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August 20, 2025 – Our night in Judenburg was restful, and after a filling breakfast at Hotel Schwerterbräu, right in the heart of town, we set off once again. Before rejoining the Murradweg, we made a short stop at St. Magdalena Church. Built in 1350, its Gothic walls hold centuries of history, and we paused for a quiet moment of personal prayer before continuing our journey.
Today’s route would lead us nearly 80 kilometers south to Bruck an der Mur. Just like the day before, the terrain offered steady slopes that challenged our legs and our e-bike batteries, but the promise of new towns ahead kept us pedaling forward.
Our first real stop was in Zeltweg, home to the famous Red Bull Ring, where Formula 1 races roar through the Styrian hills each summer. Though the track was quiet today, the grandstands and wide curves spoke of speed and adrenaline. We snapped photos and warmed ourselves with cappuccinos before pressing on.
Finding our way back to the Murradweg proved tricky; we ended up on the federal highway for a stretch before rejoining the bike trail. This detour led us past well-known Styrian towns: Spielberg, famous for motorsports; Knittelfeld, with its mix of industry and charm; and the scenic Kaiserberg region.
By the time we reached St. Michael in Obersteiermark, our batteries—and our bodies—were due for a break. We found a cozy café, plugged in our bikes, and enjoyed another long pause to restore our energy.
The final leg took us through Leoben, a historic mining town and home to Austria’s largest university for metallurgy. We lingered long enough to admire its main square and take photos before riding on.
At last, after another hour and a half, Bruck an der Mur appeared. Known as one of the oldest towns in Styria, it sits where the Mur and Mürz rivers meet. Our accommodation for the night, Gasthaus Pichler, welcomed us warmly.
It had been another demanding but rewarding day. Tomorrow, the adventure continues as we head toward the Styrian capital, Graz.
- Hector Pascua
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