Dietenberg: Archaeology, Celtic House and Hiking Trails

Dietenberg is an island-like rise with steep slopes and a plateau running from east to west. From here, you can enjoy wide-ranging views across central and western Styria. The landscape and archaeological heritage shape the area: a significant hilltop settlement lies on the heights, while the hiking trails offer different perspectives on Dietenberg and Ligist. For your trip, you can focus on archaeology, wine country or a cultural programme.

Hilltop Settlement and Celtic House

The hilltop settlement on Dietenberg is one of Styria’s most significant archaeological sites. It is a protected monument because of its distinctive defensive system. The settlement comprises seven artificially created terraces that are still recognisable, each protected by an earthwork rampart. Two aspects are therefore evident together: the terraced layout and the protection provided by the ramparts.

The reconstructed Celtic House offers insights into the living conditions and homes of people in the Late La Tène period, around 100 BC. It focuses on everyday life and domestic life; the terraces and ramparts of the hilltop settlement illustrate a different aspect of the past. Guided tours of the Celtic House last 30 to 60 minutes. If you would like to join a tour, arrange it in advance.

Hiking Trails and Views

The prehistoric hiking trail leads from the Celtic House up to Dietenberg. The long Ligist circular trail offers a different route: it starts at Ligist’s market square and initially follows the Celtic Trail and Dietenberg. Along the way, you can enjoy a lovely view of Ligist. The different starting points make choosing a route straightforward: the prehistoric trail starts at the Celtic House, while the circular trail starts at the market square.

The Celtic Trail passes through vineyards and offers a very beautiful view of Ligist. On Ligister Tour 748, the final climb to Dietenberg comes with views and a Brettljause; check its availability in advance. This makes it possible to distinguish between the hiking trails by their described landscapes and viewpoints, without treating the routes as identical.

Viticulture and Historical Remembrance

The small Kremser family business produces wine, runs a Buschenschank, and makes vinegar and spirits as secondary activities. Its vineyard area covers 4 ha; Blauer Wildbacher is the most widely grown grape variety there. These details offer insight into the business’s different activities.

The Kremser Greitbauer Buschenschank on Dietenberg offers views from Ligist to Graz and can be reached via numerous hiking trails. A plaque at the Kremser vulgo Greitbauer Buschenschank also commemorates Dietenberg’s former role as a Kreidfeuer station in the so-called Draulinie. Here, landscape, viticulture and historical remembrance come together as part of the same visit.

Summer Festival at Schilcherhof

The summer festival takes place every year in July and August at Schilcherhof. Folk, jazz, blues, funk and cabaret are paired with food from the kitchen and wine. The programme varies from year to year; check the current dates and details before your trip. The festival thus offers a seasonal cultural highlight alongside the archaeological attractions and hiking trails.

There are different options for planning your stay: a guided tour of the Celtic House lasts 30 to 60 minutes and must be arranged in advance; the summer festival takes place annually in July and August. You can therefore plan your trip around a guided tour, a hiking route or the current festival programme.

Discover more destinations: Modriach, Krottendorf Bei Ligist, Voitsberg, Salla, Köflach, Mooskirchen, Rauchegg, Steinberg Bei Ligist.

Go to the higher-level travel overview: Voitsberg.