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Claudia S.
Affiliate & Social Media Manager
at ALPS RESORTS

Autumn in Styria: Which region is right for your autumn holiday?

Your guide to sunny and cool autumn days in the green heart of Austria

Autumn in Styria has many faces: on the mountain pastures the larches turn yellow, in the valleys mist hangs over the meadows in the morning, and on clear days the view stretches far across the mountain ranges. Because the region is so varied, the most important question is not whether you come in autumn, but where to.

In this guide we compare the regions where you can holiday with ALPS RESORTS: from the Dachstein via Murau and the Murtal to the Erzberg and the Turracher Höhe. For every region you will find ideas for sunny days and for cool, grey days. That way your autumn holiday in Styria suits any weather.

When is autumn in Styria at its most beautiful?

There is no perfect date, because autumn moves with the altitude. It begins earlier in the mountains and a little later in the valleys. That gives you plenty of room when planning.

Early autumn is often still mild and ideal for long hiking days. In October nature shows its most colourful side: larches glow yellow, and the deciduous forests in the valleys turn red and orange. Towards the end of autumn it becomes quieter, the air clearer, and the evenings belong to the fireplace, the sauna and a good glass of wine.

The weather changes quickly in autumn. A sunny morning can be followed by a cool, misty afternoon, and often the sun shines on the mountain while mist lies in the valley. With several layers of clothing and sturdy shoes you are prepared for both. How cable cars and mountain huts open in autumn varies from region to region. So check with the local tourism region before your outing.

Typically Styrian: what makes autumn here so special

Besides the colours and the views, there are a few things that set autumn in Styria apart. One of them is the scent of the stone pine, because many mountain forests are home to the stone pine forest, which smells of resin and wood on cool, clear autumn days. The mountain pastures are also an experience in autumn: a traditional Jause of speck, cheese and bread is a relaxed way to end your hike.

Autumn is all about pumpkin and pumpkin seed oil, chestnuts and hearty mountain hut dishes. You will find more ideas for the season's treats in our tips on autumn flavours. If you would like to know more about hiking trails and autumn colours across Austria, you will find hiking tips for autumn in Austria.

Styrian autumn also includes the alpine cattle drives: when the cattle come down from the mountain pastures into the valley in autumn, many villages celebrate with customs and festivals. You will find current dates from the local tourist boards.

Clear mountain lake with a bright red autumn tree on the shore and wooded rock faces in the background

Which region suits your autumn holiday?

All the regions in this guide are in Styria, and yet autumn feels different everywhere. This short overview will help you choose:

🏔️ Schladming-Dachstein: for anyone who loves big mountains and sweeping views.

🚲 Murau with Kreischberg and Lachtal: for anyone who likes to hike, cycle and stop for a bite to eat.

🌲 Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park: for anyone looking for peace, nature and the scent of stone pine.

🐄 Hohentauern in the Murtal: for anyone who wants to combine mountain pastures and day trips.

⛏️ Erzberg: for anyone drawn to history and a very special view of the landscape.

🏞️ Turracher Höhe: for anyone who loves mountain lakes and short routes into nature.

For each region we show you what is possible when the sun is out and what you can do on cool, grey days.

Schladming-Dachstein: sweeping views at the Dachstein

In autumn the Dachstein area shows its clear side. Around Schladming you will find mountain pastures, mountain lakes and peaks that look especially impressive in the autumn light. This is the place for you if you want to experience the mountains on a grand, wide scale.

When the sun shines: Plan a hike across the mountain pastures or a tour to one of the mountain lakes. A popular destination is the Spiegelsee (Mirror Lake), which we feature in our excursion tip on hiking to Mirror Lake in Schladming.

When it is cool and grey: Stroll through Schladming, stop for a coffee in a café or treat yourself to a wellness afternoon. It is still worth looking up at the mountains, because the clouds often break in the afternoon.

Your highlight: The Dachstein cable car takes you high up, to the Skywalk, the suspension bridge and the Ice Palace.

Only in autumn: At the end of September the alpine cattle drive is celebrated at the Walcheralm in Ramsau am Dachstein.

Your accommodation: Alpenchalets Reiteralm, Alpenrock Schladming, Bergresort Hauser Kaibling or Villa Liesl. More about the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region

Perfect view from the pool of a chalet into the mountains

Person wrapped in a blanket relaxing on the terrace of a timber chalet next to a fire pit in the evening

Murau with Kreischberg and Lachtal: enjoying nature

The Murau region combines a charming old town with wide open countryside. Around Kreischberg and Lachtal you will find forests, mountain pastures and cycle paths. This is the place for you if you want to combine activity and enjoyment.

When the sun shines: Cycle along the Mur Cycle Path through the autumn landscape or hike across the mountain pastures. For inspiration for a bike ride, see our article on the Mur Cycle Path near Kreischberg. Travelling with your dog? You will find ideas in our article on excursion destinations in the Murau region for travelling with dogs.

When it is cool and grey: Stroll through the old town of Murau and visit the castle. For trips further afield, take a look at the excursion destinations with the Murau Guest Card. Afterwards, many resorts around Kreischberg and Lachtal offer wellness or a sauna. That way you combine activity, enjoyment and relaxation in a single day.

Your highlight: Murau Castle, the brewery and the Mur Cycle Path are all right in the town, and the Murtalbahn railway is there too.

Only in autumn: On the last Saturday in September the alpine cattle drive takes place at Hochegg in Schönberg-Lachtal.

Your accommodation: Ferienpark Kreischberg, Kreischberg Chalets, Feriendorf Murau, Bergresort Lachtal, Rehfugium Lachtal and other resorts. More about the regions: Murau-Kreischberg and Murau-Lachtal

Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park: peace and the scent of stone pine

In the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park, stone pine forest, gentle mountain ridges and wide mountain pastures shape the landscape. Autumn brings peace and clear air here. This is the place for you if you want to switch off and enjoy nature in peace.

When the sun shines: Hike through the stone pine forest and enjoy the wide view over the landscape from the Zirbitzkogel or the Grebenzen. The scent of the stone pines makes every rest special.

When it is cool and grey: A walk in the woods has its own magic in the mist. Afterwards, a stop at a cosy mountain hut or an evening in your chalet will warm you up.

Your highlight: At 2,396 metres, the Zirbitzkogel is the highest peak in the region.

Your accommodation: The Naturpark Chalets Lambrecht. More about the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen region

Summit cross on a rocky peak backlit by the low sun with a wide view over the land

Alpine hut at Almdorf Hohentauern on a golden autumn meadow in front of a rocky mountain massif

Murtal and Hohentauern: mountain pastures and day trips

Around Hohentauern you combine peaceful mountain pastures with trips into the Murtal. The village lies in the Tauern and makes a good base if you are looking for activity in nature and variety in the surrounding area.

When the sun shines: Hike across the mountain pastures nearby, enjoy the views and then stop at a mountain hut. Autumn brings clear air and excellent long-distance views.

When it is cool and grey: Visit Seckau Basilica or take a trip to the Red Bull Ring. You will find suggestions in our day trip to the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.

Your highlight: Nearby are Seckau with its basilica and the Red Bull Ring.

Only in autumn: In October the Murtal hosts the Z’HERBST series with concerts and festivals, for example the Maroni and Schilchersturm party in Judenburg.

Your accommodation: The Almdorf Hohentauern. More about the Hohentauern holiday region

Erzberg: mining history and nature in the Eisenerz Alps

The Styrian Erzberg near Eisenerz shapes the landscape with its terraces and tells of centuries of mining. All around lie the Eisenerz Alps with forests, mountain pastures and lakes. In autumn this is a combination of nature and history that you will not find everywhere.

When the sun shines: Hike through the autumn forests of the Eisenerz Alps or stroll along Leopoldsteinersee near Eisenerz. The colours are beautifully reflected in the water.

When it is cool and grey: Dive into the mining history around the Erzberg. Check with the tourism region in advance which activities are available in autumn.

Your highlight: At Abenteuer Erzberg you ride the Hauly truck into the mountain.

Only in autumn: At the beginning of October, more than 15 groups play folk music at Leopoldsteinersee in Eisenerz at the Weisen- und Echobläsertreffen. In October the Gösser Kirtag follows in Leoben, with around 300 exhibitors.

Your accommodation: The Erzberg Alpin Resort. More about the Erzberg holiday region

Calm mountain lake beneath rock faces with a snow-covered peak in the background and a spruce on the shore

Woman wrapped in a blanket drinking from a cup on a balcony with mountains and forest behind her

Turracher Höhe: mountain lakes on the border with Carinthia

The Turracher Höhe lies on the border between Styria and Carinthia and is known for its mountain lakes. In autumn, larches and alpine meadows are reflected in the water, and the paths around the lakes are short enough for a relaxed day in nature.

When the sun shines: Walk the 3-lakes circular trail of around 8 kilometres. It takes you past Turracher See, Grünsee and Schwarzsee. Allow time for photo stops and a bite to eat.

When it is cool and grey: The landscape has its charm even in the mist. A short walk by the lake in a calm mood, followed by a hot chocolate at a mountain hut, suits a cool autumn day well.

Your highlight: The 3-lakes circular walk takes you around Turracher See.

Your accommodation: Alpenresidenz Turracher Höhe, Alpenpark Turracher Höhe, Naturchalets Turracher Höhe, Turrach Lodges or Turrach Suites 410. More about the Turracher Höhe holiday region

Conclusion: your autumn in Styria, at your own pace

Autumn in Styria does not follow the weather, it follows you. Whether you set off early for a hike across the mountain pastures or take a grey day slowly, every region has something to suit you.

Such a day is especially lovely when you let it end in the warmth. Our wellness holiday with sauna and relaxation and our holiday with a pool show you what that can look like. Directly below you will find the resorts in Styria that suit this.

FAQs: Frequently asked questions about autumn in Styria

What is the weather like in Styria in autumn?

Autumn weather in Styria is changeable. There are clear, sunny days with excellent visibility, but also cool, misty days, especially in the valleys. It gets cooler with altitude, and the weather in the mountains can change quickly. So check the current weather forecast before every outing and pack several layers of clothing.

When do the autumn colours appear in Styria?

The autumn colours appear first at higher altitudes and then move down into the valleys. The yellow larches and the colourful deciduous forests are especially impressive. The weather decides the exact timing each year, so it cannot be predicted precisely. Flexible travel dates increase your chances of beautiful colours.

Are mountain huts and cable cars open in autumn?

That varies from region to region and from business to business. Many mountain huts and cable cars adjust their hours in autumn, and some take a break between the seasons. So check with the hut, cable car or tourism region before your outing.

What can I do when the weather is cool or grey?

There are plenty of options even on cool days: you can stroll through villages and old towns, visit museums and cultural sights, stop at a mountain hut or take a short walk in nature. The sun often comes out too when the mist stays in the valley. You will find ideas for each region in the guide above.

Which region is best for an autumn holiday in Styria?

That depends on what you are looking for. The Dachstein area suits big mountains and sweeping views, the Murau region suits enjoyment, cycling and hiking. You will find peace and the scent of stone pine in the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park, and mountain lakes at the Turracher Höhe. In the guide above you can see what is possible in each region in sunshine and in cool weather.

When do the alpine cattle drives take place in Styria?

Alpine cattle drives in Styria usually take place in September and October. The exact dates depend on the location and the weather. It is best to ask the local tourist board.

Which outdoor activities are particularly recommended in Styria in autumn?

In autumn, hiking, cycling and summit tours are especially suitable. Around Schladming you will find mountain pastures and mountain lakes, on the Zirbitzkogel summit hikes, and at the Turracher Höhe the 3-lakes circular walk. At the Erzberg you can experience mining history up close.

Can I combine hiking and wellness on an autumn holiday?

Yes, they go well together. After a day's hiking, wellness is especially welcome when it gets cooler outside. You will find more in our holiday themes Wellness and Pool.

Image credits © ALPS RESORTS (partly AI-generated), Mathäus Gartner, TV ERZBERG LAND, René Hochegger, Genussreich / Freilichtmomente

Claudia S.

Affiliate & Social Media Manager at ALPS RESORTS

Always hungry - for good food, new favorite spots, and fresh ideas. On the ALPS RESORTS blog, Claudia shares recipes, travel tips, and vacation inspiration for everyone who loves the mountains, good food, relaxing getaways—and, just like her, dogs. More about Claudia

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A woman sits on the terrace of a chalet and works on her laptop.

Auf einen Blick

Good to know

Autumn in Styria: Which region is right for your autumn holiday?

Your guide to sunny and cool autumn days in the green heart of Austria

When is autumn in Styria at its most beautiful?

Typically Styrian: what makes autumn here so special

Which region suits your autumn holiday?

Schladming-Dachstein: sweeping views at the Dachstein

Murau with Kreischberg and Lachtal: enjoying nature

Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park: peace and the scent of stone pine

Murtal and Hohentauern: mountain pastures and day trips

Erzberg: mining history and nature in the Eisenerz Alps

Turracher Höhe: mountain lakes on the border with Carinthia

Conclusion: your autumn in Styria, at your own pace

FAQs: Frequently asked questions about autumn in Styria

Your ALPS RESORT for autumn in Styria

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Vitalhof am Kreischberg

Sonnenchalets Murau

Bergresort Hauser Kaibling

Kreischberg Chalets

Almdorf Stadl

Turrach Suites 410

Alpenchalets Reiteralm

Rehfugium Lachtal

Villa Liesl

Kreischberg Pool Villas & Penthouses

Alpenpark Turracher Höhe

FerienPark Kreischberg

Alpenresidenz Turracher Höhe

Kreischberg Suites

Turrach Lodges

Naturchalets Turracher Höhe

Bergresort Lachtal

Erzberg Alpin Resort

Feriendorf Murau

Alpenrock Schladming

Almdorf Hohentauern

Naturpark Chalets Lambrecht

Claudia S.

Affiliate & Social Media Manager at ALPS RESORTS

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