cellar, an ideal introduction to the South Styrian Wine Road. Continue to Mureck, where notable sights include the church, town hall, and historic floating mill.

Elevation: +40m / -150m

Sample accommodations: Hotel Pension Steirerland

Day 7: Mureck - Bad Radkersburg (14.3 miles / 23 km)
Water in all its forms shapes this final short stage. Follow the Mur River, stop at Röcksee for a swim, discover the Peterquelle mineral spring, and enjoy the region's soothing thermal baths. Your cycling journey concludes in Bad Radkersburg, a charming spa town with a beautifully preserved historic Old Town.

Elevation: +40m / -70m

Departure or return transfer options are available, or consider extending your stay at the recommended Category A hotel, which includes thermal spa access.