Großklein: Archaeology, Hallstatt Period and Culture

Großklein lies in the heart of the South Styrian Nature Park. Archaeological evidence and historic buildings shape its cultural focus, complemented by cycle routes and other trails with clearly defined itineraries. Its history spans the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, as well as architectural history and regional culinary offerings. When planning your trip, you can decide whether archaeology, culture, outdoor activities or culinary experiences should take centre stage.

Burgstallkogel and the Hallstatt Period

The Burgstallkogel near Großklein is one of Europe’s most significant archaeological sites for the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. The site dates from the 9th to the 6th century BC; archaeological evidence of contemporary settlement has also been found at Burgstallkogel. Four burial mounds in the Sulm Valley necropolis are designated as princely tombs. They stand out for their considerable size, prominent location and rich grave goods.

The 8 km-long Archaeological Princely Tombs Trail passes the princely tombs, climbs through Hallstatt-period burial mound fields to Burgstallkogel, then follows the remains of an old iron mine and early medieval castles. The route therefore passes a range of archaeological and historical sites.

The hamuG Hallstatt-period Museum Großklein focuses on the settlement, economy and culture of the region around Burgstallkogel during the Hallstatt period, from around 800 to 450 BC. Großklein is also part of the Council of Europe’s Iron Age Danube Route cultural route.

Farmstead and other cultural sites

The Hallstatt-period farmstead at Burgstallkogel was authentically reconstructed based on experimental archaeological research, offering insight into life during the Early Iron Age. It includes a fully furnished residential house with a shingle roof, a weaving hut with a loom, a raised granary on posts and a bread-baking hut. The buildings illustrate different activities: living, weaving, storing provisions and baking bread.

The parish church in Großklein, dedicated to Saint George, took its present form in the second half of the 17th century. Elements of the earlier church, built in 1447, have been preserved, including the north tower. The church therefore shows how its later form can be distinguished from surviving elements of the older building.

Schloss Ottersbach is a late Baroque building near the Sulm at Mantrach, representing more than 400 years of Styrian history and aristocratic family tradition. The Oldtimer Museum “Nostalgie auf Rädern” in Großklein offers a different glimpse of the local collection: across 1,700 m² of exhibition space, it displays around 100 historic items, including cars, motorcycles, television sets and radios.

Cycle routes and other trails

The R1 Sulmtal Cycle Route runs from Leibnitz via Großklein and Gleinstätten to Eibiswald and Deutschlandsberg. The R20 Saggautal Cycle Route follows the R1 from the turn-off at Fresing, passing through Großklein, Sankt Johann im Saggautal and Oberhaag, and continuing to the junction with the R3 “Weiße Sulm Cycle Route” at Pitschgau. The places and junctions listed here provide specific reference points for comparing the two cycle routes.

The Wine Road Tour goes to Großklein and follows the Saggau and Sulm rivers there in the direction of Leibnitz. The Großklein Harmony Trail No. 14 starts at the Hallstatt-period Museum Großklein and runs via Heimschuh, Hammerkogel and the Fahrenbachtal valley to the Kreuzbergwarte lookout. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.

Oil tasting and café

A visit to the Kremsner oil mill includes tastings of pumpkin seed oil, sunflower oil and various kernels to snack on. You can then watch the oil pressing firsthand, bringing the samples and a view of the pressing process together.

Kathinka’s Cafe serves breakfast, homemade pastries, light snacks, a range of teas and coffee. Original TICHY ice cream is also available in the garden. Check the opening information for 2026 before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Leutschach, Neurath, Kitzeck Im Sausal, Ragnitz, Arnfels, Langegg, Sankt Andrä-Höch, Straß In Der Steiermark

Return to the main travel overview: Leibnitz.