In Upper Styria, Pusterwald is surrounded by 15 peaks over 2,000 metres. At 2,363 metres, Hohenwart is Pusterwald’s highest mountain peak. Its landscape and hiking opportunities give the town a distinctive character; at the same time, history, gold panning and a winter lift offer provide different ways to explore.

Peaks and Hiking Trails

Nature lovers can choose from three different hiking passes in Pusterwald. The mountaineering pass leads to six peaks. The hiking trails are well marked, and collecting stamps can earn you a hiking badge. This lets you shape your hiking stay around both the peaks and the enjoyment of collecting stamps.

A shorter outing offers a different kind of discovery: the “Wilder Wegesrand” (“Wild Wayside”) walking trail passes various local herbs and leads to a 360° viewing bench overlooking a flower meadow rich in species. If you’d like to pair a viewpoint with a rest, the Murtalbett Pusterwald photo spot has relaxation loungers and impressive views of the region. The two spots offer different experiences: a path alongside herbs at one, and views of the surrounding area from the loungers at the other.

Local History and the Church

The names also tell of different moments in the town’s history: the valley was called “Freytal” in 1294, while the name Pusterwald first appeared in 1318. The municipality is home to the Late Gothic Roman Catholic parish church of Maria im Moos, built around 1430. Alongside the landscape and outdoor activities, visitors interested in historical connections can explore these dates and the church as distinct aspects of their stay.

Gold Panning and a Regional Snack

At the Pusterwald gold panning facility, a shovel, a gold panning pan and brief instructions are provided. The hut at the facility serves a hearty snack made with regional products. This makes it possible to combine gold panning with a place to stop for a bite, without having to follow a fixed day’s itinerary.

A Winter Activity

The Pusterwald family ski lift includes a drag lift and varied runs in a small family ski park. The offer also includes a cross-country ski trail about one kilometre long. These are two different ways to enjoy winter: downhill runs at the lift and a trail whose length is specified as approximate.

Plan Your Journey and Stay

The Pusterwald valley is accessible by road only via the L528 Pusterwaldstraße. During the summer months, access to Wildalmhütte is permitted as far as its associated car park; check this seasonal condition before making plans. From the car park, it takes about an hour to walk to Wildalmhütte. The hut serves hikers drinks, snacks and cake. Allow for the walk and the hut’s offerings when planning your time.

Choose the experiences you’d like to make the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Pöls, St. Wolfgang, Hohentauern, Sankt Georgen Ob Judenburg, Zeltweg, Sankt Anna Am Lavantegg, Sankt Wolfgang-Kienberg, Judenburg

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