Discover Ruden: Industrial History and the Drau Cycle Path

Ruden offers several clear themes to help you plan your trip: industrial history in Lippitzbach, historic buildings, cycle paths and seasonal culture. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ruden, you can prioritize these highlights according to what you’d like to focus on during your stay. The historic sites include both Weißenegg Castle ruins and the history of industry and bridge construction.

Industrial History and Buildings

Lippitzbach’s history offers a distinctive way to explore Ruden’s industrial past. Lippitzbach was the site of the first crucible steelworks outside England and Austria’s oldest sheet-metal rolling mill. South of Ruden, at the Drau crossing in Lippitzbach, an industrial complex stands with visible remains of what was once a significant industrial site. The former works and surviving traces offer insight into the region’s industrial past.

Lippitzbach Castle is another architectural highlight. It is a representative manor house dating from the early 19th century, with a historic chapel annex. The castle complex is significant for its history, architecture and culture. Its architecture adds another chapter in the region’s architectural history to the story of its industrial past.

The new Lippitzbach Bridge opened in 2005; a 2.5-metre-high bronze statue of Saint Nepomuk stands at its centre. Weißenegg Castle ruins, first documented in 1243, lie northeast of Ruden. The bridge and the ruins are two very different structures in the context of local history.

Cycle Routes Around Ruden

Two named cycling routes are relevant for a cycling trip. The R1 Drau Cycle Path passes through Ruden and, south of Eis, crosses the Jauntal Bridge, an ÖBB railway bridge over the Drau. The R6B Haimburg Cycle Path runs from Völkermarkt via Haimburg and Griffen to Ruden, where it joins the R1 Drau Cycle Path. The R6B route therefore runs from Völkermarkt through several intermediate towns before joining the R1; the R1 route also includes the section south of Eis across the Jauntal Bridge.

Culture and Practical Planning

The MUSEUM am Bach holds changing seasonal exhibitions each year. Contemporary artists, researchers and regional cultural associations take part. As the programme changes with the seasons, check which exhibition is scheduled for your travel dates before you go. Another cultural note is the name Weingarten: this is the name of an old wine-growing area in Ruden, documented since the 17th century.

The Kaschnig cider tavern serves traditional dishes and other culinary offerings from Wednesday to Sunday. Opening days may change, so check the latest information before your visit. Ruden also offers opportunities for fishing. Bungee jumping from the 96-metre-high Jauntal Bridge is also associated with Ruden; the provider’s dates may vary, so it’s worth checking before planning your trip.

The “Völkermarkt” Postbus Shuttle also serves the municipality of Ruden. If you’re planning to use the shuttle, check the current timetable. This lets you prioritize culture, cycling routes and other activities according to your interests without confusing the different offerings.

Discover more destinations: Völkermarkt, Gallizien, Rammersdorf, Diex, Seelach, Untergreutschach, Hart, Sittersdorf

Return to the main travel overview: Völkermarkt.