Hotels in Krakauschatten
Krakauschatten is a hamlet of the Krakau, a high side valley above Murau in Styria, and in winter it is a cross-country base, with one small family lift, not a ski resort. The nordic loops of the Krakau run at about 1,465 to 1,500 m, high enough to hold snow when the Mur valley below is bare: about 15 km in all, 9 km for classic and 6 km for skating. Landgasthof Jagawirt is the one hotel listed, rated 9.5 from 71 reviews, and its strongest point for skiers is that you step onto the cross-country trail from the inn; it serves a breakfast buffet and Styrian cooking. For children, the Tockneralmlift climbs from 1,220 m to 1,450 m and serves about 3 km of easy and intermediate runs, with some snowmaking. In summer, a 5 km path links the Schattensee lake to the Jagawirt, which tells you how compact the valley is. The trap is expecting a ski week: with one small lift, alpine skiers will be bored after a day. I would choose Krakauschatten for a nordic week at altitude, with young children learning on the Tockneralm.
Krakauschatten suits cross-country skiers who want high, quiet trails and an inn with the loipe at the door. The hamlet sits in the Krakau valley above Murau, where about 15 km of nordic trails run at 1,465 to 1,500 m, and the small Tockneralmlift gives children their first turns. Landgasthof Jagawirt is the place to sleep.
Krakauschatten in numbers
What to expect
- About 15 km of nordic trails at 1,465 to 1,500 m: 9 km classic, 6 km skating
- Landgasthof Jagawirt, rated 9.5 from 71 reviews, with the cross-country trail at the door
- Tockneralmlift: 1,220 m to 1,450 m, about 3 km of easy and intermediate runs
Local tips
- ✓Book the Jagawirt if you ski nordic every day: you clip in at the door instead of driving to a trailhead.
- ✓Bring skating and classic skis: of the roughly 15 km of Krakau trails, 9 km are tracked for classic and 6 km for skating.
- ✓Use the Tockneralmlift for children's first alpine days: its runs, about 3 km in all, are easy and intermediate, with some snowmaking.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Is there skiing in Krakauschatten?
Mostly cross-country. The Krakau has about 15 km of nordic trails at 1,465 to 1,500 m, 9 km for classic and 6 km for skating. For alpine skiing there is only the small Tockneralmlift, from 1,220 m to 1,450 m, with about 3 km of easy and intermediate runs.
Is Krakauschatten good for families in winter?
Yes, for families with young children. The Tockneralmlift serves short easy and intermediate runs, the valley is quiet, and Landgasthof Jagawirt puts the cross-country trail at the door. Teenagers who want big pistes will need to drive to a larger area.
Where should I stay in Krakauschatten?
The one hotel listed here is Landgasthof Jagawirt, rated 9.5 from 71 reviews. You step onto the cross-country trail from the inn, and it serves a breakfast buffet and Styrian dishes, which matters in a valley with few places to eat.