Experience culture and make your mark on it
On a journey of discovery through remarkable workshops and studios, on the hunt for creative ideas and professional accomplishment. The Thermen- & Vulkanland region is dynamic and energetic. It is a source of inspiration not only for culinary producers, but also for the cultural scene with its artists, gallery owners, museum operators and culture organisers.
There is a myriad of options out there – from concerts in castle courtyards, romantic gatherings around the brazier to roasting chestnuts in the vineyard; from Advent delights and mulled wine to happy pigs, the art of milling, and the tranquil run-up to Christmas. The region’s cultural and creative scene is renowned far beyond Austrian borders.
Museums and exhibitions
Wander through Styria’s past and present as you travel along the “Schlösserstraße” (“Castle Road”), a charming collection of views and sights at any time of year. Numerous castles and palaces sweep you away into a journey of discovery. The old walls of these mighty strongholds and fortifications are distinguished witnesses to a great past.
A tour through the “Museum in the old armoury” in Bad Radkersburg (16th century) is like a passage through history. It starts in prehistory and early history, much of which remains in the dark, and ends with a vision of what the future might look like for the people of the town and its surroundings. The museum has a comprehensive and in some cases very precious collection of artefacts, for example one of Europe’s largest closed collections of guild chests, filled with original documents.
In addition to the local history museum, Pfeilburg Castle in Fürstenfeld also houses an exhibition on tobacco and the “Kruzitürken Museum”, which documents the history of this “border town” as you move through its eleven rooms. The word “Kruzitürken” derives from an old swearword, alluding to the double threat posed to East Styria by the Turks and the Kuruc.
Old handicraft with tradition
Handicrafts enjoy a long tradition in the Thermen- & Vulkanland Steiermark region. Whether you’re a carpenter or a foundry artist, whether your trade is basket weaving or skilful stoneworking, the people of the region understand the value of a regional economy and put their heart and soul into creating an inimitable work-life-business culture.
In addition to knifemaking courses, there is also plenty more to whet your appetite: for example, head to Bednar und Strunz in Fürstenfeld for the chance to cobble your own shoes (also perfect for groups) or visit the women of Wollgenuss to learn how to felt properly using sheep’s wool. Even when the months turn cold, there are still some options: craft your own lantern at Tischlerei Knaus and bring some mindfulness back into your life; visit Margrit De Colleto learn how to decorate your own Christmas wreath; and if you want to weave your own wicker basket, Toni Hebenstreit will show you how!
Rustic, archaic, impressive: the sight of the new castle blacksmith (whose forge is at the Riegersburg) as he swings his hammer and the iron sparks and glows. At the age of 12, Chris Feichtl and his brother became fascinated by the process of heating mild steel in fire and moulding it into something like a blade. Today, their passion for one-off knives and artisan production is greater than ever. For a number of years, Chris has held one-day and two-day workshops so that you can experience the feeling of “turning a bit of seemingly worthless scrap into something beautiful and useable”.
