Discover Eckberg: Wine, Hiking and Gamlitz Castle

Eckberg for wine, hiking and architectural history

For a stay in Eckberg, you can choose among three interests: architectural history, wine and hiking. Gamlitz Castle combines architectural and historical features with activities related to wine. At the Im Himmelreich and Haidic wineries, tastings are the focus, each with its own planning requirements. The Eckberg-Steinbach-Ratsch circular hiking trail No. 6 can be understood by following its route through woods and vineyards.

Gamlitz Castle: Architecture and history

Gamlitz Castle is a four-sided building dating from the 17th century, with a Baroque façade and a Mediterranean-style courtyard. The first records of the castle date back to 1111. These two dates refer to different things: 1111 is the year of the first records, while the described architectural form dates from the 17th century. Gamlitz Castle is located at the foot of the Eckberg Wine Road and offers numerous wine-related activities. The façade and courtyard refer to different parts of the building; the dates place its history in context.

Tastings with different requirements

The Im Himmelreich winery is located on the Eckberg in Gamlitz. It has a long history and was rebuilt. Exclusive tastings take place in the Weinerei by advance reservation; in good weather, tastings are also held on the tasting terrace. For planning purposes, the distinction matters: advance reservation is required for the tasting, while good weather is an additional requirement for using the terrace.

At Haidic Winery, visitors can taste the range of wines. Guided tours and tastings are available at any time by appointment. If you are planning a guided tour, arrange your visit accordingly. This is a different practical arrangement from the advance reservation at Im Himmelreich: at Haidic, making arrangements is part of planning your visit. The options therefore also differ in how you organize your visit.

Hiking trails and route details

The Eckberg-Steinbach-Ratsch circular hiking trail No. 6 starts at the Eckbergerhof Ferlinz. From there, it leads through woods and vineyards towards Steinbach and then along the edge of the forest towards the South Styrian Wine Road. The route can thus be divided into two sections: first through woods and vineyards, then continuing along the edge of the forest. Haidic Winery is located on hiking trail No. 5 in Eckberg. This number refers to a different hiking connection than circular trail No. 6: for No. 5, the winery’s location is given, while No. 6 is described as a route with a starting point and sections along the way.

Combining hiking and wine tasting

If you would like to include hiking and wine tasting in one stay, consider both aspects of planning: Haidic Winery is on hiking trail No. 5, while guided tours and tastings are available by appointment. Circular hiking trail No. 6 has its own starting point and route; these details help you understand the route, while you arrange a tasting separately.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Johann Im Saggautal, Leutschach, Ehrenhausen, Flamberg, Sankt Georgen An Der Stiefing, Ragnitz, Eichberg-Trautenburg, Gleinstätten

For the broader travel overview: Leibnitz.