The parish church of St. Lawrence in Edelschrott was first mentioned in historical records in 1245; the Hemma Pilgrimage Route also stops here. Churches, regional nature topics and experiences by the water offer different ways to shape your trip. The specific details can help you balance culture, activity and nature watching according to your own interests.
Churches, Museum and Observatory
Several building phases can be distinguished at the parish church of St. Lawrence: it retains a Romanesque square choir tower, while the nave dates from 1780 to 1790. Its first recorded mention in 1245 is therefore a historical reference in its own right, alongside the church’s later architectural features.
The branch church of St. Hemma on Kreuzberg also has a long history: it was first mentioned in historical records in 1498. Its present form is that of a single-nave Late Gothic building, which is thought to have been built around 1540. The two churches offer different points of reference for exploring architectural history: in Edelschrott, the Romanesque tower contrasts with a later nave, while St. Hemma is defined by its Late Gothic appearance.
The Talschaft Museum focuses on the local area. In three academic studies, it presents geology, ornithology and flora. The exhibition space in the information centre covers 150 m², with an additional 1,200 m² outdoor area. The museum thus brings together natural history topics on different scales, from geological connections to birds and plants.
The St. Hemma Observatory is located in St. Hemma, a district of the market town of Edelschrott, and is described as the highest-altitude observatory in Central Europe. Various binoculars, telescopes and optical instruments are available for observation. This complements the natural history topics at the Talschaft Museum with views of the sky.
Reservoirs, Shorelines and Trails
The Packer Reservoir has a water surface of around 60 hectares. Activities available there include bathing, swimming, sailing, surfing and rowing; water activities are seasonal. The shore is lined with well-maintained sunbathing lawns. There are also paths around the lake for walking, hiking and cycling. Fishing and camping are also listed as leisure activities, although some facilities may be seasonal.
At the Hirzmann Reservoir, there is a public, free bathing pier as well as a well-maintained natural meadow. A hiking route by the reservoir crosses a nearly 60-metre-high footbridge spanning the dam of the Hirzmann Reservoir. The two described waterside destinations therefore have different focal points: at the Packer Reservoir, the emphasis is on several water sports and trails, while at the Hirzmann Reservoir, the bathing facility and the footbridge over the dam are specific points of reference.
Boats and kayaks can be rented at the Hirzmann Reservoir; as rentals may be seasonal, check availability in advance. Guided tours take place in the power station area of the Packer Reservoir and inside the dam. Before travelling, check how tour times are arranged.
More Experiences and Seasonal Highlights
The Steirarodl Park offers a Fly-Line that combines elements of a flying fox and a roller coaster. Seated on a disc, you wind your way down the slope. This offers a different kind of activity from the waterside paths or the hiking route over the dam, without requiring a particular length of stay.
The Modriach-Winkel ski area is situated at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,230 metres. Four drag lifts serve a compact network of varied runs; winter operations are seasonal. This gives you a choice of different activity highlights when planning your trip: seasonal water activities, trails and opportunities for observation, as well as winter runs. The historic churches and the Talschaft Museum offer a different focus. You can decide which suit your stay based on your interests and the time of year.
Discover more destinations: Krottendorf bei Ligist, Kleinsöding, Ligist, Maria Lankowitz, Graden bei Köflach, Kniezenberg, Ligistberg, Salla.
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