Oberrakitsch: History, Chapel and Pumpkin Seed Oil

Oberrakitsch can be explored through a number of clearly defined themes: its local history, the village chapel in the centre, the production of Styrian pumpkin seed oil at Camping Sixt, and a route that leads to Oberrakitsch. When choosing a hotel for your stay, these highlights can help you decide where to stay.

Local history and historical traces

The place name “Rakatschka” for Oberrakitsch is first documented in 1265. Oberrakitsch was originally a double village; the second part was called Ottramsdorf. These details answer different questions: the name is an early written record, while the double village describes the settlement’s former layout. In the northeast of the former municipal area, a burial mound field in the so-called Turnleitenjahn points to Roman-era settlement. The name, the former layout of the settlement and the burial mound field offer different perspectives on the history of the place.

Rakatscha Castle, the former Ottersdorf estate in Oberrakitsch, was expanded in the 16th century. The ruined Oberrakitsch Castle was demolished around 1817. Together with the record of the name from 1265, these details form a series of historical milestones: the early written record, an expansion in the 16th century and a demolition around 1817.

Village chapel in the centre

The Oberrakitsch village chapel is located in the centre of the village. It is a masonry building with a bell tower. Its central location is useful for finding your way around; its masonry construction and tower are its defining architectural features. The chapel adds a built landmark to the historical names and castle details. If you are interested in local architectural styles, it offers a distinct point of interest in the village.

Pumpkin seed oil at Camping Sixt

At Camping Sixt in Oberrakitsch, visitors can experience and smell the production of authentic Styrian pumpkin seed oil. The focus is therefore not just on the finished product: the production process and its aroma are also part of the experience. The products on offer can be sampled at Sixts Öllad’n at Camping Sixt. Experiencing the production and sampling the products offer different ways to engage with the subject: one lets you experience the production process and aroma, while the other focuses on taste. If you plan to visit specifically for this, check in advance whether the production experience and tastings are available on the day of your visit; visitor offerings can change.

Hiking trail and heron watching

The Wanderstab / St. Stefan-Mureck trail leads to Oberrakitsch along a flat section and passes the Schwabenteiche ponds, where herons are often seen. The description “flat” applies to the section leading to Oberrakitsch and helps you assess that specific part of the route. Heron watching offers a different focus: nature enthusiasts can find something of interest at the Schwabenteiche, away from the local history surrounding the chapel and castle.

Discover more destinations: Grabersdorf, Sankt Peter Am Ottersbach, Stang Bei Hatzendorf, Wetzelsdorf, Lugitsch, Deutsch Goritz, Weinburg Am Saßbach, Deutsch Haseldorf

For the overview of the wider region: Southeast Styria.