Fürstenfeld: Johanniter History and Culture

Fürstenfeld is located in the heart of Styria’s Thermen- & Vulkanland region. For visitors interested in the city’s history, it offers a range of highlights: the Johanniter and the history of the order, medieval buildings, the city fortifications and a museum dedicated to Fürstenfeld’s development. The main square, works of art and paths to the fortifications are also among its distinctive features.

Johanniter, Monasteries and City Fortifications

Fürstenfeld’s parish church was founded by the Johanniter around 1202. The Fürstenfeld commandery was established as a hospice around 1200 and, in its present form, is the oldest Johanniter establishment in Austria. The two dates are close together but refer to different foundations and locations.

Another chapter in the city’s history concerns the Augustinian Hermits: Fürstenfeld residents founded their settlement in 1362; the church and monastery were built between 1365 and 1368. The Old Town Hall was added later. Jonas von Wilfersdorf had it built as a free house in 1569. It replaced a city tower in the Klostergasse behind it, which had been demolished as part of the modern-era city fortifications.

The main square measures about 100 by 100 metres and is one of the largest squares in all of Styria. The Graz Gate, built in 1565, was part of Fürstenfeld’s city fortifications. Those interested in the fortifications can explore the subject along the Fortress Trail, which leads through restored fortifications that can be experienced at 13 stops.

Pfeilburg: Residential Tower and City Museum

The Pfeilburg contains the building’s core, known as the “Black Tower”, which dates back to the 13th century. It is one of the few surviving medieval residential towers in Styria. The Pfeilburg Museum documents Fürstenfeld’s eventful history across 14 exhibition rooms: from its days as a former fortress town and a town of crafts and trade through to the first half of the 20th century. Guided tours are available during opening hours and last about an hour.

The Pfeilburg’s courtyard is also part of its historic setting. Located near the main square, right beside the old fortification wall, it offers a venue for concerts, summer festivals, children’s festivals, as well as open-air film screenings and presentation evenings. These are possible uses of the courtyard, not a specific event date.

Art, Walking Tour and Excursions

Two groups of artworks were inaugurated in the Josefikapelle in 2004. They include twelve modern metal Stations of the Cross by Erich Unterweger, which he created for St. Severin Mission Church in 1959. They are joined by seven reverse glass paintings depicting Stations of the Cross motifs by Erika Wolf-Rubenzer, created in 1983 and 1984. Since 2021, the Marian Fountain has featured a water display with 14 water columns and colourful fountains that move in time with three pieces of music.

The Knights’ Order Cycling Tour offers another way to discover the history of the Johanniter. It starts at the church square in Fürstenfeld, is rated easy, covers 17.8 kilometres and takes about two hours. The tour links three historically significant church complexes, showcases the work of the Johanniter and is also suitable for e-bikes. This gives a clear difference to consider when planning your time: a guided tour of the Pfeilburg Museum takes about an hour, while the cycling tour takes roughly two.

More Options and Getting Oriented

Fürstenfeld’s outdoor swimming pool has 23,000 m² of water surface and 100,000 m² of green space; it also features a 116-metre speed slide. Facilities may change, so it is advisable to check the current conditions before your visit.

A bus stop on Badstraße is a short walk from the starting point of the Fürstenfeld city walking tour. The railway station is about 2 kilometres from the walking tour area. This information can help you get your bearings without specifying a particular connection or walking time.

Discover more destinations: Mönichwald, Stubenberg, Geiseldorf, Bad Waltersdorf, Buch-Geiseldorf, Bad Blumau, Burgau, Hartberg.

For the broader travel overview: Hartberg-Fürstenfeld.