Kapellen an der Mürz combines the history of its parish church with natural attractions and hiking destinations. Different time frames can be considered when planning your day: exploring the Bleiweißgrube independently takes around two hours for the round trip, while the hike from Kapellen to Hohe Scheibe takes about three and a half hours. There is also a marked trail to Plodererkreuz and a hiking trail connecting Neuberg an der Mürz with Kapellen.

Church, Place Name and Pilgrimage Route

The name Kapellen dates back to a chapel mentioned in 1329 and dedicated to Saint Margaret. The parish church also tells the story of the region: inside, you will find the coats of arms of former abbots of Neuberg, who commissioned works of art. Many pilgrims travelling to Mariazell pass through Kapellen an der Mürz on foot or by vehicle. The parish church is also a landmark along the Neuberg an der Mürz Nature and Culture Trail.

Caves and Trails around Kapellen

The Bleiweißgrube is designated a natural monument. Its walls and ceiling feature abundant sinter formations and mountain milk deposits. An archaeological find also connects the cave with the distant past: in 1948, the only Palaeolithic artefact known to date from the Upper Mürz Valley was found here. The cave may have served as a shelter for Palaeolithic hunters.

The Bleiweißgrube can be explored independently; a staircase makes it easier to enter. The round trip is listed as taking around two hours of walking time over a distance of about two kilometres. This makes it easy to distinguish the time needed for exploring this cave from the hike to Hohe Scheibe. The latter leads from Kapellen to the 1,473-metre summit and takes about three and a half hours.

A trail from Kapellen passes Windloch, a cave about 60 metres long from which air constantly blows out. You can reach Plodererkreuz from Kapellen via a marked trail in around 30 minutes; from there, the panorama extends as far as the Rax. The Neuberg an der Mürz Nature and Culture Trail follows the Mürz through Mürzer Oberland Nature Park, from Neuberg an der Mürz to Kapellen. It thus connects the river corridor with landmarks such as the parish church.

Cycling Routes with Different Starting Points

The starting points and route features of the regional cycling routes are also useful for planning a ride. The Mürztal Cycle Route R5 starts in Mürzsteg and is 68 kilometres long. It is mostly gently downhill and is considered manageable for children and less experienced cyclists. Another tour, cycling along the former railway line on the Mürztal Cycle Route, follows the old Neuberger Bahn railway track from Mürzsteg via Neuberg an der Mürz to Mürzzuschlag. It runs along the Mürz through Mürzer Oberland Nature Park and is particularly suitable for families.

The BergRadlRunde Urani is another route, starting at the former railway station in Kapellen. This starting point differs from those of the cycling tours mentioned above, which begin in Mürzsteg. If you include several routes in your plans, keep their respective starting points in mind.

Crafts, Winter and Regional Cuisine

At the Kapellen spinning room, visitors can learn about the traditional craft of spinning. Models made from hand-spun sheep’s wool are available to view and buy; arrange visits and demonstrations in advance. A winter option is the easy, one-kilometre cross-country ski trail at Försterwiese, groomed for classic technique. Check locally before your visit to find out whether the trail is operating during the winter in question.

Restaurant Gleis1 Kapellen is located in a listed former railway station building and serves regional and seasonal dishes. As business details and offerings may change, check the latest information before your visit if you are planning a meal there.

Getting There and Planning Accommodation

Kapellen Kirche stop can be reached from Mürzzuschlag railway station on RegioBus route 189. Another listed bus connection is route 187 to the Spital am Semmering municipal office. The area covered by the Nature and Culture Trail can also be reached from Mürzzuschlag ÖBB intercity station on route 189 to Neuberg an der Mürz or Krampen. Check the current timetable before travelling.

This allows you to take these different starting points into account when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Neuberg, Krieglach, Mürzzuschlag, Semmering, Allerheiligen Im Mürztal, Mürzsteg, Kindberg, Veitsch.

Back to the main travel overview: Mürzzuschlag.