Hiking in the Murauen along the banks of the Mur

We are not in the tropics but in southern Austria where the river Mur forms part of the border with Slovenia. This landscape, a combination of floodplains and forest is very unlike what we expect from mostly alpine Austria. Nonetheless, we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived.

Austria’s second largest river landscape

The river Mur makes up about 35 kilometres (22 mi) of the border between Austria (Styria) and Slovenia, between Spielfeld and Bad Radkersburg. The lush river landscape and floodplains, called Murauen constitutes Austria’s second largest river landscape (after the Donauau by Vienna). The protected area is perfect for exploration. No sooner than we left the carpark and headed down the marked trail, the greenery almost overwhelmed us.

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Jungle hiking

In the Murauen the forest grows wild and the plants spread out seemingly unhindered. You get the feeling of being in a jungle. We start our hike at Campingplatz Mureck where you find plenty of parking. Follow the signs towards Schiffsmühle Mureck and past the public swimming pool for the fastest way towards the river. Well ahead of the Mühlenhof restaurant, you can choose whether you want to follow the path west (to the right) or east (to the left). Both directions take you on trails through the forest along the river.

Rich wildlife

On a hot sunny June day with well over 30 °C, it is nice to hike under the trees in the shade of the leafy roof, where the temperature is a few degrees lower. Where the river runs a little quieter, the sound of the water was outplayed by the wildlife, and especially the birds. Although it is not far from the closest settlements and busy roads, we still get the feeling of being alone with nature. The dense forest or “jungle” on the banks of the Mur is teeming with wildlife and particularly rich on birds, amphibians and insects. It is not always easy to spot the wildlife, but at least you get the feeling that they are around you. Don’t worry, none of the animals are dangerous.

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Floating mill

A popular attraction and definitely worth a visit, is the traditional floating mill; Murecker Schiffsmühle. The floating mill is a replica built in 1997 based on old drawings, but the only one in Central Europe that is still in full function. You will find the museum mill anchored on the Mur right next to the Mühlenhof restaurant. After a hike in this stunning river landscape, it is nice to sit down on the terrace with a cold beverage and just enjoy the view of the river. The Mühlenhof is a traditional Austrian restaurant offering a good selection of dishes based on raw materials and recipes from Styria. After a hearty lunch, we got back on our feet and explored more of Murauen.

Ferry to Slovenia

On the Slovenian side, the riverbank is much steeper than on the Austrian side with a lush forest right down to the water’s edge. You can either cross the river by the bridge just east of Mureck, or with the ferry across the river at Weitersfeld, west of Mureck. Furthermore, the Slovenian side also has paths either by the river or a little further inland.

For more info: Bad Radkersburg Tourism

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