Pöllau: Culture, Architecture and Nature

Church architecture, the history of physics and nature-based activities give Pöllau several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip. The specific differences are not only between buildings and landscapes: activities include guided tours, interactive stations, experiments, walks and tastings.

Parish Church and Pöllau Castle

Pöllau Parish Church is often called the “Styrian St Peter’s” because of its size and floor plan. Pöllau Castle is the former Augustinian Canons’ monastery in the centre of Pöllau. Its architectural connection to St Peter’s Basilica in Rome can be seen in two features: the church’s floor plan and the castle’s imposing domed structure were modelled on it.

Guided tours are available of the church of the former Augustinian Canons’ monastery, now Pöllau Parish Church, and of Pöllau’s baroque town centre. Both the church building and the town centre are therefore possible topics for visitors interested in architecture and local history.

European History of Physics at Echophysics

The Echophysics museum presents the history of European physics, as well as the history of European physicists, to the interested public. It displays more than 700 instruments, photographs, films and documents. These include the complete collection of original measuring instruments from the Vienna Institute for Radium Research and from Styrian Nobel Prize-winning physicist Victor Franz Hess.

Experiments are demonstrated during guided tours, and visitors can also operate the instruments themselves. The collection, demonstrations and hands-on use offer different ways to engage with the subject: you can view the exhibits and experience experiments during a guided tour.

Circular Routes and Nature Stations

The Pöllau Nature Park Experience Trail starts in Pöllau Castle Park, passes Aupark and the outdoor swimming pool, and then returns to the castle park. The Fieberbründlweg 945 runs through the Schönau Gorge and forms a circular route together with the connecting road via Schönaudorf. The routes described thus differ in their landmarks: one route features the castle park, Aupark and the outdoor pool, while the other takes in the gorge and the connection via Schönaudorf.

Schönau Gorge is a damp, cool ravine forest on the Kroisbach stream, about one kilometre northwest of Schönaudorf. The NaturKRAFTpark has a different focus: it offers 13 stations in scenic surroundings for exploring outer and inner paths.

The “Hirschbirn hirsch’n” experience also starts at an information station in Pöllau Castle Park. There are interactive experience stations at seven locations. The Pöllau Nature Park Experience Trail and “Hirschbirn hirsch’n” therefore share the castle park as their starting area; the seven interactive stations are part of the “Hirschbirn hirsch’n” experience.

Herbal Experiences and Archery

Bio Kräuterhof Zemanek offers tastings of herbal specialities in its herb garden. Walks through the aromatic garden and herb fields with master gardener Wolfgang Zemanek are also available. The tastings and walks have different focuses: one centres on herbal specialities, the other on the garden and fields.

Bogenranch Tobisch has a 3D course and a field course. Compound bows are not permitted. If you plan to go archery, bear this specific restriction in mind when choosing your equipment.

If you are looking for hotels in Pöllau, you can decide in advance whether the history of the buildings or a particular experience should shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Schaueregg, Altenmarkt bei Fürstenfeld, Sebersdorf, Hartberg, Sankt Lorenzen am Wechsel, Bad Blumau, Sankt Magdalena am Lemberg, Bad Waltersdorf

For the main travel overview: Hartberg-Fürstenfeld.