Tonion

The Tonion is a broad plateau mountain in the Mürzsteger Alps of Styria, standing 1,699 metres above sea level eight kilometres south-east of the pilgrimage town of Mariazell. Its highest point is the only summit in the north-western subgroup north of the Niederalpl, giving sweeping views across the surrounding ranges. The peak rises above the tree line, where low-growing mountain pines spread across the undulating surface. The mountain is known for its colourful alpine flora and for the twenty-one caves recorded so far, all of which are difficult to explore. One of the deepest is the Fledermausschacht shaft. The name first appears in 1338 as Tanegow and may come from an old Slavic personal name, though its exact origin remains uncertain. The gender of the word is also debated, with most hiking guides favouring the feminine form. A marked trail crosses the Tonion plateau from north-west to south-east, linking the Alpine Rose Hut site to the summit. The route can be started from Fallenstein via the Lechnerbauern farm and the Tonion Hut of the Nature Friends at 1,429 metres, a journey of about two and a half hours. From the Herrenboden Alm at 1,400 metres, a shorter ascent of roughly one hour and fifteen minutes leads up the gentle high plateau. In winter the mountain attracts ski tourers and snowshoe hikers, though navigation above the tree line demands caution.