The Südsteiermark Nature Park borders directly on Slovenia in the south and is characterized by rolling hills and a small-structured cultural landscape. The mixture of steep vineyards, scattered fruit stands, mixed chestnut and beech forests, hop fields, flower meadows, hedges and fields as well as river, floodplain and moor landscapes gives the nature park a graceful, charming character.
Witnesses to the region's more than 2,000-year history are the Hallstatt Museum in Großklein, the Celtic farmstead and the burial mounds on Burgstallkogel, the Flavia Solva Roman excavations in Wagna and Seggau Castle. The production of typical regional specialties once and now becomes especially vivid during wine tastings along the South Styrian Wine Route. The production of our kernel oil can be experienced at first hand in the oil mills. A special experience is offered by local nature jewels such as the Heiligengeistklammund in Leutschach or the butterfly way at the Demmerkogel in St. Andrä-Höch.
The genuine Sulmtal chicken is one of the culinary highlights of the nature park, along with sheep's cheese, fruit juices and beetle beans. While enjoying a glass of Sauvignon blanc, guests are spoiled with homemade bread, hearty spreads and smoked meat in the numerous Buschenschänken directly along the hiking trails. Numerous lookout points offer an unforgettable view over southern Styria. You can reach the Kreuzkogelwarte via an educational wine trail on the Silberberg, where you can learn a lot about viticulture. The emerald lizard, the praying mantis or colorful orchids are brought closer to visitors on guided adventure hikes and canoe tours. Information about the special importance of flower meadows and their preservation is provided by nature and landscape guides, especially in the Demmerkogel European nature reserve. A visit to the museum in the Nature Park Südsteiermark Visitor Center at Grottenhof in Leibnitz is particularly recommended as an introduction.
Data and facts
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