The broad high plateau of Rennfeld and the pilgrimage church of Maria Rehkogel reveal two different sides of Sankt Marein im Mürztal. On the mountain, the summit setting and ascents take centre stage; in Frauenberg, the continuing pilgrimage tradition and the church’s long history of construction. If you are looking for accommodation for your stay, these two highlights can help you decide what you would like your trip to focus on.

Rennfeld and its location

Rennfeld is the westernmost summit of the Fischbach Alps in Austria’s Upper Styria and lies in the wedge between the Mur and Mürz rivers. It forms a broad high plateau running from west to east. At 1,629 m above sea level, the summit marks the highest point in Sankt Marein im Mürztal. The municipal boundaries of Sankt Marein, Bruck an der Mur and Pernegg an der Mur also meet here.

Hiking on Rennfeld

One section of the Central Alpine Trail crosses the summit. Other ascents lead from Bruck an der Mur to the west via Kaltbachgraben and Glanzgraben, from Kapfenberg to the north via Frauenberg, from Pernegg an der Mur to the southwest via Gabraun-Graben, and from Breitenau am Hochlantsch to the southeast. Each ascent involves around 1,000 to 1,200 metres of elevation gain. Check current local conditions before setting out on a hike.

Another hiking trail leads from Sankt Marein im Mürztal to the Ottokar-Kernstock-Haus, passing the pilgrimage church of Maria Rehkogel along the way.

Pilgrimage and building history in Frauenberg

The pilgrimage site of Maria Rehkogel is in Frauenberg, in Sankt Marein im Mürztal. Pilgrimages have been a tradition here for centuries, and the tradition continues to this day. A chapel was built on Frauenberg in 1354; in 1489 it was replaced by a church in the Late Gothic style. In 1769, a Baroque-style extension was added to the church. In 1775, an organ by Anton Römer, with 19 stops and 872 pipes, was installed. The Marian shrine also features several altars and pulpits, as well as artistically designed rib vaults.

Other sacred sites also shape the town’s history. The parish church of St. Anne in Sankt Marein im Mürztal is dedicated to Saint Anne. The Chapel of St. Sebastian is located in the old cemetery and was built around 1490.

Discover more destinations: Krieglach, Mürzzuschlag, Mürzsteg, Veitsch, Spital Am Semmering, Allerheiligen Im Mürztal, Kindberg, Langenwang

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