Thermal waters, Lipizzaners and traces of early settlement give a stay in Köflach a variety of possible focuses. The NOVA thermal spa puts the Barbara spring and its expansive water areas centre stage; around Zigöllerkogel, trails lead through beech forests and past Lipizzaner pastures. Museums and exhibition venues add to the mix, covering everything from the Palaeolithic to the present day. This makes it possible to focus your trip on relaxation, the landscape or culture—or on a combination that leaves enough room for each of your interests.

Thermal Waters and Views

The natural thermal water of the Barbara spring is at the heart of the thermal spa experience at NOVA Köflach. The spa has more than 1,000 square metres of water area. The facilities are complemented by an extensive sauna area on two levels, offering views across the hills of western Styria. The water area and sauna give a visit to the spa two distinct accents: one centres on the thermal water, while the other focuses on time spent in the sauna area and views of the hills.

Finds, Museums and Lipizzaners

The area’s history can be explored through several points of interest from different periods. Stone tools and animal remains found in a semi-cave on Zigöllerkogel have been dated to around 18,000 to 12,000 BC. The caves of Zigöllerkogel, north-northwest of Köflach, have been known since the Middle Ages. Köflach Museum documents human presence since the Palaeolithic and also features the Heidentempel in Zigöllerkogel. Finds from a semi-cave and the evidence presented in the museum therefore offer different ways to explore early history.

Another cultural stop is the Köflach Art House. The building was constructed around 1900 and purchased by the municipality of Köflach in 2003 as part of the “Myth of the Horse” provincial exhibition, then converted into a modern exhibition venue. Several exhibitions are presented there each year. In Piber, a district of Köflach, the history of the Lipizzaners and sacred art are close at hand: Piber is the birthplace and nursery of the Lipizzaners, and the parish church contains fine Roman stones. By prior arrangement, Köflach Museum also offers a behind-the-scenes look; confirm the arrangements before your trip.

Trails Through Forests and Hills

The routes described here also offer different focuses. The Zigöllerkogel Circular Trail (94) passes Lipizzaner pastures at the foot of the mountain and leads through beech forest. The Maestoso Circular Trail starts at the NOVA thermal spa, by Dechantteich, and initially passes through the forest towards Heiliger Berg in Bärnbach. Its starting point makes it a possible addition for anyone wishing to combine a visit to the thermal spa with a walk through the forest; no walking time or length is specified here. The KERN-BUAM Panorama Hiking Trail circles the mountain village of Graden and pays tribute to the musicians of the Kern Buam. These offer distinct themes: a circular trail with pastures and beech forest, a route starting at Dechantteich, and a trail dedicated to music and culture.

Visiting Hours and Practical Planning

The Lipizzanerheimat activity park has seasonal opening hours: depending on the weather, it is open from 07:00 to 20:00 between March and October. Smoking, animals and cycling are strictly prohibited on the grounds. As rules at facilities like this may change, check them locally before planning a visit. A visit to the museum also requires a prior arrangement. These two points can be clarified in advance, while the art house, thermal spa, historical themes and trails each offer their own reasons to plan a trip.

When choosing a hotel in Köflach, your preferred focus can make the difference: thermal waters and the sauna area suit a spa-focused stay; Zigöllerkogel, Piber and the museums offer other points of interest. If you would like to combine several themes, you can include the trails and cultural venues described here in your plans without turning the different offerings into a fixed circular route. This leaves room to shape your stay around your own interests.

Discover more destinations: Piber, Voitsberg, Modriach, Ligistberg, Bärnbach, Hirschegg-Piber-Sonnseite, Steinberg Bei Ligist, Krottendorf Bei Ligist

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