Mühlen: Nature, Culture and Leisure

Mühlen is in the Murau District and the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park. Its local character ranges from the landscape around the Zirbitzkogel to moorland, a bathing lake, museums and hands-on activities. When planning your trip, you can consider nature, cultural history and leisure as distinct areas of interest.

Mountain scenery and Hörfeld Moor

Mühlen lies on the sunny side of the Zirbitzkogel and at its foot. The mountain reaches 2,396 m above sea level. This provides a clear geographical reference; the elevation refers to the Zirbitzkogel, not to the location of Mühlen. This distinction keeps the town and the mountain clearly identifiable as separate points of reference.

Hörfeld Moor lies between Mühlen and Hüttenberg. It is a nature reserve and a wetland of international importance. The area is home to 500 different butterfly and moth species, as well as 125 bird species. For nature enthusiasts, both the character of the wetland and its specifically documented biodiversity are key features. A hiking trail runs around the moor, adding a dedicated walking option to the nature experience.

The clear waters of Mühlen bathing lake are suitable for swimming and fishing; fishing may be seasonal. An adventure trail with several stations runs around the lake. Mühlen bathing lake and the adventure trail are listed as freely accessible; check whether this is still the case before your visit. The activities offer different experiences: the moor focuses on the nature reserve and its biodiversity, while the lake offers swimming, fishing and the adventure trail stations.

Leisure activities in a variety of formats

The Hans im Glück hiking fairy tale is a family-friendly trail with seven stations. The Kugelbahn at Tonnerhütte offers a different kind of leisure activity: it features four unique wooden tracks made from locally sourced larch, with a total length of more than 70 metres. The Kugelbahn is billed as an alpine adventure for explorers aged 3 to 99. Godi’s archery course is about 6 km long and currently features more than 80 figures. The approximate route length and current number of figures describe two different aspects of this activity.

Museums, local history and blacksmithing

At the Noreia Celtic Museum, a bronze sword from the Urnfield period is a tangible example of this era. The museum also shows that excavations uncovered an entire settlement. This brings together a single artefact and an account of a broader archaeological context.

The branch church of St. James stands on Jakobsberg above Mühlen and was first mentioned in 1316. One interpretation of local history links the use of water power with the establishment of mills. The Farmers’ Museum in Mühlen vividly presents rural life, work and culture, offering insights into working methods and the associated tools used up to the 20th century. Its demonstration forge showcases the old craft of blacksmithing.

The Noreia Historic Experience Forge offers a different experience: visitors can work glowing pig iron over an open forge fire with historic tools and take home a personal holiday souvenir. Dates for these activities may vary. There are therefore two ways to discover blacksmithing: learning about the traditional craft at the Farmers’ Museum, or working pig iron yourself at the experience forge.

When choosing accommodation in Mühlen, you can prioritise activities according to your planned stay: nature and a circular trail, the lake and outdoor activities, a family hiking trail, or museums and crafts. This lets you tailor your choice to the interests of your travel group.

Discover more destinations: Murau, Mariahof, Sankt Georgen Ob Murau, Teufenbach, Schöder, Neumarkt In Steiermark, Krakauschatten, Wildbad Einöd.

For the higher-level travel overview: Murau District.