Historic townhouses shape the centre of Voitsberg. The town also offers the ruins of Obervoitsberg Castle, art woven into the streetscape and a variety of ways to enjoy walks and exercise. When planning your trip, you can combine a cultural focus with trails through parks and insights into the region’s mining history. The following highlights show what to expect in Voitsberg and what to consider when planning your visit.
Town History and Art in the Centre
The history of Obervoitsberg Castle dates back to a castle built in 1164 on land belonging to St. Lambrecht Abbey, commissioned by Ottokar IV, the ruler of Styria. The castle’s name was first mentioned in a document in 1183. From the 13th century onwards, the town’s fortifications and the castle formed a unified defensive system, reinforced by Greißenegg Castle. Together with the historic townhouses, these buildings shape the historic character of the town centre.
The Arik Brauer Town Hall adds a distinctive touch as well. In 2002, Arik Brauer decorated its façade with illustrated sayings. Around 120 m² of hand-painted tiles adorn the exterior walls, displaying proverbs in mosaic form. So, as you stroll through town, take a closer look at the façade details: here, town history and art can be found not just in individual exhibits, but directly on the buildings.
The Franz WeiĂź Museum displays numerous woodcuts, reverse glass paintings, early works and unique glass pieces by Franz WeiĂź across two floors. Guided tours of the museum are available to groups on request only. If you would like to include a guided tour in your visit, be sure to enquire before your trip.
Castle Ruins and Trails Around Voitsberg
A walkable path leads from the foot of Schlossberg up and over the hill to the ruins of Obervoitsberg Castle. Some sections run alongside the old castle wall; along the way, you can enjoy views of Voitsberg and the surrounding area. The route lets you take in both the walk itself and the historic site. Note that the path described here is separate from access to the ruins: the castle ruins are open and accessible only during events. The Burghofspiele is a traditional event in Voitsberg; dates may vary. Check the event dates in advance if you would like to plan your visit around them.
For outdoor activities beyond the historic town centre, the Grafenteich local recreation area offers a variety of options. Paths run through the park and around Grafenteich; the park is also the starting point for numerous hiking trails. A fitness trail and several popular running routes provide further ways to get active. Depending on what you have in mind, you can choose a waterside loop, a stroll through the park, a hike or a running route, without committing to a particular duration.
Mining History and Landscapes in Zangtal
North of the ruins of Voitsberg Castle, the Zangtal Energy Adventure Park occupies a former mining site that is gradually being transformed into a landscape park. Mining history is explored through relics, including the old bucket-wheel excavator “Leopold”. The park also features a sculpture park presented as an art trail. This place brings together industrial history and outdoor art, while the site continues to be transformed into a landscape park.
The park is also home to 120 different plant species across an area of 300 m². The planting may change. Mining relics, sculptures and plants each offer a different focus; when choosing your experiences in Voitsberg, you can pick the one that interests you most.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
Voitsberg is accessible by S-Bahn line S7 to Voitsberg station. The town-walk destinations are easily reached on foot from the station. RegioBus line 720 runs to Voitsberg Hauptplatz. As timetables are subject to change, check connections before you travel. This lets you coordinate your arrival with a town walk or one of the cultural highlights, without having to follow a particular order.
Discover more destinations: Mooskirchen, Köflach, Rosental an der Kainach, Dietenberg, Bernau, Graden bei Köflach, Bärnbach, Modriach.
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