Murau

Murau, a captivating town in the western part of Austria's Styria region, is situated in a picturesque valley carved by the Mur River, framed by the Lower Tauern range and the Gurktal Alps. With an elevation of 829 meters above sea level, Murau offers diverse landscapes and expansive views. The town, the administrative seat of the Murau District, maintains a community scale that blends urban amenities with traditional social structures.

Known as Austria's timber capital and even declared a Beer Town in 2010, Murau seamlessly weaves together its natural surroundings with a deep-rooted cultural heritage. The town's historic center is easily explored on foot, revealing medieval architecture and inviting squares. From its long-standing brewing tradition to its commitment to sustainable forestry, Murau offers a distinctive array of experiences for visitors seeking an authentic Austrian encounter.

Murau's location makes it a gateway to outdoor activities, with opportunities for hiking, skiing, and cycling along the Mur River. The town's cultural calendar is also lively, featuring traditional festivals and events that reflect its enduring history and community spirit.

Murau's origins extend back to ancient times, with evidence of settlement from the Bronze Age through the Roman Era. While the precise location of the ancient Celtic capital of Noreia was once theorized to be near Murau, archaeological evidence has yet to confirm this.

The town itself, originally known as Murowe, was first documented in 1250 as the center of the Styrian estates held by the noble Liechtenstein family in the Mur valley. The celebrated minnesinger Ulrich von Liechtenstein (who died in 1275) from nearby Frauenburg, had a castle constructed in Murau. However, this early fortification was destroyed when the Bohemian King Ottokar II occupied Styrian lands after his triumph at Kressenbrunn in 1260. Ulrich was compelled to surrender his estates and was temporarily imprisoned. The Liechtenstein estates were later restored following Ottokar's defeat in the 1278 Battle on the Marchfeld.

Ulrich's son, Otto, commissioned the construction of the Gothic parish church of St. Matthew, complete with its distinctive crossing tower, beginning in 1284. The church was consecrated in 1296. Murau citizens were granted town privileges in 1298, leading to the town's fortification and substantial expansion. From 1480 to 1490, Hungarian forces under King Matthias Corvinus occupied Murau. The Liechtensteins maintained ownership until the late 16th century.

In 1623, Murau became a possession of the House of Schwarzenberg. They undertook a major rebuilding of Murau Castle, transforming it into its current Renaissance style. The castle remains in the Schwarzenberg family's possession today. During World War II, a Wehrmacht prisoner-of-war camp was located in Murau. In May 1945, local resistance fighters liberated eight remaining POWs and successfully convinced approaching Red Army forces that the town was already occupied by the British, a clever act that likely spared Murau from further conflict.

Murau's compact medieval town center invites leisurely exploration. Begin at Schiller Square (Schillerplatz), a triangular hub at the town's heart. A prominent landmark is Murau Castle (Schloss Obermurau), a Renaissance palace owned by the Schwarzenberg family. Guided tours offer a glimpse into its past, including the picture gallery, kitchen, dungeon, and chapel, displaying historical tapestries and elaborate woodwork. The castle courtyard has also hosted Shakespeare plays as part of the annual Shakespeare in Styria festival.

Midway up the castle slopes stands the Murau Parish Church (Stadtpfarrkirche St. Matthäus), consecrated in 1296. It features a blend of Gothic pillars and arches with Baroque frescoes, pulpit, and high altar. The Annakirche, dating back to around 1400, is another notable church with late 14th-century frescoes and Gothic interiors. For a unique cultural insight, visit the Brewery Museum Murau, which delves into the town's over 500-year-old brewing tradition. Murau is also recognized as Austria's timber capital, and the Wood Museum offers a look into this local craft. Take a stroll along the Mur River for picturesque views.

The most agreeable time to visit Murau is during July and August, when the weather is generally most comfortable with daytime highs around 21°C (70°F) and considerable daily sunshine. This period is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The hiking season extends from May to October, with spring and autumn offering pleasant temperatures and colorful landscapes.

Winters in Murau are quite cold, with January seeing average daytime highs of 0°C (32°F) and nighttime lows around -8°C (18°F). While cold, winter offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts like Kreischberg.

Murau is situated in the Styrian Murtal valley and is readily accessible by car via the B96 Murtalstraße or the S36. For public transport, the narrow-gauge Mur Valley Railway (Murtalbahn) connects Murau with Unzmarkt and further international railway services. The nearest airport is in Klagenfurt, approximately 75 kilometers away.

Exploring Murau on foot is straightforward, especially in the compact town center. For broader exploration, cycling along the Mur River path is a favored option, with well-maintained asphalted paths suitable for various skill levels. The Murau GuestCard, often provided by participating accommodations, offers discounts or free access to many local attractions and public transportation, including the Murtalbahn and local buses.