Apfelberg Panorama Trail starting from Knittelfeld

Many locals and also guests are familiar with the well-known excursion inn Thalberghof in the Murtal region, but many of them do not know the comfortable hiking trail from the Mur to the inn. Maybe next time you should leave the car in the valley and hike directly from the center in Knittelfeld or from the parking lot Hoffelner to the Thalberghof. The path was created by the initiative and commitment of the Association of Friends of the Apfelberg Advent Singing in cooperation with the municipality of Knittelfeld, the landowners and local entrepreneurs, as well as the province of Styria and the hunting community. Along the way, panoramic panels provide a wonderful overview of the largest inner-Alpine basin in Styria (Judenburg-Knittelfeld Basin, colloquially known as Aichfeld) and the Seckauer Tauern mountains towering behind it to the north and Seetaler Alps to the west. Conclusion: An easy circular hike with great views for the whole family with a cozy stop for refreshments.

At the main square in Knittelfeld (1), 643 m, we orient ourselves by the town pharmacy and the nearby church, which we pass to get onto Esperanto Street. We keep to the right and walk in the direction of Großlobming. Continue along Stubalpenstraße out of town, past the Apfelberg fire station, until we cross the bridge over the Mur. Immediately afterwards we see the Hoffelner Inn (2), 626 m, (parking possibility) on the right side and on the left our further way, which is a gravel road. Passing the dog school, we continue on level ground for a short distance until the gravel road leads us continuously uphill through the forest. In between we pass comfortable resting places with panorama boards and a beautiful view. After we have reached the hill, we come directly to the Thalberghof (3), 803 m, a well-known excursion inn in the Murtal region. Immediately after the Thalberghof we turn right at the crossroads and walk along the road, which rises little. Passing under the high-voltage power line, we come to a rest area with a panoramic panel, before the hiking trail leads downhill after a few meters to the right over a steep slope. In between it gets a bit steeper until we pass the former site of the Apfelberg Advent Singing just before the valley floor. Immediately afterwards we reach the asphalt road and see the Hoffelner Inn (2), 626 m, in front of us again. From now on we follow our already known path.