Welcome to Kreischberg
Welcome to Kreischberg, a leading alpine destination in the Murau district of Styria, Austria. Whether you’re chasing powder in winter or lush green trails in summer, this region offers the perfect blend of energetic sports and laid-back Styrian charm.
Description and accommodation
Kreischberg is famous for its wide, sunny slopes and its reputation as a world-class freestyle skiing and snowboarding spot. The resort is located at an altitude of around 1,981 m and offers breathtaking views of the Gurktal Alps.
If you’re planning a stay, the region is known for its exclusive holiday homes. You’ll find a selection of luxury villas and modern penthouses just a few minutes’ walk from the valley station. Many spacious apartments and chalets come with private wellness facilities such as Finnish saunas, outdoor baths and even heated pools, making them ideal for a “wellness-meets-adventure” holiday. Whether you're looking for a cozy self-catering apartment for two or a massive mountain villa for a group of 14, the local architecture blends modern lines with a warm, "alpine feel-good" atmosphere.
History
Although the mountain has long been a part of local life, its modern history is defined by its rise as a sports center. In 2003, it hosted the FIS Snowboard World Championships, and in 2015, it teamed up with Lachtal to host the FIS Freestyle Ski & Snowboarding World Championships. This legacy has left the mountain with some of the best infrastructure in Europe, including one of the continent's largest halfpipes.
Typical dishes
Styria's cuisine is a "trilogy of flavors" with apples, wine, and pumpkin. When dining in a mountain hut or at a local restaurant like Georgenwirt, look out for:
Steirischer Backhendlsalat: Roast chicken served on a bed of fresh lettuce, drizzled with local pumpkin seed oil (the "black gold" of Styria).
Kaspressknödel: Savory cheese dumplings, usually served in a clear broth or with sauerkraut.
Zirberl: A schnapps made from pine cones - the perfect way to warm up after a day on the slopes.
Sterz: A traditional, rustic dish made from buckwheat or cornmeal, often served with coffee or crème fraiche.
Activities
Winter: Skiing and snowboarding are king here. The Snowpark Kreischberg is a mecca for freeskiers, while the "Tubing Arena" offers fun for those who prefer to slide on rubber rings.
Summer: The mountain transforms into a hiking and cycling paradise. You can take the gondola up to explore the Gstoder or Frauenalpe peaks.
Unique experiences: Try rafting on the Mur River, play golf on the 18-hole Murau-Kreischberg course, or hike with alpacas through the forest.
Festivals
Faschingsrennen: A fascinating, centuries-old "carnival race" that takes place every other year on Shrove Monday. Locals dress up in traditional costumes (like the "Schellfaschinge" with their heavy bells) to "sweep" away winter.
Murtalbahn Steam Train Days: Throughout the summer, historic steam locomotives run along the valley, transforming a simple trip into a nostalgic historical festival.
Nature
The nature here is defined by the Mur River and the dense forests in the "green heart of Austria".
Günster Waterfall: The highest waterfall in Styria (65 m) with wooden steps and paths that let you feel the water spray.
Holzmuseum & Arboretum: Located in St. Ruprecht, this "Wood Museum" shows the region's deep connection to its forests with over 70 native tree species on display.