Mariahof appeals to visitors interested in nature and history, with a range of places to explore. The Dürnberger Moor is notable for its long formation and rare species, while Furtner Teich offers swimming and fishing and is also a bird sanctuary. Historic sites include the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary and the Steinschloss castle ruins. When planning your visit, you can choose to focus on nature or on architectural and local history, rather than treating the sites as a set route.
Nature at the Dürnberger Moor and Furtner Teich
The Dürnberger Moor formed around 12,000 years ago. Rare animals and plants live there, including the carnivorous round-leaved sundew. The moor can be understood both in terms of its formation and its species: its geological timescale and biological diversity offer two different perspectives on the same habitat. From the Oberdorf car park northwest of Vockenberg, the path passes the Anawander farmstead on the way to the Dürnberger Moor and its observation tower. These named points give you a specific route to use when planning your visit.
Swimming and fishing are possible at Furtner Teich in Mariahof. A circular path around the bird sanctuary by the pond allows visitors to experience the area. This offers two distinct options: activities on the water and a walk focused on the bird sanctuary. From January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, Furtner Teich is open daily and free of charge. If you plan to visit after this period, please check the applicable visitor conditions in advance.
Church and castle ruins: traces of history
The Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary was first mentioned in a document in 1066 as “ecclesia Grazluppa.” After being destroyed by the Hungarians, it was rebuilt in the Late Gothic style between 1482 and 1511. The church was also converted into a fortification. The first recorded mention in 1066 long predates the Late Gothic rebuilding, allowing the church’s history to be divided into an early reference and a later building phase. Its conversion into a fortification adds another architectural function to this history.
The Steinschloss castle ruins in Mariahof are considered the highest-elevation castle in Styria. They were presumably built in the 12th century by the noble family “von Stein.” In 1503, Steinschloss was sold by its then owners, the Liechtenstein noble family, to St. Lambrecht Abbey. The early construction date remains uncertain, while the sale is dated to 1503. The construction date and change of ownership are therefore two distinct historical reference points that should not be confused chronologically. The church’s first recorded mention, in 1066, predates the presumed 12th-century construction of Steinschloss.
Discover more destinations: Ranten, Oberwölz Umgebung, Zeutschach, Niederwölz, Sankt Ruprecht Ob Murau, Wildbad Einöd, Krakaudorf, Sankt Veit In Der Gegend
View the broader travel overview: Murau.
