Discover Ratten: hiking and mining history

Ratten in the uppermost Feistritz Valley

Ratten lies in the uppermost Feistritz Valley at the foot of the Fischbach Alps. A former mining village in the Joglland Waldheimat region, it brings together valley and mountain landscapes with a historical connection to mining. When deciding how to spend your trip, a useful starting point is the difference between a high-altitude excursion and historical sites in the village. This can help you decide whether to focus your time on hiking, mining history or several themes. If you are looking for a hotel in Ratten, these priorities can guide your choice of destination.

Hiking and the wind farm

The Hauereck-Steinriegel circuit follows the Mining and Moon Trail from Ratten up to the high-alpine wind farm. It connects a starting point in Ratten with a destination in high-alpine terrain; check the route details before setting out and committing to the tour. On Rattener Alm, the Steinriegel wind farm consists of 21 wind turbines.

Mining history in the show mine

The Ratten Mining Museum is a show mine in the short tunnel section of the “Friedensstollen,” which closed in 1960, and is integrated into the original tunnel entrance. Exhibits include Polish timber sets, polygonal timbering and ring supports, as well as a mine locomotive, personnel cars and mine tubs. Miners’ tools and equipment, photographs, mine lamps and explosives round out the exhibition. The groups of exhibits bring together structural elements of the tunnel and materials used for transport and work. This places technical features alongside objects from everyday mining life; you can understand the show mine both as a structure and through its exhibits.

Historic buildings

Tatzhof, now the Krainer Inn, is the oldest secular building in Ratten; “secular” means non-religious and distinguishes the building from a religious one. The Rosary Chapel was built in 1664 and contains a magnificent Renaissance altar in black and gold. Tatzhof is notable for its place in architectural history, while the chapel stands out for its construction date and altar. If you want to focus on culture, the three points of interest are clearly distinct: the mining museum showcases tunnel construction and work materials, Tatzhof represents secular architectural history, and the chapel represents religious architecture and Renaissance art.

Leisure activities by location and type

The natural recreation lake run by the Albert family is a ten-minute walk from the centre of Ratten. The mini-golf course operated by the Ratten Mini Golf Club is in the centre. RatzFatz Erlebnis Arena is an indoor play centre for children. When planning, it helps to distinguish between a destination with a stated walking time, a facility in the centre and an indoor activity for children.

A special feature during Advent

During Advent, life-size wooden figures of the parish’s patron saint, Saint Nicholas, guide visitors to local businesses. If you are travelling during this period, this is a seasonal feature to consider when choosing your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Puch Bei Weiz, Mitterdorf an der Raab, Sankt Kathrein Am Offenegg, Gleisdorf, Stenzengreith, Oberrettenbach, Fladnitz An Der Teichalpe, Brand

Return to the main travel overview: Weiz.