Discover Marktl: History, trails and wine

If you are considering a stay in Marktl, you will find ways to explore local history, hiking, cycling and wine. The trails lead in different directions to different destinations, while the offerings at the organic winery provide a focus of their own.

History between the market and the Kirchberg

Marktl was first mentioned in a document in 1265 as “forum Merein”. The name referred to a market that belonged to Merin Castle. Until 1848, Marktl was the seat of the “am Straden” district court, also known as the Stein district court. These two historical milestones show different aspects of the town’s history: its early mention as a market and its later importance as a court seat.

The documented road connections also offer a perspective on the past. For a long time, the Plankenweg was the only road open to vehicles from the southwest up to Straden’s Kirchberg. A road near Marktl branched off from the Radkersburg road at Hof and provided a cross-connection between the Sulzbach Valley and the Poppendorf Valley. Marktl itself lies sheltered by Straden’s Kirchberg. These historical connections should be distinguished from the hiking and cycling routes described today.

Distinguishing between hiking trails and a cycling tour

The “Stradener Bergsprint” climbs from Marktl bei Straden to the church square in Straden: the route covers 2 kilometres and 150 metres of elevation gain. In the opposite direction, the “Um die Mitte” route follows the so-called Stiegenweg downhill to the Marktl district. The routes have clearly different directions and destinations: the Bergsprint ends at the church square in Straden, while “Um die Mitte” leads downhill to Marktl.

The “Handwerksweg” hiking trail follows the road from Straden towards Marktl as far as an intersection. Its description therefore gives it a different endpoint from the route that leads downhill to the district. When planning, it is worth treating these routes as distinct. Route conditions may change, so check the course before setting out.

A specific section is also described for cyclists: the “Radsternfahrt Tag 2 von 5 – Hügellandtour” reaches Marktl at kilometre 25.8 and then continues to the right towards Hof bei Straden. The kilometre marker locates Marktl along this tour; the subsequent change of direction indicates where the route goes next. The hiking trails and cycling tour thus offer different ways to include Marktl in your own itinerary.

Wine and rural life

The family-run Edi Tropper organic winery is located at Marktl 31, 8345 Straden. It offers the “Weinwies'n Wanderung”, wine tasting and a guided tour. If you plan to take part in one of these activities, check dates and booking options in advance, as business and booking details may change.

The Marktl district is also home to the Bulldogwirt, which houses one of Styria’s largest historical collections on rural life in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region. The collection adds a glimpse of rural life to the area’s history. If you are planning a visit, check the latest visitor information beforehand.

Plan a stay to suit you

The descriptions provide practical points of reference without combining the hike, cycling tour and wine experience into a single itinerary. Check the conditions for any route you plan to take, and confirm current dates for the winery’s offerings. This way, you can plan your stay around the things that genuinely interest you.

Discover more destinations: Mahrensdorf, Neusetz, Deutsch Goritz, Jörgen, Reiting, Stang Bei Hatzendorf, Weinburg Am Saßbach, Deutsch Haseldorf

Return to the regional travel overview: Southeast Styria.