Planning a hike around Sankt Lambrecht? You’re in the right place: the village sits in the middle of the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park — one of the quietest hiking regions in Styria, the southern green-and-mountainous half of Austria. From Vogeltenn 2, where our small B&B sits at the edge of the village, several waymarked trails start practically at the front door — the nearest signpost is barely 200 metres away. We have lived here since late 2021 and have walked most of the trails in the area ourselves over the past few years. Below are five of our favourite routes, one per season plus a year-round family loop. They range from a thirty-minute stroll to a full mountain day with over a thousand metres of climb. For each route we give the distance, walking time, approximate altitude gain, and a straight answer to whether it suits families with children, older guests, or experienced walkers best. Maps come free at the Murau-Murtal tourist office — or simply ask us at the breakfast table; we keep a stack handy.
Trail 1 — Abbey loop (year-round, easy)
Distance: 3.2 km · Altitude gain: ~80 m · Walking time: 50–70 min · Best for: families with children aged 4+, older guests, beginners
The little loop starts right at the Stift Sankt Lambrecht (a 900-metre walk from our breakfast table to the abbey entrance), passes the abbey pond, and dips into the abbey woods. The path is wide, child-friendly, and walkable in winter with sensible boots. There are good bench-stops about halfway along, with the abbey behind you. Round it off with coffee at one of the inns on the village square if you like.
We recommend this loop all year round — in spring for the first warm sun, in autumn for the colour in the abbey woods, in winter when the paths have been cleared.
Trail 2 — Grebenzen ridge walk (summer / early autumn, moderate)
Distance: 8.5 km · Altitude gain: ~320 m · Walking time: 3–3.5 h · Best for: moderately fit walkers; families with children aged 10+
From the Grebenzen ski area (ride the 10-person gondola up to 1,654 m — open in summer), an easy ridge path crosses the alpine meadows with wide views over the Niederen Tauern and, on a clear day, all the way across to the Hochschwab massif. Effort-wise it’s manageable, but it’s weather-sensitive: turn back if thunder is forecast or fog rolls in. A stop at one of the mountain huts for coffee and a slice of strudel is part of the experience.
We recommend this walk from early June to mid-October, ideally on a settled late-summer day. Honestly — it’s our favourite walking day of the year. Marjolein takes the binoculars, John puts the sandwiches together, and by evening we’re all tired and content.
Trail 3 — Zirbitzkogel summit day (late summer / early autumn, demanding)
Distance: 14 km · Altitude gain: ~1,050 m · Walking time: 6–7 h · Best for: fit walkers with hill experience; not suitable for small children
The Zirbitzkogel (2,396 m) is the highest peak in the Seetaler Alpen and a regional classic. From the Sabathy-Hütte trailhead above Sankt Lambrecht, the path climbs steadily through alpine meadows and gravel sections; just below the summit, a small shelter offers a windbreak for lunch. From the top, on a clear day, you see 360° across the Niederen Tauern as far as the Dachstein.
The route is demanding in terms of stamina but technically straightforward. Sturdy boots, at least two litres of water per person, and a wind/rain layer all belong in the rucksack. Best window: mid-July to late September, when the alpine huts are open and the weather settles.
Trail 4 — Frauenalpe sun-loop (winter / spring, easy-moderate)
Distance: 5 km · Altitude gain: ~180 m · Walking time: 1.5–2 h · Best for: families, winter walkers (with snowshoes or proper winter boots)
In winter, the loop around the Frauenalpe becomes one of our favourite half-day walks. The trail is usually broken; shaded sections turn into a small winter walk, sunny banks become picnic-stops. In spring, as the snow retreats, the first crocuses and Christmas roses appear along the path — about two weeks later than down in the valley because of the altitude.
We recommend this walk from December to early May. Bring a hot drink in a flask.
Trail 5 — Family loop: abbey pond + nature trail (year-round, very easy)
Distance: 1.8 km · Altitude gain: ~30 m · Walking time: 30–45 min · Best for: families with small children; pram-friendly along most sections
This short loop starts at our front door, runs to the abbey pond, and comes back along a signed nature-education trail. Information boards explain the local trees, birds, and the history of the monastery garden — a nice fit for primary-school children who want something to read and look out for. In early summer you often hear woodpeckers; Marjolein takes the binoculars on this one too.
Recommended year-round. It’s our standard suggestion for guests who just want to step outside for an hour without a car or much planning.
Practical notes
Hiking maps are free at the Murau-Murtal tourist office in the centre of Murau, or borrow ours at the breakfast table — we keep a small collection. Sturdy footwear is sensible on every route except Trail 5 and essential from Trail 2 upwards. For Trail 3 (Zirbitzkogel), check the mountain weather forecast the evening before; if thunder is forecast, push the day out.
If you stay with us, ask over breakfast — we’re happy to give you a personal recommendation for the right day and the right route. That’s not marketing, that’s just what we’d be talking about at the breakfast table anyway.
One small request: stick to the marked paths, leave nothing but footprints, and respect the gates between alpine meadows and grazing land. The Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park is a working landscape, not a theme park — the farmers who keep livestock up there are our neighbours. A little awareness goes a long way, and it’s part of why every walk around here keeps the quiet character that makes Sankt Lambrecht what it is.
