Eastern Styria is equally rich in natural resources and cultural treasures. Step into a treasure trove and travel across the centuries and millennia. Eventful journeys through time harbour many surprises.
Eastern Styria is a land of nature and culture. It wholeheartedly confirms the adage that one cannot exist without the other. Only where nature and culture form a cohesive whole can one enjoy the good life. This was already recognised by the Romans. As Eastern Styria’s first winegrowers, they enjoyed life in the luxurious country houses. Their era is documented by the Villa Rustica excavation site on Eastern Styria’s Roman Wine Road.
Explore the rich and varied sacral landscape with the help of a digital trip planner and audio guide as you go “organ hiking” from church to church. Experience the enjoyment of authentic art and culture. The mystic Joglland reveals itself along the Lochstein-loop trail. Eastern Styria’s megalith centre is situated around Strallegg and Miesenbach, extending to Wenigzell. A few hundred of the striking stones are found here at the edges of fields, next to ancient trees, near farms, shrines and wayside crosses. Hundreds of secrets slumber underground and on the surface around Vorau. The many “private” tunnels known by the name of “Erdstall” are especially mysterious. They can be viewed in the course of guided tours offered by the Sub Terra Vorau association. There is a museum in the Waldturm of the Vorau Abbey. After uncovering Eastern Styria’s jungle along the way, a tour leads to the mystic Lost Place around the Waxenegg ruin, culminating in culinary delights at the Rauchstubenhaus. A “Häfennigl” (tasty cake from a pot) is prepared and enjoyed over the open fire in the hearth. Holidays in Eastern Styria are refined by overnight stays in extraordinary accommodations, ranging from the Waggonhotel or the chambers of Schielleiten Castle and Aichberg Castle to the historic walls of Neuhaus Castle or the silence of the Vorau Abbey. Eastern Styria is multifaceted.
Eastern Styria features numerous routes, from historic pilgrimage trails to spiritual hikes. They extend from the Vorau Abbey to the Pöllauberg pilgrimage church to “Styria’s St. Peter’s Cathedral” to the basilica on the Weizberg. Hike the Pope Francis pilgrimage trail to the Maria Trost basilica near Graz.
Find all churches & chapels here.
Churches and their organs and bells are presented and brought to life acoustically.
Hike from church to church in the Pöllauer Tal Nature Park and ApfelLand Stubenbergsee region. Once you arrive at the church, the cultural treasure of Eastern Styria, you will get to know the advantages of an individual guided tour with the sound of bells and organs using the Hearonymus audio guide.
Searching for historic traces in Eastern Styria is an adventure. Arcane finds arouse curiosity. Fascinating places that tell stories of changing times. Where have we come from? Who are we? Where are we going?
Find all museums here.
From workshops centred on personal creativity to courses teaching ancient artisanal techniques, skilfully put into practice. A wealth of choices! Art and imagination know no bounds.
From regional permanent exhibitions to insightful perspectives at changing venues – always exciting. Radiation as a path through time can be explored in the Echophysics permanent exhibition in Pöllau Castle. Feed your curiosity.
A tour of “Styria’s St. Peter’s Cathedral” in Pöllau, a visit to the only basilica in Eastern Styria on the Weizberg or Festenburg Castle – with such a selection of churches, chapels and museums, there is something for every taste. The museums and exhibitions in particular offer a wealth of holiday choices for rainy days.
In Eastern Styria, nature and culture simply go together. Enjoy culture in nature at authentic sites, often under the open sky. Allow yourself to be enchanted.
Heartfelt recommendations from the team of the adventure region Eastern Styria 💚 (German language only)