Discover Spielfeld: Local History and Archaeology

Spielfeld offers several points of interest for your stay: local history, archaeological traces at Bubenberg Hill, hiking trails and cultural events at Spielfeld Castle. When choosing a hotel, you can consider which of these themes you want to shape your trip. The following information covers history, places to visit and rail routes.

Local History and Parish Church

Spielfeld was first mentioned in 1170 under the name “Ulenberg Sancti Mychaelis”. This early name provides a point of reference for the town’s history. At the same time, the mention in 1170 can be clearly distinguished from the much earlier use of Bubenberg Hill during the Copper, Bronze and Iron Ages. Those interested in history can explore different periods, each associated with its own place.

The Roman Catholic parish church of Spielfeld stands on a hillside in the village, south of Spielfeld Castle. For choosing what to explore, it offers a different focus from the prehistoric finds at Bubenberg Hill. Spielfeld Castle provides a setting for cultural events. As the programme may vary, check the dates before your trip if a specific event is the reason for your stay.

Archaeological Traces and Hiking Trails

The area of Bubenberg Hill near Spielfeld, also known as Hoar[r]achkogel, was used during the Copper, Bronze and Iron Ages. This time span thus covers several periods of prehistory. The fortifications of an Iron Age settlement and its associated burial mound are particularly striking: both are still clearly visible today. This makes Bubenberg Hill an interesting destination for travellers who want to explore early history and archaeological traces. The terms refer to different types of archaeological features: fortifications are built defensive structures; a burial mound is a mound raised over a burial. Together, they illustrate settlement life and burial as two aspects of early history at Bubenberg Hill.

From the end of Bubenbergstraße, you can reach the hill via a forest track in about 20 to 25 minutes on foot. Conditions may vary by season, so check them before setting out and plan your walking time accordingly. The Nature-Culture-Archaeology Trail is also one of the hiking trails in Spielfeld.

Rail Connections for Planning Your Trip

If you are travelling by train, pay attention to the line designation and the route when planning your journey. S-Bahn line S1 runs on the Spielfeld-Straß – Leibnitz – Graz – Peggau-Deutschfeistritz – Frohnleiten – Bruck an der Mur – Mürzzuschlag route. S51 runs on the Spielfeld-Straß – Mureck – Bad Radkersburg route. Both lines start in Spielfeld-Straß, but then serve different destinations listed above. Check the current timetable before travelling to ensure your plans match the journey you want to take.

Discover more destinations: Nestelberg, Großklein, Rettenberg, Sankt Nikolai Im Sausal, Arnfels, Berghausen, Steinriegel, Wildon.

For the regional travel overview: Leibnitz.