AUSZEITMAGAZIN REGIONBAD GLEICHENBERG | GNAS | | ST. PETER/O. | The love of my life 2

WELCOME to the Bad Gleichenberg region!

The Bad Gleichenberg tourism region stands for tranquility, relaxation and culinary delights in harmony with a well-maintained, gently undulating cultural landscape. The Bad Gleichen- berg region in the heart of Southeastern ’s thermal and volcanic region consists of the municipalities of Bad Gleichenberg, Gnas, Kapfenstein, St. Peter am Ottersbach and Stra- den. Each of these places offers its guests special experiences on the pulse of nature.

DAHINGLEITER Numerous hiking trails lead over gentle hills and beautiful viewpoints, through magnificent mixed forests, lush vineyards and orchards and invite you to enjoy hiking. Theme hiking trails are particular- ly popular. The network of cycle paths is FEINSPITZ An outstanding feature of this region is un- also very interesting and varied. Discover doubtedly the wine-loving culinary culture. The the region along enjoyment biking trails rich offer ranges from the award-winning chefs combined with local as well as internatio- and excellent Styrian inns to the classic wine nal cycle paths. taverns and direct marketers. Our winemakers are among the best in , as evidenced by many regularly awarded awards in various categories. The combination of regionalism and high-quality culinary delights can be experien- ced, for example, at the many farmer’s markets, SEELENBAUMLER from farm sales, at De Merin am Himmelsberg in Straden or every Friday at the main square of The fascinating journey of discovery Bad Gleichenberg at Vulkanlandmarkt. through the varied cultural landscape of Southeastern Styria is best rounded off in wonderful places of nature and in “Therme der Ruhe” in Bad Gleichenberg. Full recovery of your body and mind is thus taken good care of in the Bad Gleichenberg Enjoy new experiences during your visit region. to the Bad Gleichenberg region! 3

WELCOME TABLE OF to the Bad Gleichenberg region! CONTENTS

BAD GLEICHENBERG REGION 4-5 is “The love of my life”

BAD GLEICHENBERG 6-7 A place full of relaxation

GNAS 8-9 The centre of a valley

KAPFENSTEIN 10-11 On to the history of the Earth

ST. PETER/O. 12-13 Good view of enjoyment

STRADEN 14-15 The wine-loving idyll

DAHINGLEITER 18-19 in the gently undulating landscape

FEINSPITZ 22-23 Gourmets welcome

SEELENBAUMLER 28-29 with power of relaxation

THERME DER RUHE 32-33 Recovery for body and mind

EXPERIENCES 34-35 Worth seeing and experiencing

Legal information: Media owner and publisher: Tourismusverband Region Bad Gleichenberg, Obere Brunnenstraße 1, 8344 Bad Gleichenberg. Concept, layout and implementation: Werner J. Resch, IDEEUM Reschco GmbH -Büro für gute Werbung, Kirchberg/ Raab, Text: Mag. Thomas Gußmagg, Corporate Media Service GmbH & Co KG, Photos: Werner Krug, Sepp Pail, Ing. Peter Siegel, Werner J. Resch, Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, Chris Zenz, Ria Mang, Thomas Harb. Printed by: Scharmer, Feldbach 4

Region Bad Gleichenberg 5

Region BAD GLEICHENBERG Bad Gleichenberg

GNAS

KAPFENSTEIN

ST.PETER/O.

STRADEN 6

BAD GLEICHENBERG A place full of relaxation

Nestled in a volcanic landscape, protected by mountains, which are actually just gentle wooded hills, surrounded by vineyards, meadows and deciduous forests, this place invi- tes you to relax and recharge your batteries.

Since 2015, Bad Gleichenberg has Kurhaus Bad Gleichenberg by is the Styrassic Park with more had a redesigned main square. special applications, such as the than 85 life-size dinosaurs. As a place for meetings and an Gleichenberg brine. This holistic enjoyable stay, it represents a recreation is rounded off in “Ther- successful interplay between me der Ruhe” where the outdoor revitalised and restored historic pool merges beautifully with the buildings and new architecture, adjoining spa park. You can also merging everything, including immerse yourself in the outdoor fountains, into a coherent ensem- pool Bad Gleichenberg with its 50 ble. The highly developed health m Swimming pool and a leisure competence is also very import- complex including diving tower, ant in Bad Gleichenberg. Especi- beach volleyball pitch and chil- ally respiratory and skin diseases dren’s playground. The highlight can be treated very well in the of every visit to Bad Gleichenberg 7

Curmuseum in the middle of town, tells the history of health cures in Bad Gleichenberg.

Bad Gleichenberg at the turn of the century. A spa down with a great history.

“I love this corner of the earth”

Peter Rosegger was captivated old villas and giant trees that which were already known to by the special charms of Bad invitingly spread their branches. the Romans. Founded in 1834, Gleichenberg when he wrote this In summer, they provide soothing Bad Gleichenberg is the oldest declaration of love in 1906. What shade. They radiate a timeless spa town in Styria and lies in a remains is the fascination of a tranquillity in a green oasis - the formerly volcanic area at 300 m landscape that uniquely combi- “green salon” of Bad Gleichen- above sea level. nes history and tradition with an berg. The picturesque spa town in enchanting region. It is a harmo- the thermal and volcanic region ny that has grown over 180 years. of Styria owes its fame to the hea- While strolling through the spa ling springs, park, let your soul wander - past 8

GNAS The centre of a valley

The market town of Gnas is a historic place and important marketplace with a busy centre. Guest receive a rich offer of culture, leisure and shopping facilities.

The beautiful market town of a lively cultural life and a varie- capital Feldbach or the Gnas is located 40 km southeast ty of leisure activities. Idyllic spa town of Bad Gleichenberg. of Graz in the hilly landscape walking and cycling paths lead The rich offer of recreation, sport of Southeastern Styrian at 276 through the forests and fields to and games makes a holiday in m above sea level. Surrounded numerous sights. Lovely orchards Gnas varied and attractive even by the thermal region, nestled and vineyards not only delight the for families with children. in a landscape with gentle hills, eye, but also provide the basis for shady forests, colourful fields and culinary delights. A special rarity meadows, the Gnas region offers for railway enthusiasts is the ideal conditions to those looking local railway, lovingly nick­named for recreation. The market itself is the “Jungle Express” by the local a busy centre with a wide range of population. From the station in shopping opportunities, Gnas, you can take a trip to the 9

The castle Poppendorf is located on hiking and cycling trails. 10

KAPFENSTEIN On to the history of the Earth

Kapfenstein is surrounded by extinct volcanoes. The geological history of the thermal and volcanic region of Styria can be experienced here on GeoTrail and GeoInfo: rocks are the archive of our Earth.

The town of Kapfenstein nestles history of the Earth. Right on the on one of the numerous extinct volcanic cone are also the castle volcanic cones of this region. Kapfenstein and the winery of the What you will find here are places Winkler-Hermaden family, which with special magic, strength is known beyond the country’s and, above all, wonderful views. borders for its award-winning “Olivin” is a flagship Around the volcanic cone, the wines. A castle with a beautiful wine of the Winkler- Geotrail leads not only through terrace, fine regional cuisine and Hermadens and was a fascinating landscape, but also a remarkable winery with the named after the mineral into the eventful past of this “Long Cellar” invite you to visit composition of olivine. region with numerous informa- and taste. tion points. The municipal office The best way to enjoy the Kap- of Kapfenstein houses the volca- fenstein castle is a picnic in the nic museum “Geoinfo” showing vineyards. There are numerous these exciting chapters of the picnic spots along the GeoTrail. 11

Walk along the Geotrail, around the volcanic cone of Kapfenstein. 12

ST. PETER AM OTTERSBACH Good view of enjoyment

The wine village of Sankt Peter am Ottersbach is located in the Ottersbach valley and is particularly recommended to enjoyment-seeking travellers. Excellent wines, wine taverns and inns invite you to pamper your palate.

Sankt Peter am Ottersbach is a wonderful culinary delights. tools, equipment, machinery and market town in Southeastern Sankt Peter am Ottersbach is par- vehicles are thus preserved from Styria, in the thermal and ticularly known to wine connois- oblivion. volcanic region of Styria. The seurs because the region produces beautiful landscape of meadows, excellent wines. But apart from fields, vineyards and mixed the culinary delights, there are forests invites you to explore it. also cultural aspects to look for- Hike and cycle on the wonderful ward to: the town is a venue for paths, enjoy the view from Rosen- traditional and modern events, berg or one of the wine taverns and for the only cigars made in and let yourself be pampered. Austria. Take time to relax and recharge The local museums keep the your batteries and discover the past alive. Rare crafts and old 13

The Ottersbach mill houses a museum, as well as the arts and crafts club “EigenArt”.

The Weinwarte of St. Peter/O. offers beautiful views of the region and upscale Styrian festive culture. 14

STRADEN The wine-loving idyll So beautiful - with its four churches and three church towers that are visible from afar - the pilgrimage site on Himmelsberg towers over the culinary market town of Straden. Experience excellent food, wine, culture and a wonderful nature.

Churches, culture, cuisine - it for Art and culture in Straden happen much-awarded premium wines. these three Cs the town of Stra- all year round. From raising the They can be best enjoyed with den stands for. The town itself is maypole, concerts of the Markt- the best Styrian gastronomy and picturesquely situated on one of musikkapelle band, art in wine hearty snacks - this is the third C the cones that are so significant cellars, the high-quality “straden that stands for cuisine! Straden for the region, as if it were a land- aktiv” programmes to the “Silent is embedded in the European mark for those who seek Advent” in December, the cultural protection area no. 14, Southeast extraordinary places. The won- live here is equally entertaining Styrian Hill Country. This is a derful ensemble with well-kept and varied. The mild climate and cultivated landscape that provides facades, historical buildings and, the partly volcanic soils offer the space for people and their craft, above all, a marvellous view, is best conditions for high-quality but also for nature in its many truly magical. Once at the top, wines. The Straden wine region is forms. visitors can expect four churches located in the south of the wine- with three church towers and a growing region called “Groß- wedding pier, which points won- lage Steirisches Vulkanland”. derfully into the Gleichenberg Outstanding winemakers refine valley. numerous varieties and produce 15

View from the wedding pier into the Gleichenberg valley. 16

Dahingleiten 17 18

Hiking and cycling maps are available at the tourist office. DAHINGLEITER in the gently undulating cultural landscape Around the historic spa town of Bad Gleichenberg, a thriving region shines in the colour- ful dresses of all four seasons. This landscape is perfect for enjoyable hiking and cycling on gentle hills and beautiful viewpoints, magnificent mixed forests and lush vineyards and orchards.

As early as 1885, Prof. Oertl numerous hiking trails lead with beautiful views as well as pointed out the importance of through the whole region. connections to various hiking “outdoor treatment”. Outdoor Especially exciting are the theme routes. Moreover, numerous run- treatment means applications of trails: Enjoy moments full of emo- ning and walking routes provide easy exercise over a longer period tions and maybe (re)discover the additional oxygen for the soul. of time such as regular walks in “love of your life” on a hike along There are, for example, themed the fresh air. This improves heart the Herzspurweg, put your name trails such as the Kraftquellen- function as well as blood circula- in the summit book of Gleichen- tour, Tatschkerlandtour or the tion. Outdoor treatment streng- berger Kogel or witness one of Wine and Water tour for cyclists. thens the body, reduces stress and the most exciting chapters in the In addition, the R32 and R45 increases the joy of life. And what history of the Earth - along the connect the long cycling trails of would be a better place to enjoy Geotrail or the Kaskögerlweg in Raabtalweg and Murradweg. such wonderful health experien- Gnas. The Gleichenberg railway, ces than the Bad Gleichenberg affectionately nicknamed “Jungle region? Following the volcanoes, Express” goes through a region

19

ENJOY & MARVEL

Hiking and a relaxed cycling tour are part of the daily routine in the region. 20 Feinspitz 21 Feinspitz 22

All information can be found in our gastronomic guide. FEINSPITZ Gourmets welcome

Fine wines, hearty „Jaus’n“, excellent Styrian and award-winning cuisine - a region full of culinary delights and surprises. More than just an insider tip!

Excellent wines gently caress with spicy farmhouse bread, roast Enjoyment as far as the eye can your palate. We are seduced by chicken finds direct way from see! wonderful juices with fruity the pan to crispy leafy lettuce, or sweetness pressed from ripe the matured bacon gets in touch fruit such as apples, elderberries, with freshly grated horseradish, peaches or grapes. Yes, we can not both served on a wooden plate help but swoon over these deli- as “Jaus‘n”. You will find about cious thirst quenchers. Immerse 100 restaurants here: Exquisite yourself in the culinary diversity dome restaurants, down to earth of the Bad Gleichenberg region. taverns or Styrian wine taverns, Now and then, things get really sweet coffee houses and relaxing sentimental: When, for example, bars. Always garnished with a roasting fat makes a rendezvous large portion of warm hospitality. 23 24

VOLCANIC WINES & Styrian “Brettljaus‘n”

Those who like “cold food” are in good hands in this region. This is the region of wine taverns called “Buschenschänken”. These are run by winegrowers who offer not only wine and juices but also peasant dishes.

These wine taverns have been in loin, sausages) and spreads (such as day, treat yourself to “Ang´setzten” Austria (mainly in Styria) for about liver spread, greaves fat, roast fat or (fruit soaked in alcohol) or “Klaren” 200 years. By a legislative decree, pumpkin seed spread) with horsera- (schnapps). What more could you Emperor Joseph II allowed that dish and black bread and is served wish for? farmers may sell and serve their on a wooden plate. Here in the Bad own products, including wine, grape Gleichenberg region, which also must and grape juice, fruit wine and includes Gnas, Kapfenstein, St. Peter fruit must as well as home-made am Ottersbach and Straden, there are liquor, at the court. However, only truly exceptional taverns, with food cold dishes and homemade pastries variations that are lovingly prepared may be served. The typical tavern and taste delicious. On top of that, dish is called “Brettljause”. It consists there are also good wines and fruit of cold cuts (e.g. smoked meat, roast juices. If you like to do something pork, ham, dry sausage, bacon, pork for your digestion at the end of the 25

TRUE ENJOYMENT

The legendary “Brettljause” is typical of our region. 26

Seelenbaumler 27 28

SEELENBAUMLER with the power of relaxation

Treat yourself to some rest. Inner peace flows through your body, gives you strength. Time and space for thoughts. Take a break from everyday life in the Bad Gleichenberg region.

The Bad Gleichenberg region lating, embedded between volca- made for it. The noise of the city, invites you on a journey into its nically shaped cones, and provide the pressure at work, the sounds heart, inspired and supported by space for farming and being close of the streets, the hustle and bust- fascinating natural landscapes to nature. This growing interac- le of everyday life can be stressful. and volcanic power places. Here tion extends over wide prospects, Leave them behind. Now I am you can see the traces of human which can be seen from many here, in the Bad Gleichenberg activity. Fields, vineyards and magnificently elevated points. region – finally! young forests catch the eye of This is the time and place to every visitor. But these interventi- switch off. To leave all the cares of ons always happened in harmony your everyday life behind. To look with nature. Harmonious cultural into a bright future again. landscapes, shaped by human Reorganise your life face to face hands. They lie here gently undu- to a landscape that seems to be 29

EXPLORE YOUR SOUL 30

Thermal spring & Health 31 32

THERME DER RUHE Recovery for body and mind

Healing water is the beginning of the history of Bad Gleichenberg as a spa resort. Up to this day, it has not lost its importance and is the fundamental basis for a wide variety of treatments.

In Bad Gleichenberg, people have wood and glass, give the forces of can do so in Therme der Ruhe. always sought to reconcile the nature, the landscape and, above You can also relax when “bathing body and the spirit. And they try all, water the opportunity to have in the park”. The mind heals with to achieve this high aspiration for a positive effect on people. the body! a complete well-being up to today. Thanks to its high mineral con- This approach is also apparent tent, the healing water in the spa at the health centre with Therme offers the perfect basis for various der Ruhe and the medical the- therapies. The Bad Gleichen- rapy centre. The centre, with its berg brine is used in different modern architecture, snuggles concentrations for both skin and into the landscape of the spa park. respiratory diseases. If you want The materials used, stone, natural to experience water directly, you 33

The cold chamber is another special feature. You can spend up to 3 minutes in –120 degrees in swimwear.

THERAPY & SPA 34

A tour in the Trautmannsdorf open-air museum is worthwhile under any circumstances. ALL ROUND EXPERIENCES Worth seeing and experiencing

This region with its rolling hills and extinct volcanoes is a scenic gem. And in terms of content, it has a lot to offer to its guests.

A ride in the “Jungle Express”, a more about this time and the ve tours through the region, you regional train coming from Feld- history of Southeastern Styria, can do so in the outdoor pools of bach, turns out to be an expe- you can do so very vividly in the Bad Gleichenberg, Gnas and St. rience. With an average spread numerous museums of the region Peter. You can also relax in the of 30 km/h, you can experience a – from the volcano museum in very scenic golf course of Bad landscape that simply cannot be Kapfenstein, the Curmuseum in Gleichenberg, where you can end more beautiful. The deceleration Bad Gleichenberg to the open-air the day in a very harmonious way. in your head and the special holi- museum in Trautmannsdorf. In The Bad Gleichenberg region has day feeling begin to work. addition, there are many other a lot to offer – enough reasons to Having arrived in the Bad Glei- special features waiting to be visit it more often! More informa- chenberg region, there are count- discovered, such as the museum tion about all offers can be found less opportunities to spend your of local history in Gnas, the Sepps in the tourist office or on its web- time and enjoy a truly varied Berglermühle or the museum of site: www.bad-gleichenberg.at. holiday, not only relaxing. In the hunting, nature and poaching in “Styrassic Park” in the valley of St. Peter. In Straden, there is a lot the dinosaurs, you will encounter of space for art, culture and his- life-size monsters from prehisto- tory, which can be experienced in ric times. Not only children are every corner of this picturesque excited by the staged volcanic village. If you want to jump into eruptions. If you want to know refreshing water after the intensi- 35

DISCOVER THE REGION BAD GLEICHENBERG REGION in the heart of Southeastern Styria

CZ

SK

D

HU CH

REGION Bad Gleichenberg SLO I

GF Mag. Thomas Gußmagg

Die Liebe meines Lebens.