MurtalBahn

Murtalbahn

With the Murtalbahn from Kreischberg — train trips through the Murtal

The Murtalbahn is more than just public transport: the narrow-gauge railway offers a relaxed way to discover the Kreischberg area without a car. From St. Lorenzen am Kreischberg station, you can travel towards Murau and Unzmarkt, or upstream towards St. Ruprecht, Stadl an der Mur, and Tamsweg.

For guests of Kreischberg Suites, this is especially attractive. The Murau GästeCard is included with the stay and provides free access to regional public transport, including the Murtalbahn, from May to November. This makes a train ride easily part of a day out, and the car doesn't have to stay at home for the day.

In short

  • 📍 Starting point: St. Lorenzen am Kreischberg station, short walking distance
  • 🚂 Accessibility: regional train towards Murau/Unzmarkt or Tamsweg
  • 🎫 Murau GästeCard: free regional public transport (incl. Murtalbahn) from May to November
  • 🚲 Bicycles: can be brought along if there is enough space
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Suitable for: families, day trips without a car

Excursion 1 — Murau: town, terrace and brewery

An easy half day
Murau is the most obvious train destination from Kreischberg. From the station, you can easily walk towards the historic city center, where the Mur River, old city gates, churches, squares, and Schloss Murau combine to create an atmospheric backdrop.

What can you do there?
Combine a city walk with a terrace, lunch, or a visit to the Murauer Beer Brewery. Even without a fixed itinerary, Murau is attractive for a relaxed morning or afternoon: go by train, look around at your leisure, and return to St. Lorenzen later.

Ideal for
Couples, families, and anyone who wants to combine a car-free outing with culture, shopping, and food or drink.

Excursion 2 — St. Ruprecht: the Wood Museum

A family-friendly outing
Get off at St. Ruprecht ob Murau for a visit to the Holzmuseum. This museum shows how important forests and wood are to the Murau region and combines exhibitions with activities for children and adults.

More than just looking
In the summer, there are regular creative family activities involving wood, games, and demonstrations. This makes the museum particularly enjoyable if you want to combine a train ride with an activity that remains appealing even on a less sunny day.

When?
The Holzmuseum is open in 2026 from May 1 to October 31. Extended opening hours apply in July and August. Check the current program before you go, especially if you want to attend a workshop or family day.

Excursion 3 — Tamsweg: across the provincial border to Lungau

A real train day trip
Those who wish to travel longer can follow the Murtalbahn to Tamsweg in the Salzburger Lungau. This takes you from Styria across the provincial border to Salzburg, while the train largely follows the Mur valley.

Historic market town
Tamsweg is the district capital of Lungau and is situated at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. Stroll through the center, find a café or restaurant, and visit, for example, the striking pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard, one of Tamsweg's cultural landmarks.

For whom?
A good choice for train enthusiasts and guests who want to make the journey itself part of the outing. Preferably set aside a large part of the day for this.

Tamsweg

Excursion 4 — Historic steam train: the Murtalbahn as an experience

From transport to attraction
On selected days in the summer, the historic steam train runs from Murau to Tamsweg. Then, it is not only the destination that matters, but above all the journey: historic carriages, the landscape along the Mur, music, and onboard catering ensure a distinctly nostalgic experience.

Stop in Stadl an der Mur
During the steam ride, there is usually a stop in Stadl an der Mur, where the filling of the water tender can be viewed up close. Afterwards, the journey continues towards Tamsweg, where there is time for a visit to the market town before the train returns.

Reservations recommended
For the steam rides in 2026, the number of places is limited and booking in advance is strongly advised. The rides depart from Murau. Therefore, travel from Kreischberg to Murau first, or go directly there according to the current timetable.

Excursion 5 — Cycle there, Murtalbahn back

Perfect combination with the Murradweg
The railway line runs parallel to the Murradweg for a large part of the route. This makes it easy to extend a bike ride without having to cycle the same distance back. For example, consider cycling towards Murau, Stadl an der Mur, or Tamsweg and returning by train.

Bring your bike
Bicycles can be taken on regular Murtalbahn connections if there is sufficient space. Always check this in advance, especially during holiday periods or when replacement bus services are in operation. For an e-bike, checking in advance is particularly important due to weight and available space.

Practical tips for the Murtalbahn

Boarding at St. Lorenzen am Kreischberg

St. Lorenzen am Kreischberg station is a short walk from Kreischberg Suites. From here, you can travel in both directions: to Murau/Unzmarkt or towards St. Ruprecht, Stadl, and Tamsweg.

Murau GästeCard

The Murau GästeCard is included with a stay at Kreischberg Suites. The Murtalbahn and other regional public transport are part of the free transport options provided by the card. So, take the GuestCard with you when you go out.

Timetable

The regular Murtalbahn normally runs approximately every two hours. However, maintenance work, seasonal schedules, and temporary replacement bus services may alter the timetable. Therefore, always check the current connection via Steiermarkbahn or BusBahnBim on the day of departure.

Pay attention to replacement transport

In the summer of 2026, there will be periods of rail replacement service on parts of the route. This may particularly affect travel time and bicycle transport. Therefore, do not base your daily schedule solely on an old or printed timetable.

Tickets

Without a GuestCard, regular tickets can be purchased from the conductor on the train, according to the regional information. Separate tickets and booking conditions apply to special steam rides.

Other day trips from Kreischberg

Murau - Styria

Murau — 10 minutes

Historic heart of the region: castle, brewery (Brauerei der Sinne, 500+ years of history), Stadtplatz and cozy terraces.

Graz

Graz — 2 hours

Austria's second-largest city, on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Schlossberg, Kunsthaus, and Hauptplatz are worth seeing, plan a full day.

Klagenfurt
Photo: ©Franz Gerdl | Klagenfurt Tourismus

Klagenfurt — 1.5 hours

On Lake Wörthersee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Carinthia. Swimming, walking along the promenade, and Minimundus Park for families.

Villach

Villach — approx. 1.5 hours

Carinthian town between mountains and lakes, close to Faaker See and Ossiacher See.

Red Bull Ring Spielberg
Photo: ©Lucas Pripfl | Red Bull Content Pool

Spielberg – Red Bull Ring – 45 minutes

One of the most iconic circuits in the world. Tours are available outside of race weekends. During the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Kreischberg is an excellent base, book early.

Murtalbahn

Murtalbahn – 5 minutes

Discover the Murtalbahn from Kreischberg: train to Murau, St. Ruprecht, and Tamsweg, historic steam rides, cycling combinations, and tips with the Murau GästeCard.

Nocky Flitzer

Nocky Flitzer – 30 minutes

The Nocky Flitzer is a 1.6 km long summer toboggan run in Turracher Höhe, about a 30-minute drive from Kreischberg. You reach speeds of up to 40 km/h, and the track is suitable for the whole family from age 3.

Salzburg Castle
Photo: Pixabay

Salzburg – 2 hours

Plan a day trip to Salzburg from Kreischberg. Discover Hohensalzburg, Mirabell, Getreidegasse, and Mozart, with route, parking, and itinerary tips.

schladming-dachstein

Schladming – 1.5 hours

Plan a day trip to Schladming and the Dachstein from Kreischberg. Discover the glacier, Sky Walk, suspension bridge, Ice Palace, Planai, and the center of Schladming.

Ready to book?

Check availability immediately and book your holiday apartment for the best price.

Is the Murtalbahn free with the Murau GästeCard?

Yes. The Murau GästeCard is included with a stay at Kreischberg Suites, and regional public transport, including the Murtalbahn, is part of the included mobility from May to November.

Can I take my bike on the Murtalbahn?

On regular routes, bicycles can be taken along provided sufficient space is available. Check the current conditions in advance, especially for e-bikes and during periods with replacement bus services.

Does the Murtalbahn run every day?

The regular line generally runs daily with connections approximately every two hours, but maintenance work and seasonal schedules may lead to deviations or replacement bus services. Therefore, always check the current timetable on the day of departure.

Where can I board the Murtalbahn from Kreischberg?

At St. Lorenzen am Kreischberg station, a short walk from Kreischberg Suites. From here, the Murtalbahn runs towards Murau and Unzmarkt, and in the other direction via St. Ruprecht and Stadl an der Mur, among others, to Tamsweg.

What are some fun trips with the Murtalbahn from Kreischberg?

Good destinations are Murau for the historic city center and hospitality, St. Ruprecht for the Holzmuseum, and Tamsweg for a longer day trip to the Salzburger Lungau. In addition, during the summer, there are historic steam train rides between Murau and Tamsweg on selected days.