The Region

Steeped in history, culinary sensations, complete relaxation – Within easy reach
Riegersburg is nestled among the gentle rolling hills of the Steirisches Vulkanland (Styrian volcano country) in the heart of Southeast Styria. Visible from afar, the best preserved castle in Styria stands on a mighty basalt crag overlooking the village. With its eleven bastions and six gatehouses, the more than 850 year-old castle is one of the largest castles in Central Europe still intact.

The climb up to the castle is an experience in itself. Three kilometres of defence walls with crenels, seven archways and eleven bastions give you a glimpse into the castle's turbulent past.

A new cableway has been in operation since 2003, which also makes access to the castle easier for disabled and elderly people, who cannot manage the somewhat strenuous ascent along the impressive panoramic path on their own.

The name "Steirisches Vulkanland" comes from the remains of volcanoes, which are still visible as hills in the region today. These volcanoes date back to a period around 17 million years ago (the Miocene epoch) and to an earlier period of volcanic activity around 2 million years ago (the Pliocene epoch). The most famous of these volcanoes is the Gleichenberger Kogel.

The district of Feldbach with the district capital Feldbach is an inviting place for a leisurely shopping trip or a visit to one of the typical Styrian inns. Around Feldbach, the Steirische Thermenland (Styrian spa country) also has plenty to offer with its traditional local cuisine and exquisite wines, but also with its six thermal spas in Bad Radkersburg, Bad Gleichenberg, Loipersdorf, Bad Blumau, Bad Waltersdorf and Sebersdorf.

Authentic Styrian pumpkin seed oil and excellent Styrian wine are the most famous specialities. The majority of the wines are white and are of a fruity dry character. Even the red wines compare favourably with other international wines. The region has a total of four wine routes with many "Buschenschanken" and wine taverns, where you can sample homemade snacks and the finest wines from the cellar.