This southeastern Austrian town offers scenic beauty, outdoor pursuits and fascinating history. Go hiking, skiing or swimming and explore 500-year-old buildings.
With hiking, history, skiing and mountain climbing, Bruck an der Mur has countless natural and man-made charms. The beautiful small city is perched in the Styrian Mountains and surrounded by alpine forests and fields.
Bruck an der Mur was founded in 1263 by King Otakar II of Bohemia and is one of the oldest cities in the province of Styria. For centuries it was an important medieval trade center. Today it’s known for its scenery, architecture, metal and paper industries and as a major train travel hub.
Start your exploration in the main square to see historic buildings and structures. These include the picturesque town hall and the former bathhouse. Study the intricate designs of the 17th-century wrought-iron fountain. Go to the well-preserved towers that were once part of the medieval city’s walls. Walk up the Schlossberg Hill to see the ruins of Fortress Landskron, which was devastated by fire in 1792.
Take advantage of the city’s rural setting and outdoor activities. Cycle along paths bordering the Mur and Mürz rivers and hike and mountain climb in and around Bruck an der Mur. Mountain bikers also have plenty of rough terrain to ride over. During winter, ice climb up a frozen waterfall.
Winter sports are the main attractions from December through March. Ski down the slopes of Mariazell Bürgeralm, Veitsch-Brunnalm and Turnau-Schwabenbergarena. Take the children to Eichfeldlift-Turnau, which has ski and snowboard lessons as well as a special course for young skiers.
About an hour’s drive away from Bruck an der Mur is the Gaishorn Swimming Lake. Among the features of this recreational area are a 74-acre (30-hectare) artificial lake, paddleboat rental, windsurfing, water park, inline skating and horseback riding.
Bruck an der Mur’s wild scenery, outdoor pursuits and historic treasures are within 130 miles (210 kilometers) of several airports. They include Vienna and Graz, the closest at 34 miles (54 kilometers).
