Cycling & e-biking in and around Kreischberg — relaxing along the Mur through Styria
Anyone who immediately thinks of steep mountain roads when it comes to Austria will be pleasantly surprised around Kreischberg. The Murradweg R2, one of Austria's most famous long-distance cycle routes, runs through the valley. The route largely follows the Mur River, making it perfectly suited for recreational cyclists, families, and e-bikers.
From Kreischberg Suites, you can cycle almost directly into the valley. Opt for a relaxed ride to historic Murau, cycle upstream towards Stadl an der Mur, or turn it into a longer day trip towards Tamsweg on an e-bike. And if you don't want to take the same route back? The Murtalbahn offers the option to combine cycling and train travel on various routes.
In short
- Murradweg R2 along the Mur
- Level: easy to medium
- Bicycle rental at Bike Kreischberg (St. Georgen)
- Combine with the Murtalbahn
- Best period: May–September
Route 1 — Kreischberg – Murau: a relaxed drive to the historic city
Distance and difficulty
From St. Lorenzen to Murau, it is about 7 kilometers one way via the Murradweg. So, the round trip takes you about 14 to 15 kilometers.
The route has little elevation change and is therefore suitable for almost every recreational cyclist. This is also an attractive ride for families with children who are used to cycling a few kilometers.
A drink on a terrace as a reward
Murau is a beautiful destination to combine cycling and a holiday feeling. Park your bikes and stroll through the historic center, grab a drink on a terrace, or visit one of the city's attractions.
Afterwards, you cycle leisurely back to Kreischberg along the Mur.
For whom?
Level: easy
Suitable for: regular bicycle and e-bike
Return distance: approximately 14–15 km
Ideal for: a relaxed morning or afternoon trip
Route 2 — Kreischberg – Stadl an der Mur: along the Mur through the green valley
Distance and route
Heading in the other direction, an equally beautiful trip awaits. From St. Lorenzen, follow the Murradweg R2 upstream towards Stadl an der Mur.
The distance is approximately 10.5 kilometers one way, bringing the total for the round trip to about 21 kilometers.
Peace, water and mountains
Cycling here is all about the landscape. The Mur, forests, meadows, and surrounding mountains accompany you for almost the entire route. Stadl an der Mur is a great place for a stopover before cycling back towards Kreischberg.
Thanks to the limited elevation change, this ride is also perfectly manageable on a regular touring bike. With an e-bike, it becomes completely relaxing.
For whom?
Level: easy to medium
Suitable for: regular bicycle and e-bike
Return distance: approximately 21 km
Ideal for: a relaxed half-day of cycling
Route 3 — Kreischberg – Tamsweg: a real e-bike day trip
A longer trip along the Murradweg
Those wishing to cover a few more kilometers can follow the Murradweg further upstream from Kreischberg. Via Stadl an der Mur, the route leads towards Tamsweg in the Salzburger Lungau.
From St. Lorenzen, this is approximately 31 kilometers one way. That makes for a nice day trip of over 60 kilometers if you cycle all the way back.
Cycle there, take the train back
An attractive alternative is to cycle in only one direction and use the Murtalbahn for the return journey. This railway line runs through the Murtal and forms a practical combination with the Murradweg at various points.
This way, you can cycle a longer distance without having to go all the way back along the same route.
For whom?
Level: intermediate
Suitable for: fit recreational cyclists; very suitable for e-bikes
Distance: approximately 31 km one way
Ideal for: a complete day of cycling
Tip: check the current timetable and conditions for bicycle transport on the Murtalbahn in advance.
Route 4 — Katschbachpromenade: leisurely cycling with the family
A short family route
For families looking for a short and quiet bike ride, the Katschbachpromenade near St. Peter am Kammersberg is a nice option.
The signposted family cycle route follows the Katschbach through the landscape between St. Peter am Kammersberg and Katsch an der Mur.
Distance and difficulty
The route is approximately 9 kilometers long and is classified as easy by the regional tourist organization. Allow about an hour of cycling, excluding breaks.
This makes it an especially fun trip when cycling with children or when you want to combine cycling with other activities.
For whom?
Level: easy
Suitable for: regular bikes, e-bikes, and families
Distance: approximately 9 km
Ideal for: families and a short bike ride
Practical tips for cyclists and e-bikers
Regular bike or e-bike?
You definitely don't need a mountain bike for the Murradweg. A regular touring bike, hybrid bike, or e-bike is fine.
For shorter trips to Murau and Stadl, a regular bicycle is sufficient for most people. If you want to head towards Tamsweg or take several longer trips, an e-bike offers extra comfort, especially when you encounter some elevation changes along the way.
Rent bicycles and e-bikes at Kreischberg
Didn't bring your own bikes? In St. Georgen am Kreischberg, there are various options for renting bicycles and e-bikes.
Bike Kreischberg, among others, rents out e-bikes, including e-bikes for children, and also has child and dog trailers available. Additionally, there are other bike rental companies and options for bike service in St. Georgen and Murau.
Preferably book in advance during the high season.
Murtalbahn + bike
One of the nicest options in the region is combining cycling and train travel. The Murtalbahn runs largely parallel to the Murradweg, allowing you to cycle in one direction, for example, and take the train for the return journey.
This also makes longer routes accessible to recreational cyclists.
Always check the current timetable and the options for taking your bicycle with you in advance.
Best time of year for cycling
The best period for cycling tours along the Murradweg is generally from May through September. In spring and autumn, mornings and evenings can be chilly, while in the middle of summer it can get quite warm during the day.
Therefore, bring a thin rain jacket even on a sunny day, and ensure you have enough water for longer bike rides.
Routes and navigation
The Murradweg is marked as R2. In Styria, the cycle routes are indicated with green signs and white letters.
Additionally, apps like Komoot and Outdooractive are useful for planning a trip. With these, you can view distance, elevation changes, and the route layout in advance.
