Stubenberg: Water, Trails and Styrian History
Accommodation in Stubenberg
If you would like to combine water activities, trails and culture on your trip, Stubenberg offers a variety of options. Lake Stubenberg is ideal for relaxing on and by the water, while historic buildings and gardens add further points of interest.
Lake Stubenberg: Water Activities and Trails
Lake Stubenberg covers 40 ha. The lake offers pedal boats, a surfing and sailing school, and a sightseeing boat with 60 seats. There are various ways to enjoy the water: a pedal-boat ride, surfing and sailing activities, or a sightseeing cruise.
By the shore, the approximately 3 km illuminated circular path is suitable for running, skating, strolling and Nordic walking. If you would prefer a climb to a circuit around the lake, the Kulmweg trail leads uphill from Lake Stubenberg to just below the summit of Kulm. The routes differ mainly in their course: one follows the water, while the other climbs towards the summit. Check trail conditions before setting out.
The named routes also differ in their courses. The Kreilkogeltour HB4 starts in Stubenberg, passes Neuhaus Castle and Kreilkogl, then returns to Stubenberg in a wide loop. The Herbersteinweg leads from the centre of Stubenberg to Lake Stubenberg, continues to Herberstein Animal World and ends in St. Johann bei Herberstein. One route returns to Stubenberg in a wide loop; the other passes several named destinations before reaching St. Johann. This can help you choose if a circular tour or a series of named places is more important to you.
Castles, a Palace and Church History
Neuhaus Castle was built around 1350 by the Styrian noble family of Stubenberg. Stubenberg Palace comprises a complex dating from the 13th century, which was expanded into a palace in the 16th century on the foundations of the old castle’s manor house. Schielleiten Baroque Palace was built in the early 18th century by the Imperial Counts Wurmbrand-Stuppach. These buildings therefore reflect different centuries and building histories.
Schielleiten Palace has been, and continues to be, a venue for cultural events, including the “Schielleitner Barockabende” concert series. If you would like a concert to be the highlight of your stay, check the dates. The first Church of St. Nicholas in Stubenberg is said to have been consecrated as early as 1113. St. Nicholas Parish Church was rebuilt between 1758 and 1760, replacing a small medieval church.
Gardens, Wildlife and Nature
The gardens of Herberstein Garden Palace date back to the 16th century. A guided tour of the Historic Garden offers insights into the history of European garden culture. Herberstein Animal World also offers narrated feeding sessions, Historic Gardens, a visit to the Gironcoli Museum and an adventurous castle tour. The House of Biodiversity was newly opened as part of STEIERMARK SCHAU 2023 and remains open to visitors even after the event has ended.
For the gorges, the particular landscape and access conditions are important: Feistritz Gorge is Styria’s first NATURA 2000 European protected area. It can only be explored during the opening hours of Herberstein Garden Palace and Herberstein Animal World, and with a valid admission ticket. Check current opening hours and admission requirements before your visit. Herberstein Gorge is a different named landscape area; it stretches from Lake Stubenberg to St. Johann bei Herberstein.
Farms and Culinary Experiences
At Brenner Stub'n, fine spirits are offered for tasting at the famous Seppl Table. Confirm tasting arrangements before you arrive. At Hödl Hof, the approximately 1 km-long FIRST AUSTRIAN SCHNAPPS EDUCATIONAL TRAIL forms a loop through orchards and forests; information boards focus on schnapps. On a tour through the orchards and distillery, visitors can also learn about the way the business operates. Here, too, it is advisable to confirm visitor arrangements in advance.
Moarpeter is a traditional wine tavern and farm brewery in the former Mayerhof of the Schielleiten estate. Together, these named offerings provide different ways to enjoy local food and drink: a tasting of fine spirits, an informative trail through orchards and forests, and a business housed in a historic farm building.
Discover more destinations: Bad Blumau, FĂĽrstenfeld, Sankt Lorenzen Am Wechsel, Kleegraben, Buch-Geiseldorf, Obertiefenbach, Loipersdorf Bei FĂĽrstenfeld, Maierhofbergen
Return to the regional travel overview: Hartberg-FĂĽrstenfeld.
