Stubenberg: Lake, Castles and Nature Experiences

Stubenberg offers a varied journey through water, history, nature and regional culinary experiences. Lake Stubenberg is a major highlight: On its 40-hectare surface, you will find pedal boats, a surfing and sailing school, and a sightseeing boat with 60 seats. Anyone planning an active or relaxing day by the water will also find an approximately 3 km illuminated circular path suitable for running, skating, walking and Nordic walking.

Water Experiences and Paths for Different Kinds of Days

The lake can be combined with a variety of interests. While the water sports facilities make it possible to enjoy activities on the water, the circular path offers a way to explore the surroundings on foot or on wheels. The Kulmweg trail leads uphill from Lake Stubenberg almost to the summit of the Kulm, creating a different experience from the illuminated lakeside path. The Kreilkogeltour HB4 is also aimed at active explorers: It leads from Stubenberg via Neuhaus Castle and the Kreilkogl in a wide arc back to Stubenberg. For those planning a trip with children, the Steinmann Children's Adventure Park is another of the listed excursion destinations. It is located directly next to the east car park of Lake Stubenberg and features a modular 12-hole mini-golf course, as well as trampolines, an Aquadrom, go-karts, a railway, a carousel, giant chess and table tennis.

Castles, Palaces and Historical Insights

Stubenberg and its surroundings also offer access to Styrian history. Neuhaus Castle was built around 1350 by the Styrian noble family of Stubenberg. Stubenberg Palace comprises a complex dating from the 13th century, which was expanded into a palace in the 16th century on the foundations of the old castle's farm estate. Schielleiten Baroque Palace was built at the beginning of the 18th century by the Imperial Counts of Wurmbrand-Stuppach. Cultural events have been and continue to be held at Schielleiten Palace, including the “Schielleitner Baroque Evenings” concert series.

The churches also tell the story of the area's long history. The first Church of St. Nicholas is said to have been consecrated in Stubenberg as early as 1113. The parish church of St. Nicholas was rebuilt between 1758 and 1760 in place of a small medieval church. Those interested in garden culture can visit the Historic Garden of Herberstein Garden Palace. A guided tour provides information about the history of European garden culture; the gardens date back to the 16th century.

Gorges, Gardens and Special Excursion Destinations

The landscape also reveals itself in its gorges. Feistritz Gorge is Styria's first NATURA 2000 European protected area. It can only be explored during the opening hours of Herberstein Garden Palace and Herberstein Wildlife Park, with a valid admission ticket. Herberstein Gorge stretches from Lake Stubenberg to St. Johann bei Herberstein. At Herberstein Wildlife Park, visitors can enjoy narrated feedings, historic gardens, a visit to the Gironcoli Museum and an adventurous guided tour of the palace.

Another destination is the House of Biodiversity. It was reopened as part of STEIERMARK SCHAU 2023 and remains accessible to visitors even after the event has ended. The Herbersteinweg trail leads from the centre of Stubenberg to Lake Stubenberg, onward to Herberstein Wildlife Park and to St. Johann bei Herberstein. Those interested in archery will find a 3D archery course with 30 lifelike animal targets at Zunzis Bogen-Gstättn. The Stubenberg Gorge Demonstration Power Plant preserves its structures in their original 1905 condition.

Regional Specialities and Farm Culture

Regional culinary experiences are also part of the journey. At Brenner Stub'n, fine spirits are offered for tasting at the famous Seppl Table. The FIRST AUSTRIAN SCHNAPPS EDUCATIONAL TRAIL at Hödl Hof is an approximately 1 km circular route through orchards and forests. Information boards focus on the subject of schnapps. During a tour through the orchards and the distillery, visitors to Hödl Hof can also learn about the way work is carried out there. Moarpeter is a Buschenschank tavern and a farm brewery in the former Mayerhof of the Schielleiten estate.

The Right Accommodation for Planning Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Stubenberg, you can first consider what you would like to focus on during your days there. Those who prefer water and relaxing paths can include Lake Stubenberg, its facilities and the circular path in their plans. For a cultural and historical trip, castles, palaces, churches and gardens take centre stage. Active days can be planned around the Kulmweg, the Kreilkogeltour HB4, the archery course or the paths around Herberstein. Families can take the Steinmann Children's Adventure Park and the attractions at Herberstein Wildlife Park into account. This makes choosing accommodation part of a personal travel plan, without requiring any particular feature or amenity.

Other Places for Your Search

If you would like to extend your search beyond Stubenberg, Ilz, Stein, Loipersdorf Bei Fürstenfeld, Sebersdorf, Sankt Stefan, Geiseldorf, Hartberg and Siebenbrunn are also available for further orientation.

For the overarching travel overview: Hartberg-Fürstenfeld.