Wine Hiking in Southern Styria | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm Wine Hiking in Southern Styria | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
Wine, apples & co

THE LOVELY SOUTH AND EAST

From viticulture to flourishing tourism and innovations within technology, the south and east of Steiermark offer a wealth of opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange.

With its charming landscapes and small historic towns such as Bad Radkersburg or Hartberg, the region in south-eastern Austria presents itself as an inspiring place for investors, travellers and locals. Embedded in a gently rolling landscape you will find a region that not only impresses with its beauty, but also with its lively and dynamic economy. The range of companies that make a significant contribution to economic wealth and the highest quality of life ranges from winegrowers who win international awards year after year to forward-thinking technology companies.

Agriculture, above all, forms the backbone of the local economy. Fertile soils combined with the Mediterranean climate allow the cultivation of a variety of crops, but the real agricultural treasure is viticulture here. Steiermark, with the wine regions of Vulkanland, Southern Styria and Western Styria, is considered to be one of the best wine-growing regions in Europe and is mainly known for varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Morillon and Chardonnay. A special tip is the Schilcher which thrives in the wine-growing region around Deutschlandsberg and Stainz.

One of the reasons for the fertile soil in the wine region of Vulkanland is the remnants of former volcanic hills, but the volcanic origin has brought another important economic factor with it too: a wealth of thermal spas and wellness options. When opposites such as water and fire meet, it is invigorating and decelerating at the same time. In the Thermen- & Vulkanland, the springs of the thermal spa towns ofBad Radkersburg, Bad Gleichenberg, Bad Loipersdorf, Bad Blumau and Bad Waltersdorf  gush out of the ground.

The economy of Southern Styria does not just benefit from its impressive natural endowments, however, but also from internationally active companies such as Magna International, the Knill Group, Elin Motoren, TCM International Tool Consulting & Management, Jerich International, Ringana Cosmetics or Superfoods - to name just a few. But the basis of all these globally active companies is formed by a large number of small and medium-sized companies in the areas of trade, services, gastronomy, hotels, wine production, agriculture and crafts that work with great attention to detail and innovative ideas.

WHAT ELSE SOUTHERN STYRIA IS KNOWN FOR

In addition to viticulture and the pumpkin, from which the well-known and coveted pumpkin seed oil is obtained, Steiermark is known for several other culinary products:

  • Apples: With an area of ​​almost 6,000 hectares, Eastern Styria is home to the largest apple-growing region in Austria, which is why it is also affectionately referred to as Austria’s garden. The fact that 20 percent of the area is already farmed according to organic guidelines is a record within Europe. Another highlight is the Apple Blossom Festival held in Puch bei Weiz each spring.
  • Chocolate: The products from chocolate manufacturers such as Felber or Zotter are not just in great demand in Steiermark. At the Zotter Chocolate Factory, which has a clear focus on sustainability and creative chocolate creations, you can book an experience tour to see how chocolate is created – with tasting included, of course!
  • Runner beans: With St. Ruprecht an der Raab and the company Steirerkraft, a whole town has dedicated itself to runner beans in Eastern Styria. Thanks to its many nutrients, the runner bean is a perfect addition to a modern, balanced diet.
  • Vinegar: The Gölles Factory or the Fischerauer and Oswald-Schaffer vinegar manufacturers produce the finest types of vinegar from apples, local pears, cherries, plums and quinces.
  • Horseradish: SteirerKren is a true original. The Feldbach company was founded in 1976. In addition to the pure, sharp horseradish, it produces a slightly sweeter version with fruity apple pieces.

...But that's not all. The south and east of Steiermark are shaped by far more than their culinary highlights. Here are a few examples:

  • The Vulkanland Route 66 offers a mix of crafts, culture and culinary delights. Along and in the immediate vicinity of the 80 km long road there is probably the highest concentration of interactive factories and authentic family businesses where visitors can sample the produce, spend a few hours and buy souvenirs.
  • Southeast Styria also offers a variety of cycling and hiking trails that lead through the picturesque landscape. The Mur Cycle Path and Styrian Wine Country cycling tour are popular routes for bike enthusiasts. Keen hikers can get their share of nature too, on paths that lead through vineyards and orchards.
  • Numerous bathing lakes such as the Stubenbergsee, Röcksee or Sulmsee, to name but a few, invite you for a refreshing dip.
  • Sustainability and environmental awareness: The region with its nature parks Southern Styria, Pöllau Valley and Almenland, and a UNESCO biosphere reserve is heavily committed to sustainability and environmental protection. Various organic farms and initiatives promote the responsible use of natural resources and support an environmentally friendly way of life.
  • In addition to the traditional economy, Southern Styria has developed into a centre of technology and innovation. With regional economic centres such as Hartberg, Weiz-St. Ruprecht, Gleisdorf, Leibnitz or Deutschlandsberg-Stainz, the region is home to a large number of innovative companies in the fields of renewable energies, information technology and research and development.
  • The "new" Southern Line is also of economical relevance as it will connect the economic area around Deutschlandsberg directly to the international railway network.
More than 100 kinds of fruit at the Bioobsthof Schloffer (biological farm) in Anger | © Steiermark Tourismus | www.johannesgeyer.com
Time out in the Rogner Bad Blumau | © Steiermark Tourismus | Punkt & Komma
Marian column in Hartberg | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Keeping wild animals has a long tradition in Herberstein: Italian fallow deer were kept by Johann Maximilian I way back in the 17th century. Today, visitors can admire animals from all five continents here.

Industrialist, politician and billionaire: in 1957, Austro-Canadian Frank Stronach founded the world-famous company Magna International with its headquarters in Canada. Stronach was born as Franz Strohsack in Gutenberg an der Raabklamm.

Since 2016, Frutura has been using thermal water from a depth of 3,500 m in Bad Blumau to supply around 26 hectares of cultivation area in greenhouses and tunnels. More than 9,000 tons of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, aubergines and radishes are harvested each year.

„We have excellent cuisine. We have warmth, we have hospitality. We are very sociable, we are down to earth and conscious of tradition. But on the other hand we are also very, very innovative. We know how to think outside the box.“
Gottfried Math, Head of TUI Austria

WHAT SETS THE SOUTH AND EAST OF STEiermark APART

LAND OF THERMAL SPAS

Springs gush out of the ground in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region.  They lie at depths of up to 3,000 m and can reach temperatures of 110 degrees. The soft, healing water gives warmth and comfort, exudes energy and a zest for life.

To the thermal spas

THE WINE ROADS

Over 800 taverns and wineries along the eight Wine Roads in Southern Styria invite you to sit back and enjoy. It’s not without reason that this area is often referred to as the "Styrian Tuscany".

To the Wine Roads

CASTLES AND PALACES

Styria is rich in historic castles and palaces. Seggau Castle, Stainz Castle, Deutschlandsberg Castle and Riegersburg Castle are just a few examples of the impressive sites that can be visited.

More Information

Economic areas amidst vineyards and orchards

DISCOVER THE SOUTH AND EAST OF STeiermark

The lovely landscape with its hills, gardens and small historical towns characterises life in this part of Austria. Grounded, relaxed and with a lot of love for nature.

GATEWAY TO THE WORLD – GRAZ AIRPORT

Graz Airport (GRZ) is located south of Graz and thus borders directly on Southern and Eastern Styria.

New: Graz is now a Eurowings base and has been offering even more regular services to/from Germany since February 2023!

The Lufthansa subsidiary now connects Graz with Berlin and Hamburg, meaning that together with the connections to Düsseldorf and Stuttgart, travellers from Graz can choose from up to 25 weekly frequencies to German city destinations.

THE THERMEN- & VULKANLAND EMPLOYEE CARD

The employee card opens the door to plenty of benefits in various areas, from discounts and events to workshops and joint activities.

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