Murau

Introducing Murau

Murau, in the western reaches of the Mur valley, is an attractive town filled with pastel-coloured houses and surrounded by forested hills and alpine meadows. Its close proximity to Stolzalpe to the north and Metnitzer mountains to the south makes it an excellent base for hiking and cycling during the summer months.

The tourist office (27 20-0; www.stadtmurau.at; Bundesstrasse 13a; 8.30am-6pm Mon-Fri, telephone information service 8am-9pm) has loads of brochures on the town and its surrounds, including hiking trails and bicycle ways.

The Liechtenstein family once dominated the region and they built Schloss Obermurau (230 258; Schlossberg 1; tours adult/child €3/2; 3pm Wed & Fri mid-Jun–mid-Sep) in 1250. Given a Renaissance makeover by the Schwarzenberg family in the 17th century, today it’s often used as a film location.

Just below the castle is the restored Stadtpfarrkirche St Matthäus (St Matthew’s Church; 24 89, Schlossberg 8; dawn-dusk), a Gothic church remodelled in baroque style. Both elements work surprisingly well together, especially in the combination of the Gothic crucifixion group (1500) and the baroque high altar (1655). The beautiful frescoes date from the 14th to 16th centuries.

Murau is also famous for its Brauerei Murau, which has a brewery museum (32 66; Raffaltplatz 19-23; adult/child €3/free; 3-5pm Fri May, Jun & Oct, 3-5.30pm Wed & Fri Jul-Sep). Entry includes a glass of the local brew. The brewery won a pan-European environmental management award in 2005 for its environmental practices.

Bike rental is available from Intersport Pintar (23 97; Bundesstrasse 7a; per day €10), near the tourist office.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009