Hatzendorf – Art Trail, Beekeepers’ Mile and Village Culture

Hatzendorf is a destination for anyone who would like to combine a stay with art, landscapes and village culture. On paths across ridges, field margins, forests and meadows, you will encounter different perspectives: The Art Panorama Trail combines modern art with 360-degree panoramas, the Beekeepers’ Mile is dedicated to bees and nature, and the Glücksweg trail leads through the village centre, through forests and across meadows along streams. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Hatzendorf, it is therefore particularly interesting to consider what kind of days you would like to plan.

Art, History and Special Cultural Sites

A striking detail of the local culture is the high altar of Hatzendorf parish church. It was created in 1753 by Franz Domiscus, a sculptor from Gnas. Theatre is also part of the village’s history: It has existed since 24 February 1924. The children’s theatre is also noteworthy for trips with children. Since 1986, it has given nine- to ten-year-old children the opportunity to perform with a stage, lighting and a make-up artist.

The Art Panorama Trail brings art and landscape together in its own distinctive way. Since 2009, 15 modern works of art have lined the trail. It leads across a ridge framed by 360-degree panoramas and offers views of Hatzendorf. Anyone who enjoys combining cultural discoveries with time spent outdoors will find a clear focus here.

The history of the landscape also reaches far back. Excavations provide evidence of settlement in the climatically favourable Grazbach Valley on the eastern side of the basalt outcrop of Riegersburg as early as the Early Hallstatt period. At the Malerwinkl Sculpture Garden studio, there are permanent exhibitions in the small gallery and in the inn’s clay tower. In addition, the Essig und Öl Festival takes place in Hatzendorf every two years.

The Beekeepers’ Mile and Paths through the Landscape

The Beekeepers’ Mile leads across field margins and partly wooded terrain, repeatedly offering views of Riegersburg. Along the Beekeepers’ Mile, the Hatzendorf Beekeeping Association and information boards from the Austrian Beekeepers’ Association explain the importance of bees and their role in nature. This makes the trail a specific themed route for anyone who would like not only to observe the landscape but also to learn more about its natural connections.

There is a rail connection to Hatzendorf railway station for getting to the Beekeepers’ Mile. After about 300 metres on foot, the trail markings begin at the Hotel Restaurant Malerwinkl. In Hatzendorf, honey products are available at the farm shop of the Agricultural College or at Malerwinkl. You can obtain the free cycling and hiking map at the Hatzendorf Citizens’ Service Office.

The Glücksweg trail complements the other two trails with another perspective on the landscape. Its route through the village centre, forests and meadows along streams appeals to travellers who would like to include different environments in their daily plans. Depending on your interests, you can make art, observing nature, village culture or regional products the starting point for your activities.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When choosing a holiday apartment in Hatzendorf, it is worth deciding on the focus of your trip. If art is to be at the centre, the Art Panorama Trail, with its 15 modern works of art and panoramas, offers a special reason to explore. If you are interested in bees, nature and regional products, the Beekeepers’ Mile leads to a different themed experience. Anyone who would like to combine different landscapes can also consider the Glücksweg trail.

Hatzendorf offers points of connection to culture, nature, history and local traditions – from the parish church and theatre to art, knowledge about bees and paths through the surrounding area.

More Places for Your Search

If you would like to extend your travel plans to other places, you can also look at Jagerberg, Paldau, Auersbach, Gnas, Kapfenstein, Feldbach, Fehring and Unterlamm.

To the higher-level travel overview: Feldbach.