Nature Reserve Guide
Bezirk Murau is home to 3 designated nature reserves, which form part of a larger network of protected landscapes in western Styria, Austria. These reserves encompass a variety of alpine and sub-alpine environments, from the rounded peaks of the Nockberge to the rugged terrain of the Schladminger Alps and the slopes of the Zirbitzkogel. The region's geography is defined by high-altitude moors, dense mountain forests, and species-rich alpine meadows. The primary outdoor activities available across these protected areas include hiking,…
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Last updated: April 23, 2026

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Naturschutzgebiet - Teil Der Steirischen Nockberge is a nature reserve with unique rounded mountains and diverse ecosystems, offering routes for hiking, biking, and more.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling

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Naturschutzgebiet Krakau-Schöder is a Styrian nature reserve in the Schladminger Alps, offering diverse mountainous terrain for hiking, cycling, and mountaineering.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling

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West- U. Ostabhänge Des Zirbitzkogels is a Styrian nature reserve offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and mountaineering, shaped by ice ages and featuring the Zirbitzkogel mountain.
Hiking
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Cycling
The nature reserves in Bezirk Murau are protected areas safeguarding alpine and sub-alpine environments, including high-altitude moors and dense mountain forests. This page aggregates 3 such reserves, including Naturschutzgebiet - Teil Der Steirischen Nockberge and Naturschutzgebiet Krakau-Schöder. These areas offer numerous routes for human-powered outdoor activities.
The primary activities in Bezirk Murau's nature reserves are hiking, mountain biking, and cycling, with more than 300 routes available across the region. Other popular activities include trail running and mountaineering. Specific collections of routes are available for MTB Trails around Bezirk Murau and Hiking around Bezirk Murau.
The Naturschutzgebiet - Teil Der Steirischen Nockberge is characterized by its distinctive rounded mountains, part of the larger Nockberge range. It offers a diverse ecosystem with over 100 routes for activities including hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling.
The Naturschutzgebiet Krakau-Schöder provides access to the mountainous terrain of the Schladminger Alps. This reserve features a variety of landscapes suitable for hiking, mountaineering, and cycling, with approximately 45 hiking trails and 12 mountain bike routes available.
The West- U. Ostabhänge Des Zirbitzkogels reserve encompasses the slopes of the Zirbitzkogel mountain in the Seetal Alps. Its terrain, shaped by ice ages, is popular for mountaineering and hiking, with more than 110 routes available for various activities.
Yes, there are many hiking trails across the nature reserves in Bezirk Murau. The three main reserves together feature over 130 designated hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging alpine ascents. These routes explore landscapes from the Nockberge to the Schladminger Alps.
The nature reserves in Bezirk Murau offer numerous mountain biking opportunities. The West- U. Ostabhänge Des Zirbitzkogels reserve alone has over 10 MTB routes. Across the region, trails cater to various skill levels, traversing alpine meadows and mountain forests.
Yes, family-friendly routes are available within the broader Bezirk Murau region, which includes the nature reserves. While specific trail suitability varies, options for easier outings can be found. A curated collection of Family-friendly hikes around Bezirk Murau offers ideas for accessible adventures.
Regulations regarding dogs can vary by specific area and are intended to protect wildlife and grazing livestock. In Styrian nature reserves ("Naturschutzgebiete"), dogs are generally required to be kept on a leash. It is important to check local signage for the most current rules before starting a route.
Several hiking areas in the Bezirk Murau region are accessible via public transportation. A dedicated guide to Hikes from bus stations around Bezirk Murau lists routes that start near public transport stops. Planning with regional bus and train schedules is recommended for access to specific trailheads.
The Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park is a large protected area in the region, encompassing mountains, wetlands, and alpine meadows. While distinct from the three state-designated nature reserves on this page, it contains important habitats like the Furtner Pond and offers extensive hiking on trails such as the Via Natura.

