Weitersfeld an der Mur is especially notable for its crossing of the Mur: the ferry is part of the local cultural heritage and features in several route descriptions. There is also a listed chapel and a path leading from the village into the Mur floodplains. Together, these offer concrete connections between the history of technology, cycling routes and the landscape.
Crossing the Mur and routes
The Weitersfeld Mur ferry is considered the last intact cable ferry on the Mur. Suspended from a steel cable, it safely carries passengers across the river to the other bank; water conditions can affect its operation. At Weitersfeld, one of Austria’s last cable ferries carries guests across the Murradweg R2 from Austria to Slovenia and from Slovenia to Austria. Cross-border ferry services may be affected by the season. The crossing is free for pedestrians and cyclists; as the fare policy may change, it is advisable to check before travelling.
The Murfelder Tour RA 22 follows the Murradweg R2 from Mureck, past the Mur ferry, to Straß. The ferry is a point along the described tour. Another way to cross the Mur is on Stage 5, “Changing Perspectives,” of the “Warte am Platschberg” trail: there, you can choose between the newly built Mur bridge and a ride on the traditional Mur ferry. The stage leads to the ferry, close to Weitersfeld an der Mur. Route information may be revised, so check the relevant description before planning your trip.
Local cultural history
The Weitersfeld an der Mur chapel is protected under § 2a of the Monument Protection Act; the relevant decision dates from 16 May 2002. Together with the cable ferry, it offers another perspective on the village’s cultural history: a protected building stands alongside a technical feature of river transport. While the chapel is defined by its protected status, the ferry’s design and former use tell another side of the village’s history.
Historically, the Mur ferry was designed to carry 30 people, seven head of livestock, or a loaded agricultural wagon. This refers to its historical use, not its current capacity. The categories mentioned range from passenger transport to the carriage of animals and agricultural wagons. The ferry is therefore not only a feature of today’s routes, but also a means of transport with a former agricultural function.
Path into the Mur floodplains
The Graz Way of St. James passes through Weitersfeld and into the Mur floodplains, which are designated a Natura 2000 European protected area. The connection to nature lies in the route itself: it passes through the village and continues into the protected floodplains. This complements the ferry crossing with another concrete perspective on Weitersfeld and its surroundings.
The cycle path also has a local connection: the family-run Schmankerlhof Buschenschank is located in Weitersfeld an der Mur, right on the cycle path. This distinguishes the regional Murfelder Tour from Mureck to StraĂź from a named business located directly on the cycle path in the village. Weitersfeld therefore offers several clearly located points of interest for your trip: the Mur ferry, a listed chapel, the path into the Mur floodplains, and the cycle path with a business directly along its route.
Discover more destinations: Mahrensdorf, Edelsbach Bei Feldbach, Wetzelsdorf, Weinburg Am Saßbach, Oberrakitsch, Klöchberg, Marktl, Wittmannsdorf.
For the broader travel overview: SĂĽdoststeiermark.
