Discover Leoben: City History, Routes and Experiences

Leoben combines a remarkable urban history with routes, cycling experiences, customs and activities along the Mur. Those planning a trip can combine cultural discoveries with exercise and regional traditions here. When looking for a holiday apartment in Leoben, it is therefore worth first deciding on your preferred travel rhythm: Should the city’s history be the main focus, are you looking for active days, or would you like to combine both?

Experience the city’s history on foot

A good starting point is a walk through the old town, where numerous secular and ecclesiastical buildings can be explored on foot. The main square has been the heart of the city since the 13th century. The square is also home to an elaborately stuccoed building with the city’s most significant Baroque façade. Leoben’s parish church was formerly a Jesuit church; its imposing early Baroque appearance and richly decorated interior with high altar are among the notable impressions made by a tour.

Individual buildings also tell stories from different eras. The Schwammerlturm is Leoben’s last surviving medieval city gate. The area in front of the city wall was transformed into the park at the Glacis. The former mendicant church and monastery date back to 1260 and were integrated into the LCS shopping centre. On the Maßenburg, the first complex dates back to the 9th or 10th century. The observation tower offers panoramic views over Leoben.

Museums, theatre and special insights

The Stadttheater Leoben is Austria’s oldest bourgeois theatre. From 1790, the rooms at Homanngasse 5 in the “Hofstätterisches Haus” were adapted for use as a theatre. Those interested in the development of the city and the region can find seven gateways to the past at the MuseumsCenter in the KulturQuartier under the motto “7 Tracks into the Past”. The gallery at the Kunsthalle Leoben is dedicated to contemporary Austrian art.

In Göss, the monastery provides another historical highlight. It is considered the oldest monastery in Styria and contains architectural and artistic treasures as well as an early Romanesque crypt. The Gösseum offers a modern, interactive insight into traditional brewing. The Junge Museum is also interesting for trips with children and school groups, as it offers a dedicated programme for children and schools. The Maßenberg forest educational trail explains the importance of the forest and describes the forest ecosystem to visitors.

Active days between cycle paths and the Mur

Leoben has around 35 kilometres of signposted routes for running and walking. The Mur Cycle Path “R2” runs through Leoben for around eight kilometres. The Iron Road Cycle Path “R38” leads from Leoben via Trofaiach to Hieflau; the section to Vordernberg is 17 kilometres long. These different routes allow you to plan your cycling days according to your preferred length and direction without giving up the city’s cultural focus.

At the Leoben-Hinterberg cycle route, there is a 1,400-square-metre facility with a 37-metre-long kids’ track and a 119-metre-long course with rollers and steep bends. At the Lesner Wand on Häuselberg, experienced climbers can climb year-round in suitable weather conditions. Stand-up paddleboarding and rafting on the Mur are offered from the LE Boathouse. In the Schladnitzgraben, there is also a five-kilometre-long, family-friendly cross-country ski trail that is also suitable for beginners.

Traditions and regional atmosphere

Leoben also showcases its regional character through its events. The Oberlandler z’Loibn church festival takes place on the Massenburg. At the Oberlandler church festival, traditional Styrian dishes, selected wines and Gösser beer are served. The Gösser Kirtag is a traditional annual event in Leoben featuring a long street of market stalls, music, regional cuisine and local customs.

A holiday apartment in Leoben is therefore an especially interesting option if you would like to combine sightseeing, museums, active excursions and regional events in one trip. Depending on your focus, you can plan your trip around the old-town tour, cycle routes, activities on the Mur, historic sites or seasonal experiences.

More places for your search

For further orientation, you can also consult the destination pages for Kraubath An Der Mur, Leoben, Gai, Hieflau, Vordernberg, Sankt Peter-Freienstein, Mautern In Steiermark, Sankt Michael In Obersteiermark, Proleb, Eisenerz, Niklasdorf, Trofaiach, Präbichl, Wald Am Schoberpass, Rannach, Kammern Im Liesingtal, Radmer and Sankt Stefan ob Leoben available.

For the overarching travel overview: Styria.