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Murau

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Landmark
—°5
Murau (Austria)

Weather…

Murau is positioned in the rolling mountains of Upper Styria and is inextricably linked to two themes: beer and wood. The Murau Brewery has a tradition spanning over 500 years, shaping the town’s identity and its local culinary scene. As the hub of the 'Murau Wood World,' the town showcases how timber has influenced regional architecture and industry for centuries. The imposing Obermurau Castle towers over the town and has been owned by the Schwarzenberg family for generations. It is open to the public via guided tours and provides magnificent views across the Mur Valley. The historic town center, featuring narrow alleys and the Gothic Parish Church of St. Matthew, is excellent for a cultural walk. The river banks offer peaceful spots for relaxation. In winter, Murau serves as a central hub for skiers, with the nearby Kreischberg mountain being a world-renowned venue for freestyle skiing and snowboarding championships. In summer, the Mur Cycle Path, one of Austria's most popular riverside routes, draws outdoor enthusiasts. For a touch of nostalgia, the steam trains of the Murtalbahn railway offer a welcoming way to see the countryside. Murau blends traditional Styrian coziness with a wide range of cultural and recreational activities.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-6-148121414950-5
Rain mm48496174116141156165125948660

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The appealing beer town Murau on the Mur river invites a pleasant walk through the historic old town with its wooden buildings. Obermurau Castle is also open to visitors.
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Typical hours
The town is freely accessible at any time. Obermurau Castle typically has seasonal opening hours; in summer it is usually open daily.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the town and on the castle grounds. Inside the castle, avoid using flash.
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Time needed
Allow about two to three hours for a stroll through the old town and a visit to the castle. With a trip to the ski resorts, a whole day can pass.
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Combine with
Combine the town visit with a trip to nearby ski resorts like Kreischberg or Frauenalpe. A brewery tour of Murauer Bierbrauerei is also worthwhile.
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Getting there
Murau is reached by train on the Murtalbahn (from Unzmarkt) or by car on the B96 road. Parking is available at the edge of town.
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Insider tip
Insider tip: Visit the Murauer brewery and taste the fresh beer on tap. The brewery tavern gives a rustic atmosphere.

Geography

Population
3,534 (2018)
Coordinates
47.11194, 14.17306

Facts

  • Historic beer town (Murauer Beer)
  • Center of the Styrian Wood World
  • Obermurau Castle (Schwarzenberg family)
  • Home to the Kreischberg ski resort
  • Nostalgic Murtalbahn steam trains
  • Gothic Parish Church of St. Matthew
  • Located on the scenic Mur Cycle Path
  • Well-preserved medieval town center

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Finstergrün CastleFinstergrün Castle4 km · WExplore →
Hoher TriebHoher Trieb10 km · NExplore →
Lower TauernLower Tauern15 km · NExplore →
Murtal AlpsMurtal Alps25 km · EExplore →
FriesachFriesach25 km · SEExplore →
TamswegTamsweg27 km · WExplore →
Sölktäler Nature ParkSölktäler Nature Park29 km · NExplore →
AnsbergAnsberg30 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Murau (5)

Stadtpfarrkirche St. Matthäus⛪ religious

The Stadtpfarrkirche St. Matthäus is the main parish church of Murau, known for its distinctive architecture.

Rathaus Murau🏺 historical

Rathaus Murau serves as the local town hall for the municipality of Murau.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-12:30; Tu,Th 14:00-16:00♿

Friesacher Tor🛡️ fortress

Friesacher Tor is one of the historic city gates standing in Murau.

Filialkirche Hl. Dreifaltigkeit⛪ religious

Holy Trinity filial church, a Baroque church in Murau.

Filialkirche hl. Anna⛪ religious

St. Anne filial church, a Gothic church in Murau.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Murau mainly known for?
Murau is famous for its beer tradition (Murauer Bier) and as the historic timber center of Styria.
Can you visit Obermurau Castle?
The castle, privately owned by the Schwarzenberg family, can be visited in summer via guided tours.
What is the Brauerei der Sinne?
An interactive experience museum by the Murau Brewery, providing insights into the art of brewing.
Which ski resorts are near Murau?
Kreischberg and Frauenalpe are popular destinations for skiers and snowboarders in the immediate vicinity.
What is the Murtalbahn?
A historic narrow-gauge railway that runs through the upper Mur Valley, often using steam locomotives.
Murau: where is it located?
Murau is located in Carinthia, Austria.
Murau: what is there to see?
Highlights include Stadtpfarrkirche St. Matthäus, Rathaus Murau, Friesacher Tor.
Murau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Murau: why is it worth visiting?
Murau is positioned in the rolling mountains of Upper Styria and is inextricably linked to two themes: beer and wood.
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