Aflenz Kurort lies on the southern flank of the Hochschwab massif, in a location sheltered from the climate. There are different ways to plan your trip: challenging hikes towards the Hochschwab, nature trails through the forest landscape and historic buildings in the town. This lets you shape your stay around the experiences that interest you most, without conflating the local trails and attractions.
Altitude and Bürgeralm
Aflenzer Bürgeralm is a starting point for challenging hikes into the nearby Hochschwab massif. The panoramic road climbs from Aflenz, below the Pierergut inn, at an elevation of 1,000 m to Bürgeralm at 1,500 m. It is about 8 km long.
Lift operations to Aflenzer Bürgeralm ended in March 2025. Bürgeralm can only be reached via the panoramic road, on foot or by bicycle. Road conditions and seasonal operations may change; check conditions before setting out. The mountain pasture is the relevant starting point for hikes into the Hochschwab massif and the approximately 400 m-long panoramic via ferrata on the southern side of Bürgeralm. The via ferrata’s length and the challenging hikes refer to different experiences.
Nature trails through the forest landscape
Those interested in forests and nature will find several informative trails in Aflenz. The forest nature trail starts above the outdoor swimming pool and follows easy paths through a forest landscape typical of the region. Its 26 stations provide information about the forest habitat; there is also a faithfully reconstructed loggers’ hut. The trail’s character, stations and hut make it a distinct way to learn about the forest.
The Kneipp and bird nature trail has a different focus: 20 information boards cover common bird species, and there are nesting boxes for cavity-nesting birds. The boards and nesting boxes draw attention to birdlife and nesting sites. The wider Aflenz region also has a medicinal herb trail with nine marked stations where particularly many medicinal herbs can be found. This is an attraction in the region, not simply another trail within Aflenz Kurort.
Propstei, church and spa park
The town’s history can be traced through several buildings. From the Propstei, the abbots of St. Lambrecht administered the entire Aflenz Valley as its feudal lords until 1848. At the same time, the Propstei’s north wing preserves medieval building features: the renovation and Baroque remodeling begun by Domenico Sciassia between 1660 and 1693 were never completed. The history of administration and the history of construction tell different sides of the past.
The parish church of St. Peter zu Aflenz was built around 1500 and is dedicated to Saint Peter. The spa park has a listed pavilion, and a bust of Sebastian Kneipp is also located there. Together, the church, Propstei and spa park complement the nature and hiking attractions with a distinct cultural focus. Aflenz was designated a health resort in 1920 and received the title “Heilklimatischer Höhenluftkurort” in 1979; both years refer to historical distinctions.
Plan your arrival and choose your focus
Bus routes 170/171 connect Aflenz Kurort with Bruck an der Mur, Kapfenberg, Thörl, Turnau, Seewiesen, Gußwerk and Mariazell. Check the timetables before your trip so you can plan your arrival and onward travel accordingly. When choosing activities, it helps to distinguish between the challenging hikes and via ferrata at Bürgeralm, the nature trails and the historic buildings in the town.
Discover more destinations: Kapfenberg, Etmißl, Untertal, Sankt Jakob-Breitenau, Oberaich, Mariazell, Wegscheid, Gußwerk
Return to the main travel overview: Bruck An Der Mur.
