How To Get Around In Murau
By car
One of the most flexible and practical ways to get to know Murau and its surroundings is to drive. From various points in the city or neighboring cities, such as Graz, Salzburg or Klagenfurt, you can rent a car. If you come from outside the European Union, you will need an international driving permit and a valid driving license. Using Austrian motorways will also cost you a toll. As Murau’s roads are maintained and signposted, driving there is often simple and safe. Speed restrictions, which vary between 50 km/h in cities and 100 km/h on rural roads and 130 km/h on motorways, must be known. If necessary, you should equip your car with winter tires and snow chains and be ready for winter driving conditions such as fog, snow and ice.
By train
Murau is linked to the Austrian railway system via the Murtalbahn, a narrow gauge line along the Mur river valley. Between Murau and Unzmarkt, the Murtalbahn offers frequent and scenic services where you can change to mainline trains to reach other points in Austria and beyond. In addition to operating steam trains and other events throughout the year, the Murtalbahn hosts the Advent Train, the Easter Train and the Nostalgia Train. Murtalbahn tickets can be purchased online or at the station; Furthermore, regular visitors to Austria can use the ÖBB Vorteilscard, a discount card. The train from Murau to Unzmarkt takes about an hour and a half, and the one-way ticket costs around ten euros.
By bus
Several bus routes run from Murau to the surrounding towns and villages, including St. Georgen, St. Lambrecht, St. Lorenzen and Stadl a der Mur. Verkehrsverbund Steiermark (VST), the regional transport company, operates the buses; Their website has opening hours and rates. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at bus stops or from the driver. The VST Mobilcard, a prepaid card that allows you to travel on all local buses and trains, is another tool. For example, the bus journey from Murau to St. Georgen takes around fifteen minutes and costs around two euros for a one-way ticket.
By bike
As Murau offers a variety of paths with varying degrees of difficulty and interest, it is a fantastic location for cyclists. From its source in the Hohe Tauern National Park to its mouth in Slovenia, the 365 km Mur Cycle Route – which follows the path of the River Mur – allows you to travel a 75 kilometer path between Murau to Judenburg and Zeltweg, the Pedal R2 Murtal Path also allows cycling. Mostly flat and well signposted, these paths allow you to enjoy views of mountains, meadows and woods along your route. In several places in Murau, such as the tourist office, the Holzmuseum or the Brauereimuseum, you can rent bicycles. Together with helmets, padlocks and maps, the rental cost is around 10 euros per day. Additionally, you can participate in guided bike tours or activities planned by local groups or the tourist office.
By foot
Murau is a hiker’s dream come true as it offers a variety of paths suitable for various abilities. The 5-kilometer Murau City Trail is a circular path that winds through the city’s historical and cultural landmarks, including the museum, castle, church and park. The 10-kilometer Murau Panorama Trail allows you to walk to the peak known for its stunning views of the city and valley. The 12-kilometre Murau nature trail also allows you to walk to Dürnberger Moor, a marshy habitat that is home to unusual species and flora. Online or at the tourist office, you can get maps and details about this and other trails. Additionally, you can participate in guided walks or hiking activities carried out by local groups or the tourist office.
