Discover Großklein: Archaeology, Trails and Culinary Delights

Großklein lies in the heart of the South Styrian Nature Park and combines natural landscapes, archaeology, cycling routes and regional culinary experiences. The Burgstallkogel is particularly significant, with its history spanning from the late Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Großklein can therefore plan their trip according to their own interests: with archaeological discoveries, longer trails through the landscape, cycling excursions or culinary stops.

Archaeology around Burgstallkogel

Burgstallkogel is one of the most significant archaeological sites from these periods in Europe and is dated to the period from the 9th to the 6th century BC. The 8 km Fürstengräberweg trail passes the princely tombs, climbs through Hallstatt-period burial mound fields to Burgstallkogel and then runs past the remains of an ancient iron-mining site and early medieval castles. The trail thus brings together several historical themes in an independent excursion.

A total of four burial mounds in the Sulmtal necropolis are designated as princely tombs. Their impressive size, exposed location and rich grave goods distinguish them from other burial mounds. Contemporary settlement traces have also been archaeologically documented at Burgstallkogel. The “Hallstatt-period Farmstead” was built based on experimental archaeology findings and provides an insight into the lives of people in the Early Iron Age. The farmstead includes a fully furnished dwelling with a shingle roof, a weaving hut with a loom, a post-built granary and a bread-baking hut.

The hamuG Hallstatt-period Museum Großklein focuses on the settlement, economy and culture of the region around Burgstallkogel during the Hallstatt period, approximately from 800 to 450 BC. Großklein is also part of the Council of Europe cultural route Iron Age Danube Route. Those interested in regional history will therefore find various ways to explore it here – from the museum and archaeological trail to the reconstructed farmstead.

Cycling routes and trails for different kinds of travel days

Several described routes are available for active days. The R1 Sulmtal cycle route runs from Leibnitz via Großklein and Gleinstätten to Eibiswald and Deutschlandsberg. The R20 Saggautal cycle route runs from the R1 junction at Fresing via Großklein, Sankt Johann im Saggautal and Oberhaag to the junction with the R3 “Weiße Sulm cycle route” at Pitschgau. The Wine Road Tour also leads to Großklein and runs there along the Saggau and the Sulm towards Leibnitz.

There are also specific ways to explore the surroundings away from the cycling routes. Großklein’s Harmony Trail No. 14 starts at the Hallstatt-period Museum Großklein and leads via Heimschuh, Hammerkogel and the Fahrenbach Valley to the Kreuzbergwarte lookout tower. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you would like to focus mainly on archaeological destinations, a cycling tour or a trail through the landscape.

Culture, regional products and visit planning

The cultural diversity includes the parish church in Großklein, dedicated to Saint George, and Ottersbach Castle. The parish church took its present form in the second half of the 17th century; architectural elements of the older church from 1447, including the north tower, have been preserved. Ottersbach Castle is a late Baroque building near the Sulm at Mantrach and represents more than 400 years of Styrian history and aristocratic family tradition.

Advance registration is required for museum visits at Ottersbach Castle. When closed events are taking place on the grounds, the park cannot be visited. These details are part of planning your day if you would like to include the castle in your trip.

The Kremsner oil mill offers regional impressions through tastings of pumpkin seed oil, sunflower oil and various snack kernels, followed by the opportunity to experience the oil pressing process directly. The “Nostalgie auf Rädern” Vintage Car Museum presents around 100 historic items over 1,700 m², including cars, motorcycles, television sets and radios. Kathinka´s Cafe serves breakfast, homemade pastries, small snacks, various types of tea, coffee and original TICHY ice cream in the garden.

For further searches for suitable places and accommodation, Wolfsberg Im Schwarzautal, Ragnitz, Straß In Der Steiermark, Sankt Andrä-Höch, Gündorf, Ratsch An Der Weinstraße, Steinriegel and Ottenberg are also available to choose from.

For the overview of the wider area: Leibnitz.