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Murau (German: [ˈmuːʁaʊ̯]) is a town in the western part of the Austrian federal state of Styria. It is the administrative seat of Murau District.

Key Information

Geography

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The historic town is located in mountainous Upper Styria in the valley of the Mur river between the Lower Tauern range and the Gurktal Alps. The municipal area comprises the cadastral communities of Laßnitz-Lambrecht, Murau proper and Sankt Egidi, as well as the former independent municipalities of Laßnitz bei Murau, Stolzalpe and Triebendorf which were incorporated in the course of a 2015 administrative reform. Murau currently has a population of 3,688.

The town's economy largely depends on tourism, especially in the nearby Kreischberg ski resort. It is also known for its brewing tradition (Murauer Bier) documented since the 15th century. Murau station is a stop on the narrow-gauge Mur Valley Railway (Murtalbahn), running along the Mur river from Unzmarkt up to Mauterndorf in Salzburg.

Climate

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Murau has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers (Köppen:Dfb).

Climate data for Murau, averages 1991-2020
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −1.1
(30.0) 		0.3
(32.5) 		4.3
(39.7) 		9.4
(48.9) 		14.4
(57.9) 		18.2
(64.8) 		19.8
(67.6) 		19.3
(66.7) 		14.8
(58.6) 		10.4
(50.7) 		4.5
(40.1) 		0.2
(32.4) 		9.5
(49.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) −5.5
(22.1) 		−4.1
(24.6) 		−0.1
(31.8) 		4.7
(40.5) 		9.5
(49.1) 		13.4
(56.1) 		14.9
(58.8) 		14.6
(58.3) 		10.3
(50.5) 		5.9
(42.6) 		0.9
(33.6) 		−3.9
(25.0) 		5.1
(41.1)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −9.7
(14.5) 		−8.3
(17.1) 		−4.4
(24.1) 		−0.3
(31.5) 		4.3
(39.7) 		7.9
(46.2) 		9.5
(49.1) 		9.6
(49.3) 		5.9
(42.6) 		2.0
(35.6) 		−2.2
(28.0) 		−7.5
(18.5) 		0.6
(33.0)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 43
(1.7) 		46
(1.8) 		64
(2.5) 		79
(3.1) 		109
(4.3) 		128
(5.0) 		127
(5.0) 		128
(5.0) 		100
(3.9) 		89
(3.5) 		83
(3.3) 		56
(2.2) 		1,052
(41.4)
Average rainy days 7 7 8 11 13 13 13 12 9 8 8 7 116
Average relative humidity (%) 80 79 78 75 77 76 77 79 82 84 84 79 79
Mean daily sunshine hours 4.7 4.9 6.1 7.5 8.6 10.2 10.3 8.5 6.1 4.8 3.8 4.5 6.7
Source: Climate-data.org "Murau climate, Weather Murau". Climate-data.org.

History

[edit]

The area was already settled in the Bronze Age through the Roman Era. Based on an entry in the Tabula Peutingeriana the ancient city of Noreia, capital of the Celtic kingdom Noricum, was thought to be near Murau in the late 18th and the 19th century. However, no archaeological evidence has been found so far.

Murau Castle and St Matthew's parish church

Murowe itself, centre of the Styrian estates in the Mur valley held by the noble Liechtenstein family, was first mentioned in a 1250 deed. The famous minnesinger Ulrich von Liechtenstein (d. 1275) from nearby Frauenburg had a castle erected at Murau which was again demolished when the Bohemian king Ottokar II occupied the Styrian lands upon his victory at Kressenbrunn in 1260. Ulrich had to cede his estates to the king and was temporarily arrested in Moravia.

The Liechtenstein estates were restored, when Ottokar was defeated in the 1278 Battle on the Marchfeld. Ulrich's son Otto had the Gothic parish church of St Matthew's with its characteristic crossing tower built from 1284, it was consecrated by the Lavant bishop in 1296. The Murau citizens were vested with town privileges in 1298, whereafter the town was fortified and significantly enlarged.

From 1480 to 1490, the town was occupied by the Hungarian forces of King Matthias Corvinus. The Liechtensteins held Murau until the late 16th century. From 1623 onwards, it was a possession of the House of Schwarzenberg who had Murau Castle rebuilt in its present Renaissance style. The present owner is Karel Schwarzenberg.

During World War II a camp of the Wehrmacht armed forces was located here, in which captured British prisoners of war were held enthralled. At the end of the war in May 1945, local groups of resistance fighters freed eight remaining POWs and successfully led the approaching Red Army forces to believe that the town was already occupied by the British.

Population

[edit]
Historical population
YearPop.±%
18691,293—    
18801,409+9.0%
18901,377−2.3%
19001,679+21.9%
19101,807+7.6%
19231,990+10.1%
19342,117+6.4%
19392,279+7.7%
19512,838+24.5%
19612,794−1.6%
19712,711−3.0%
19812,622−3.3%
19912,443−6.8%
20012,331−4.6%
20112,096−10.1%

Events

[edit]
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare performed in Murau, 2014

The Murtalbahn steam train is a historic part of the town, as well as one of its tourist attractions. Murau is also known for its annual Samson parades on August 15.

Since 2002, the annual festival Shakespeare in Styria presents productions of Shakespeare plays in the town's Festival Hall, in the Courtyard of the Murau Castle as well as at the Domenig Pavillon in the park of the town. The festival was founded in 2002 by British born theatre manager Nicholas Allen and Austrian writer Rudolph J. Wojta. Each year it presents another play performed by young actors and actresses from all over Europe directed by experienced British directors. In the early years of the festivals performances were in English. Since 2013 productions are performed in German and directed by Nicholas Allen and US-American sword-master Roberta Brown. Since the summer of 2016, the festival has been based at St. Lambrecht Abbey, some 14 kilometres from Murau and no performance have taken place in Murau.


Politics

[edit]
Town hall

Seats in the town's assembly (Stadtrat) as of 2015 local elections:

Twin towns — sister cities

[edit]
See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Austria

Murau is twinned with:

Notable people

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Murau

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from Grokipedia

Murau is a historic municipality serving as the administrative seat of the Murau District in Styria, Austria, situated in the Murtal valley along the Mur River. With a population of approximately 3,600 residents, it encompasses a well-preserved old town featuring Renaissance-era architecture and Schloss Murau, a castle first constructed in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 17th century by the Liechtenstein family. The local economy centers on tourism, driven by the adjacent Kreischberg ski area with over 40 kilometers of slopes, alongside a longstanding brewing tradition exemplified by Murauer Bier production. Notable cultural assets include specialized museums on brewing and woodworking, reflecting the region's artisanal heritage amid alpine landscapes.

Geography

Location and Terrain


Murau is a town in the Austrian state of Styria, serving as the administrative center of the Murau District in Upper Styria. It lies in the uppermost section of the Mur Valley at the confluence of the Mur River and the Katschbach, a tributary originating from the nearby mountains. The town's coordinates are approximately 47°07′N latitude and 14°10′E longitude, positioning it on the southern edge of the Niedere Tauern range. The terrain surrounding Murau is characteristically alpine, featuring a narrow river valley flanked by steep, forested slopes and rising peaks of the Gurktal to the south and the Niedere Tauern to the north. Elevating to 829 meters above , the area transitions from the valley floor's meadows and settlements to higher elevations dominated by dense coniferous forests and rocky outcrops suitable for and . The regional includes rolling hills interspersed with glacial features from past ice ages, contributing to a diverse that supports both in lower areas and in the mountainous uplands. Nearby peaks, such as those in the Murau Mountains reaching over 2,700 meters, provide a rugged backdrop and define the town's position within a transitional zone between lowland valleys and high alpine environments.

Climate and Natural Environment

Murau lies in a zone, classified as Dfb under the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and significant precipitation throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 5.1 °C, with monthly averages ranging from -3.9 °C in to 14.5 °C in . Annual precipitation totals approximately 1052 mm, distributed relatively evenly but with peaks in summer months due to convective activity in the alpine foothills. Winters often bring heavy snowfall, supporting seasonal snow cover from December to March, while summers remain mild, rarely exceeding 25 °C on average highs. The natural environment of Murau is dominated by its position in the Upper Mur Valley, flanked by the Lower Tauern mountains to the north and the Gurktal Alps to the south, creating a rugged alpine terrain with elevations rising from about 800 meters in the valley to over 2,000 meters in surrounding peaks. The region boasts Austria's highest forest coverage, exceeding 60% of the land area, primarily consisting of mixed coniferous and deciduous stands adapted to the montane climate, with spruce, fir, and beech prevalent. This dense forestation, coupled with minimal high-alpine barren zones, supports diverse ecosystems including riparian habitats along the Mur River and subalpine meadows, fostering biodiversity in flora such as edelweiss and fauna like chamois and birds of prey. The valley's east-west orientation moderates some microclimatic effects, but prevailing westerly winds channel moisture from the Atlantic, enhancing the area's hydrological features, including over 40 lakes and numerous streams tributary to the Mur.

History

Early Settlement and Medieval Foundations

The Murau region, situated in the Upper Mur Valley of , exhibits traces of early medieval Slavic habitation, with local tradition attributing the name "Luba" to possible Slavic settlers prior to widespread German during the . However, no archaeological or documentary evidence confirms organized settlement in the immediate area before the 13th century, aligning with broader patterns in where Slavic populations were gradually assimilated following the Bavarian and Frankish expansions from the onward. The documented foundations of Murau as a structured settlement date to the mid-13th century, when the minnesinger and Styrian noble Ulrich von Liechtenstein constructed a fortress, known as Schloss Obermurau, around 1232 on the Schlossberg hill overlooking the Mur River. This castle served as a strategic defensive and administrative center amid the feudal conflicts of the March of Styria. The settlement itself, first recorded as "Castrum Murowe" in a 1250 deed, emerged as a market town at the fortress's base, benefiting from its position at the intersection of medieval trade routes linking the Eastern Alps. Ulrich, born circa 1200 in the vicinity, leveraged his influence under the Babenberg dukes to establish these institutions, fostering economic activity through tolls and commerce. By 1298, Murau received formal town privileges (Stadtcharter) from Otto II von , granting rights to markets, courts, and fortifications, which solidified its role as a regional hub under Liechtenstein stewardship. The family retained control through the medieval period, with the enduring assaults, including destruction in the 1270s during inter-noble wars, before reconstructions reinforced its prominence. This marked Murau's transition from a nascent outpost to a fortified medieval community, integral to Styria's feudal landscape under emerging Habsburg oversight post-1282.

Early Modern Period under Habsburg Rule

Murau, as part of the , experienced centralized imperial oversight during the , with local governance vested in noble lords loyal to the dynasty. The town's market privileges, including staple rights for iron trade (Niederlagsrecht), were reaffirmed by Emperor Frederick III in 1492, underscoring its role as a regional commercial hub amid Habsburg efforts to consolidate economic control in the Inner Austrian lands. Iron production flourished, supported by nine hammer mills that operated through the period, leveraging the area's abundant resources and waterways for and transport. The lordship transitioned following the death of Christoph von Liechtenstein in 1585, with his widow Anna Neumann von Wasserleonburg assuming control in 1574 and acquiring full title to the Murau estate. In 1617, Neumann married Georg Ludwig zu Schwarzenberg, integrating the domain into the Schwarzenberg family upon her death in 1623 at age 88; the Schwarzenbergs, a Bohemian noble house aligned with Habsburg interests during the , subsequently dominated local affairs. Between 1628 and 1643, Georg Ludwig demolished the medieval fortifications of Obermurau and reconstructed it as a residence, symbolizing the shift to aristocratic patronage under Habsburg patronage. The family received princely elevation from Emperor Leopold I in 1670, reinforcing their status within the imperial nobility. Regional instability impacted Murau, including peasant uprisings tied to feudal burdens and the economic strains of Habsburg-Ottoman conflicts, as well as devastating plague epidemics in the 17th century that depopulated parts of . Despite these challenges, the town's strategic position sustained trade networks, with Habsburg administrative reforms in the late —such as II's edicts on —gradually easing local tensions without altering noble dominance.

19th and 20th Centuries

At the end of the , Murau underwent key administrative and infrastructural advancements that solidified its regional importance. The establishment of the Bezirkshauptmannschaft positioned the town as the seat of district administration, reflecting broader Austrian reforms following the 1848 revolutions and the 1867 Ausgleich. Concurrently, the founding of the enhanced local safety measures, while the creation of the Sparkasse provided essential to residents and businesses. These developments coincided with modernization efforts, including the town's and the of the Murtalbahn, a narrow-gauge railway linking Unzmarkt to Murau, which facilitated trade and passenger transport in the Mur Valley. By this period, local had consolidated from multiple sites documented in the to just two active operations, underscoring a shift toward efficiency amid Styria's gradual industrialization, though Murau remained primarily agrarian with limited . The early to mid-20th century brought profound challenges from the two world wars, though Murau avoided direct ground combat. During World War I, the region saw no immediate fighting, but numerous local men perished as soldiers, contributing to demographic and economic strain. The interwar years were marked by widespread economic hardships, exacerbated by Austria's post-imperial instability and the global depression. In World War II, Murau experienced air raid alerts and sporadic bombing, yet sustained no significant structural damage, owing to its peripheral location and lack of major strategic targets. Following the war's end in 1945, the town initiated a gradual recovery, rebuilding amid Allied occupation and Austria's partition into zones, with Styria falling under British control until the 1955 State Treaty restored full sovereignty.

Recent Developments (Post-1945)

In the immediate aftermath of World War II, Murau avoided direct combat but confronted the advancing in early . Local resistance fighters, coordinated by mayor Karl Brunner, captured the remaining garrison on the night of May 10–11 and negotiated handover to Western Allied forces to avert Soviet occupation, earning Brunner recognition as the "savior of Murau." British troops formally occupied the town on May 9, 1945, integrating it into the Allied occupation zone until Austria's sovereignty was restored via the . The district administration (Bezirkshauptmannschaft) resumed full operations in May 1945, undergoing expansion by 1948 to support regional governance amid post-war reconstruction. Post-occupation recovery emphasized institutional rebuilding and economic stabilization. Key establishments included the Murau Vocational School in 1949 and the in 1950, fostering education and cultural preservation in a rural context strained by wartime resource shortages. The sector, anchored by the Murau Brewery (operational since 1495 and restructured as a in 1910), adapted through modernization; by 2016, it achieved CO2-neutral production, reflecting environmental priorities, while investing €77 million from 2007 to 2019 in facilities like a new brewhouse, fermentation cellars, and bottling lines to enhance efficiency and market reach. Tourism emerged as a growth driver, propelled by the Kreischberg ski resort's expansion. Initial post-war infrastructure laid groundwork for seasonal visitation, with significant upgrades including 4 km of new slopes by the and the resort's largest-ever investment—a 10-person completed in 2021—to accommodate rising demand and interconnect with adjacent areas for 42 km of pistes. In , Styria's municipal reform merged Murau with Stolzalpe and Triebendorf, expanding the municipality's area to 129 km² and population to over 4,000, bolstering administrative capacity for and forestry-based industries like production. These changes aligned with broader regional shifts toward sustainable rural economies, though challenges like demographic stagnation persisted amid Austria's national trends.

Demographics

As of January 1, 2025, the municipality of Murau records a resident of 3,330, comprising 1,574 males and 1,756 females. This represents a continuation of a modest decline observed in recent years, driven primarily by negative natural population change (fewer births than deaths) and net out-migration, patterns typical of rural areas in amid broader regional depopulation pressures. The following table summarizes annual resident population figures for Murau from 2021 to 2025:
YearTotal PopulationMalesFemales
20213,4671,6151,852
20223,4321,6131,819
20233,4481,6141,834
20243,3651,5721,793
20253,3301,5741,756
Data source: Styrian State Statistics , derived from population registers. This trend aligns with the Murau District's overall contraction from 27,449 residents in 2021 to 26,898 in 2025, underscoring emigration challenges in peripheral Styrian regions where younger cohorts depart for urban centers like , exacerbating aging demographics. Projections from Austrian federal statistics anticipate sustained low growth or further decline in such localities without targeted interventions, as birth rates remain below replacement levels (around 3.8‰ in comparable areas) while death rates exceed 15‰.

Ethnic and Social Composition

The of Murau exhibits high ethnic homogeneity, consistent with broader patterns in rural Upper , where the vast majority identify as ethnic of German descent. Foreign citizens comprise 9.3% of the municipal , primarily from countries, with the remainder holding Austrian nationality. This low share of non-Austrian nationals underscores limited immigration-driven diversity compared to urban areas in , where the foreign averages around 14.6%. German serves as the dominant and virtually exclusive , with no official data indicating substantial use of other tongues among residents. Socially, Murau's composition reflects a traditional rural profile, with a significant portion engaged in , local , and service sectors tied to . Educational attainment data reveal a practical orientation, with many residents completing vocational training suited to these industries rather than higher academic degrees. The community structure emphasizes family units and local associations, fostering cohesion in a setting where intergenerational ties to farming and craftsmanship persist. Religious affiliation is predominantly Roman Catholic, aligning with Styria's historical patterns, though precise local figures are not disaggregated in census data. Overall, social stratification remains modest, with limited evidence of pronounced class divides beyond occupational distinctions between agricultural workers, entrepreneurs in and , and seasonal employees.

Economy

Primary Industries and Agriculture

The primary sector in the Murau district of , , is dominated by and , which together accounted for 36.9% of local in 2023, the highest share among Styrian districts. This reflects the region's mountainous terrain, which limits arable farming but supports extensive rearing and timber production. Between 2001 and 2011, the primary sector's employment share fluctuated between 7.6% and 11.2%, though recent indicate a stronger reliance amid declining secondary sector jobs. Forestry is particularly prominent, with the Murau region boasting the highest forest cover percentage in , exceeding that of the national average due to minimal high-alpine barren areas and . Forests span approximately 43% of the district's natural land area, totaling 59.5 thousand hectares as of 2020, primarily coniferous species suited to alpine conditions, supporting sustainable timber harvesting and contributing to wood-based industries. Annual natural forest loss has been modest at around 446 hectares in recent years, equivalent to 211 kilotons of CO₂ emissions, underscoring managed practices aligned with 's exemplary sustainable forestry model. Agriculture emphasizes mountain and , with traditional hay production prevalent; animals graze alpine pastures in summer and meadows in other seasons, yielding specialized products like cheeses. is widespread, comprising 34% of all farms and 37% of agricultural area in the district as of 2018, driven by eco-labeling initiatives that promote and in steep terrains. dominate holdings, with regional trends showing declines in dairy cows (from 174 in earlier counts to around 80 recently) but sustained focus on extensive over intensive methods. Arable crops are minimal, confined to lower valleys, while and predominate, aligning with broader Styrian shifts toward and over .

Tourism and Hospitality

Tourism in Murau emphasizes the town's preserved historic center, featuring Renaissance-era Schloss Obermurau castle and guided walks through medieval streets centered on Schillerplatz. The Murtalbahn, a heritage narrow-gauge steam railway operational since 1905, provides scenic rides through the Mur Valley, drawing rail enthusiasts and families. Cultural sites like the , showcasing the region's heritage, and the Holzmuseum, highlighting traditional , complement . Outdoor pursuits leverage Murau's alpine setting in Styria's Niedere Tauern range, with summer hiking trails and cycling paths along the Mur River, and winter skiing at nearby Kreischberg resort, which spans 42 kilometers of groomed pistes suitable primarily for beginners and intermediates, including snowboarding facilities. Kreischberg, connected via gondolas and chairlifts with a total capacity of 22,848 passengers per hour, supports day trips from Murau and contributes significantly to seasonal visitor influx. Hospitality infrastructure includes around 63 hotels, guesthouses, and apartments, with notable establishments like the 4-star Hotel Gasthof Lercher in the old town, providing saunas, relaxation areas, and Styrian cuisine featuring local ingredients and Murauer beer. Dining options range from traditional Gasthäuser like Egidiwirt and Lercher's Wirtshaus, serving regional dishes such as Käsnocken and , to casual spots emphasizing authentic alpine fare. These accommodations prioritize family-oriented and eco-conscious stays, aligning with Styria's emphasis on in rural areas.

Brewing and Local Manufacturing

The Murau Brewery, established in 1495, represents one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in and serves as a cornerstone of the local economy in Murau, . Operating as a since the early , it produces using high-quality raw materials sourced from controlled , enabling full traceability from field to consumer. As one of 's five largest breweries, it outputs approximately 275,000 hectolitres annually and employs around 180 workers, contributing significantly to regional and sustaining traditions through ongoing . Local manufacturing in Murau emphasizes wood processing, leveraging the area's dense forests and historical timber heritage. and downstream wood industries form a major economic pillar, with sustained harvesting and value-added production supporting jobs and exports. A key player is KLH Massivholz GmbH, founded in in Katsch an der Mur within the Murau district, which specializes in (CLT) elements for constructive applications worldwide. As a market leader, KLH sources sustainably managed from PEFC- or FSC-certified forests, producing large-format panels that have advanced from initial garage-scale trials to industrial-scale output, reflecting Styria's shift toward products. While traditional logging has declined, these modern facilities underscore the evolution of wood manufacturing as an export-oriented sector integral to Murau's industrial base.

Government and Politics

Local Administration and Governance

Murau operates as a statutory town (Stadtgemeinde) within the Austrian federal structure, governed by an elected municipal council (Gemeinderat) and (Bürgermeister). The council, comprising representatives elected every six years, holds legislative authority over local matters including budgeting, , , and public services. The , as executive head, implements council decisions, represents the municipality, and chairs council meetings. Administrative operations are supported by a town director and departmental staff handling , civil registry, and community services. The current mayor is Thomas Kalcher of the (ÖVP), who has served since 2008. In the Styrian municipal elections held on March 23, 2025, the ÖVP secured 50.38% of the vote, maintaining its majority in the council. Kalcher was reconfirmed in the constitutive council session on April 29, 2025. Key council members include Vice-Mayor Dr. Martin Moser and councilors such as Bertram Bacher and Helga Bacher, primarily from the ÖVP. As the seat of the Murau District, the town hosts the district administrative authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft), which oversees regional enforcement of federal and state laws, including , , and administrative appeals beyond municipal scope. This dual role enhances Murau's administrative significance in western , coordinating with the Styrian provincial government on matters like and .

Political Landscape

The political landscape in Murau is dominated by the (ÖVP), which has maintained control of the municipal council and mayoralty for decades. Thomas Kalcher of the ÖVP has served as mayor since 2008, overseeing local administration focused on , , and in this rural Styrian district capital. The ÖVP's emphasis on conservative values, agricultural support, and economic stability resonates with Murau's populace, which includes a significant farming community. In the municipal council elections held on March 23, 2025, the ÖVP secured 12 of 22 seats with 50.38% of the vote, down from approximately 74% in prior cycles, retaining a majority despite losses attributed to rising support for the (FPÖ). The FPÖ gained 5 seats with 23.18%, reflecting broader regional trends seen in Styria's November 2024 state election where the party achieved its first victory and formed a . The Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) holds 4 seats, and the Greens 1, indicating limited opposition influence. Voter turnout reached 87.24%, higher than the 79.71% in 2020. Historically, Murau's politics exhibit low competition, with the ÖVP facing minimal challenges until recent FPÖ advances, driven by dissatisfaction with federal policies on migration and among rural voters. Local decisions prioritize and , aligning with Styria's conservative leanings, though state-level FPÖ may influence future policies. No significant ideological shifts have altered the ÖVP's pragmatic, pro-business approach at the municipal level.

Twin Towns and International Ties

Murau maintains a longstanding town twinning partnership with Fagagna, a municipality in the region of . The relationship originated over 30 years ago through private initiatives, including efforts by local figure Hermann [surname not specified in primary source], before formalizing as an official Städtepartnerschaft. This connection fosters cultural exchanges, with annual events such as sports encounters between local groups from Murau and Fagagna reinforcing ties since at least the early . No other formal twin towns are documented in official municipal records. International ties beyond this partnership appear limited, though collaborative EU-funded projects have occasionally highlighted the Fagagna link, such as presentations on experiences in regional forums. These interactions emphasize people-to-people rather than broader institutional alliances.

Culture and Society

Traditions and Cultural Heritage

Murau's traditions emphasize community participation and historical continuity, with several practices inscribed in Austria's national inventory of . The Faschingrennen, or Carnival Run, is a prominent example, involving an arduous procession where participants, dressed in traditional thresher attire, travel between farms on every two to five years, overcoming physical challenges such as climbing over chains or mock duels while cadging food and drink. This rite, covering up to 30 kilometers, serves as a communal celebration of spring's arrival and a test of endurance for young men, fostering social bonds across generations and social strata; it has been recognized for its cultural significance since 2011. Civic guards and ceremonial militias in the , numbering five active groups including the Murau Civic Guard, trace their origins to 17th-century local defense units formed to protect Catholic processions amid religious conflicts. These groups perform as honor guards at religious and festive events multiple times annually, featuring flag-spinning, ceremonial salutes, and uniformed parades inspired by early 19th-century Napoleonic styles, while also maintaining social clubs for intergenerational transmission of skills. Inscribed as intangible heritage in 2012, the practices underscore regional identity and cohesion, with a district association established in the late to preserve autonomy amid collaborative efforts. Samson parades represent another enduring custom, with Murau's 5-meter-tall, 75-kilogram wooden figure—depicting the biblical strongman—carried by bearers during summer processions, most notably on in the Old Town, accompanied by gun salutes and civic guard involvement. Rooted in 18th-century traditions linked to regional Catholic festivals, these events draw from broader Styrian and practices of Samsontragen, which emphasize physical prowess and communal spectacle; Murau's figure, acquired by Capuchin monks as early as 1746, connects to neighboring Lungau's UNESCO-recognized variants. Additional seasonal customs reinforce Murau's folk heritage, including Easter practices like blessings of woven palm bundles and meat consecrations, alongside Advent Perchten runs featuring masked figures to ward off evil spirits. The St. Georgen Passion Plays, performed biennially since their revival in the (originating in ), dramatize biblical narratives in local dialect, blending religious devotion with theatrical tradition. These elements, while shared with broader Styrian folk of dialects, dances, and handicrafts, highlight Murau's emphasis on participatory rituals over centuries.

Events and Festivals

Murau's events and festivals emphasize its brewing legacy, Alpine traditions, and community gatherings, often tied to seasonal cycles and historical customs. The Murauer Bierstadtfest, hosted by the local founded in 1495, occurs annually on the second weekend of July, offering free entry, live music starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays, tastings, and regional ; the 2025 edition on July 11–12 attracted over 20,000 attendees despite logistical challenges like queue times. The parades, a cornerstone of Styrian tradition, take place in Murau on August 15, featuring that reenact historical and reinforce cultural continuity in the region. Irregular but significant is the Murau Run, a UNESCO-listed custom in Austria's intangible heritage inventory, comprising an exhaustive and cadging held every two to five years, typically on a single day during period, involving participants in elaborate dress to beg for goods and perpetuate pre-Lenten . Autumn and winter markets sustain local commerce and heritage, exemplified by the Leonhardimarkt on November 6, 2025, which assembles vendors in Murau's from 8:00 a.m. for sales of artisanal goods, , and seasonal items under the patronage of Saint Leonard. Athletic events like the Murau City Run provide ongoing opportunities for physical engagement, drawing runners through the town's scenic paths and fostering communal participation.

Education and Community Life

Murau hosts a range of educational institutions serving approximately 1,700 children and daily across various school types, with around 1,300 students commuting from other areas within and beyond. Primary education is provided through the local , while secondary and vocational training includes the Brunner-Karl-Landesberufsschule, specializing in construction-related fields such as and . The town also features a , a housed in a former courthouse, and adult education options through institutions like the Berufsförderungsinstitut Steiermark and the Volkshochschule, supporting initiatives aligned with regional strategies such as LLL:2020. Community life in Murau emphasizes family-oriented initiatives and active participation in local associations, with the municipality certified as family- and child-friendly to enhance support for residents. Numerous Vereine, or clubs, foster social engagement, including the Landjugend Laßnitz-Murau, a rural youth association with 28 members dedicated to preserving regional traditions and customs. Service-oriented groups such as the Lions Club Murau and the Soroptimist Club Murau organize community events, charitable activities, and professional networking, contributing to local welfare and cultural preservation. Regular gatherings, including concerts, family festivals, and support programs like heating cost subsidies, reinforce communal ties in this administrative hub of the district.

Notable People

Ulrich von Liechtenstein (c. 1200–1275), a medieval , , and Minnesänger, was born into the local noble family in Murau and served as a steward in , where he founded a market settlement around 1270. Anna Neumann von Wasserleonburg (1535–1623), a wealthy merchant's daughter who became one of the richest women in the through six marriages and business ventures including lending to the Habsburgs, acquired the lordship of Murau in 1565 and ruled it until her death, residing there and amassing debts from Emperor Ferdinand II totaling 340,000 florins by 1623. Willi Egger (1932–2008), an Austrian skier and ski jumper, was born in Murau and competed internationally from the late 1950s to mid-1960s, winning three events in the . Karl Brunner (1889–1964), a , , and anti-Nazi resistance fighter, settled in Murau where he led local disarmament efforts against forces at war's end in 1945, later receiving from the town in 1960 for his contributions.

References

  1. https://www.murau.gv.at/
  2. https://www.citypopulation.de/en/austria/steiermark/murau/61438__murau/
  3. https://traveltoaustria.info/murau/
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