Weitersfeld an der Mur

Weitersfeld an der Mur combines a unique ferry history with cycle paths, river landscapes and protected natural areas. The Weitersfeld Mur ferry is a defining feature: suspended from a steel cable, it safely carries passengers across the Mur to the opposite bank. This character is an important consideration when choosing a holiday apartment if you would like to plan your trip around a cycling stage, a ferry ride, the Mur floodplains or cultural discoveries.

Across the Mur by ferry

The Weitersfeld Mur ferry is considered the last intact cable ferry on the Mur. At Weitersfeld, it is also one of the last cable ferries in Austria. On the Mur cycle path R2, it carries visitors from Austria to Slovenia and from Slovenia to Austria. The crossing is free for pedestrians and cyclists. This makes the ferry ride an independent highlight that can be incorporated into a travel itinerary without reducing it to a purely functional means of transport.

Its former purpose also makes the ferry exceptional. Historically, it was designed to carry 30 people, seven head of cattle or a loaded agricultural vehicle. This detail tells of a time when crossing the Mur was an important practical connection. Today, visitors can experience the principle at first hand: the ferry moves along the steel cable from one bank to the other, offering an unusual view of the river crossing.

Cycle paths and different ways to cross the Mur

Those travelling by bicycle will find a clear thematic focus in Weitersfeld. The Murfelder Tour RA 22 follows the Mur cycle path R2 from Mureck along the Weitersfeld Mur ferry to Straß. This allows you to view the ferry crossing as part of a longer cycling tour and choose your holiday apartment according to the preferred starting point for planning your day. Information about the route and stage destination remains more important than a general classification of the town.

Another option is stage 5, “Blickwechsel”, of the “Warte am Platschberg” trail. To cross the Mur, you can choose between the newly built Mur bridge and a ride on the traditional Mur ferry. The stage leads to the Mur ferry in the immediate vicinity of Weitersfeld an der Mur. This allows you to choose between a modern crossing and the historic ferry experience when planning your trip.

Mur floodplains, the Way of St. James and local culture

In addition to cycling, the landscape along the Mur is part of the character of the town. The Graz Way of St. James passes through Weitersfeld into the Mur floodplains. These are designated as a Natura 2000 European protected area. For travellers looking for nature observation, a section of the route or a quieter complement to a cycling experience, this connection with the landscape provides another reason to include Weitersfeld in their travel plans.

There is also a cultural feature in the town: Weitersfeld village chapel is protected as a historic monument under Section 2a of the Monument Protection Act. Together with the history of the Mur ferry, this creates a destination where river landscapes, regional transport history and local religious culture stand side by side. If you would like to combine these different impressions, a holiday apartment in Weitersfeld an der Mur can provide a suitable base for choosing your own daily activities.

Cycling break and accommodation planning

The Buschenschank Schmankerlhof family business is located in Weitersfeld an der Mur directly on the cycle path. When looking for a holiday apartment or other accommodation, you can therefore consider whether your focus is on the Mur ferry, the Mur cycle path, the Way of St. James or the Mur floodplains. Depending on how you plan your trip, the focus may then be on an active day by bicycle, a cultural discovery or a combination of river landscapes and local history.

Weitersfeld an der Mur is therefore not merely a name on the map, but a destination offering several clearly distinct travel ideas. Whether you are planning a short exploration or a longer cycling tour, the Mur and its ferry remain the defining experience of the town.

More destinations for planning your trip

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Weitersfeld an der Mur, you can also view Maierdorf, Wittmannsdorf, Lugitsch, Deutsch Goritz, Burgfeld, Sankt Peter Am Ottersbach, Mureck and Deutsch Haseldorf.

For the overarching travel overview: Southeastern Styria.