Eibiswald can be explored through a range of themes: sacred architectural history, the heritage of steel and winegrowing, museums and scenic viewpoints. Churches and houses take you through different centuries; collections focus on local history and work. This means you can shape your discoveries around whether you are more interested in architecture, cultural history, the landscape or regional culinary experiences.
Churches, Houses and Industrial History
Eibiswald’s Church of Mary is first mentioned in 1170 as a branch church of Leibnitz and became an independent parish church in the second half of the 13th century. The parish church of Maria in Dorn dates back to an originally Gothic building from the 14th century. The Church of Saint Leonard in Eben features magnificent ceiling paintings from the 16th century. Each of the three churches brings a different historical connection into focus.
The buildings, too, tell stories of different eras. Eibiswald Castle was rebuilt in the Renaissance style by the Eibiswalder family. House Aichberg 4, with its shift tower, was built in 1857 as the administrative and management building of the Eibiswald steelworks, in the industrial style of the time. Together, the buildings in Eibiswald form an almost undisturbed ensemble of a kind rarely found in Styria today. Those interested in architectural history will find here not only sacred buildings but also a tangible example of industrial history.
The Lerchhaus, the oldest house in Eibiswald, consists of two houses that were originally recorded separately. They were not joined until around 1800. The house contains a valuable Renaissance hall. The ÖAV Long-Distance Hiking Museum is located in the courtyard. It explores long-distance hiking, Carl Hermann’s work as its founder and sculptor, and includes a portrait film about him.
Museums Exploring Local History and Winegrowing
The Universal Museum in the Kloepferhaus displays more than 1,300 exhibits. Its themes include local prehistory, rural life and work in southwestern Styria, Koralpen glass and steel production. Its scope ranges from past ways of life and work to regional products and industrial production.
The Glirsch Wine Museum focuses on a different subject: it preserves historical records that offer an overview of the tradition and background of winegrowing. Together with the theme of steel at the Kloepferhaus and the historic steelworks reflected in the architectural history, it illustrates the diversity of local themes. If you are interested in culture, you can choose between everyday and working life, crafts and the history of winegrowing.
Trails, a Waterfall and Scenic Views
The North–South Long-Distance Hiking Trail 05 is one section of the European long-distance path E6. The Hans Kloepfer Trail follows a specifically described route: it runs from Wies-Eibiswald station past the old little church of St. Veit to Eibiswald, passes the Kreuzkirche and the long-distance hiking trail marker, then continues through the “Silent Valley” to Aichberg. Hadernigg Waterfall on the Essigbach stream, between Hadernigg and St. Lorenzen, is about 10 metres high.
The viewpoints also offer different vistas. From the Sankt Pongratzen observation tower, the panoramic view stretches from southwestern Styria to the Slovenian Drava Valley. The Buchenberg viewing platform looks out over the Graz Basin and the Leibnitz Field. The panoramic tower at the Wein- & Genusswelt Garber is privately owned, 13 metres high and offers a 360° panoramic view. It can be reserved exclusively for a snack on request; please arrange this option in advance for your visit.
Activities and Seasonal Culinary Experiences
Eibiswald Adventure Pool has a modern swimming pool covering an area of 610 m². The 3Eiben Kids Bike Park includes the “Let it flow” flow trail, with banked turns, passages and ramps; the “Blackberry Single Trail,” with three downhill route options; and the skills course in “Sumsi Wood.” As the layout may change, it is advisable to check the latest facility information before your visit.
At the Aibler Oil Mill, pumpkin seed oil is produced using traditional methods. The visitor experience includes a demonstration of the pressing process, a comparative tasting and a pumpkin seed oil omelette cooked in a large roasting pan. As the packages may change, it is best to ask about the options in advance of your visit.
The grape harvest festival takes place every year on the first weekend in October. It begins on Saturday with a traditional harvest thanksgiving procession. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the latest event dates. This lets you plan your visit around a specific occasion, while museums, architectural history, trails and viewpoints offer other themes to explore.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Schwanberg, TrahĂĽtten, Furth, Gundersdorf, Hollenegg, Lannach, Sankt Anna Ob Schwanberg, Wetzelsdorf in der Weststeiermark.
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