Explore Krakauhintermühlen through its distinctive themes: the hammer mill and the branch church of St. Ulrich represent its craftsmanship and church art. Lake Etrach, the mountain huts and a challenging mountain hike add landscape and outdoor activity to the mix. When planning your stay, it therefore makes sense to decide whether you want to focus mainly on culture, a walk around the lake or a long mountain hike.

Craftsmanship and Church Art

The hammer mill in Krakauhintermühlen was used as a tool forge and residence until 1966. Forging and living were thus part of the same building’s history. The hammer mill’s tail hammer is powered by a breastshot waterwheel. “Breastshot” describes how the waterwheel is powered, not its size. The hammer mill thus combines a specific technical detail with its former use as both a workplace and a home.

The branch church of St. Ulrich in Krakauhintermühlen houses a Gothic winged altar and is a small Styrian treasure. Those interested in church art will find another distinctive subject here, alongside the history of the forge.

Lake Etrach and Waterways

Lake Etrach lies at an altitude of 1,374 m between the innermost Alpine areas of the Niedere Tauern, Rupprechtseck and Bauleiteck. Lush alpine meadows and impressive larches frame the lake. Its setting and vegetation offer concrete points to consider if you want to include a natural destination in your travel plans as well as cultural attractions.

There is a 2 km circular hiking trail around Lake Etrach. Check seasonal conditions before setting out.

Fishing stretches are also precisely defined: the Etrachbach can be fished for 4 km downstream from the lake outlet. Along the left branch, the fishable stretch extends 2 km upstream to its source. If fishing is part of your travel plans, take seasonal conditions and local restrictions into account.

Mountain Huts and a Mountain Hike

The Grazer Hütte is located at the foot of Preber, which rises to 2,740 m. The Rudolf-Schober-Hütte lies at an altitude of 1,667 m in one of Austria’s largest stone pine forests. With a little luck, you may spot ibex, golden eagles and even bearded vultures in the area around the Rudolf-Schober-Hütte. Such sightings depend on luck and are seasonal.

The route from the Grazer Hütte to the Rudolf-Schober-Hütte is possible, but it is considered a challenging mountain hike and takes around 10 hours of walking. It is suitable only for hikers in good physical condition. Plan this route as a long, standalone hike, not as a casual addition to your itinerary.

For the hike starting at the historic sawmill in Krakauhintermühlen, parking is available at the Klausnerbergsäge. Availability may depend on local conditions; factor both the parking and the starting point into your plans.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Blasen, Sankt Lambrecht, Falkendorf, Oberwölz Stadt, Sankt Veit In Der Gegend, Mariahof, Stadl An Der Mur, Neumarkt In Steiermark

Go to the main travel overview: Murau.