Dobl between Maria im Dorn, broadcasting history and cycle paths

Dobl is a destination for anyone who wants to combine local history, distinctive buildings and outdoor activity. The forest bordering Dobl was later known as Kaiserwald. At the same time, the history of the village goes back a long way: in 1219, Dobl was first mentioned in documents under the historic name “Tobel”. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Dobl will find a place whose interesting attractions range from religious art to the history of technology.

Maria im Dorn and the history of the village

The parish church of “Maria im Dorn” is particularly significant. It originated as the chapel of the hunting lodge of the Babenbergs and later the Habsburgs. The surviving core of the church is Romanesque. Remains of frescoes were uncovered in the roof structure, while the interior furnishings were commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa. She commissioned the sculptor Balthasar Moll to create these furnishings.

The religious tradition can also be traced to a specific date. The “Kirtasonntag”, celebrated every year around 12 July, commemorates the ceremonial enthronement of the statue of the Virgin Mary in 1760. This took place on the new high altar donated by Maria Theresa. As early as the 18th century, “Maria im Dorn” was a much-visited pilgrimage site. The church is therefore an ideal cultural focus for your travel plans if you would like to get to know historic religious interiors and regional traditions.

Gjaidhof, the library and broadcasting history

Another historical point of interest is Gjaidhof. After its restoration in 1480, it was already referred to as a palace. Around 1570, Archduke Charles had Gjaidhof expanded into a palace by his court building foreman Dionysia Tade. The Dobl-Zwaring Library is located in the historic Gjaidhof Palace. This brings together historic architectural heritage and present-day cultural use in one place.

An unusual landmark is the transmission mast of the Dobl transmitter. It is 156 metres high and the tallest structure in Styria. The history of the broadcasting facilities also includes the Alpenland transmitting station, built in Oberberg in 1941. The Dobl Transmitter Museum can be reached by S-Bahn S7 or S61 to Lieboch, followed by RegioBus 714 to the Dobl Neue Welt stop. From there, it is approximately 700 metres on foot. Alternatively, RegioBus 691 runs to the Dobl Ort stop, from where there is also a walk of approximately 700 metres.

Cycling and outdoor activity in Dobl

For active days, the “Flair des Südens 731” cycle tour follows the Erzherzog-Johann cycle path R9 to Dobl. It then continues via Muttendorf onto the northern section of the Kainachtal cycle path R14. This specific route may be a factor when choosing your accommodation if you would like to include the cycle tour in your travel plans.

Dobl’s sports facilities include a motor skills park. The play and activity park is located by the Toni-Fließer sports ground. It offers a total of 26 outdoor activity stations across 4,400 m². If you are travelling with children, you can consider this park as a separate item on your itinerary for an active day; the exact structure of the day remains flexible.

Dobl as a base for your travel plans

A holiday apartment in Dobl or a holiday home in the village may suit travel plans that combine different interests: you can explore the history of “Maria im Dorn”, include Gjaidhof and the Dobl-Zwaring Library, discover the history of broadcasting or plan a day of cycling and sports activities. When choosing your accommodation, consider which of these focuses should shape your trip, and then choose the location as a suitable base for your personal itinerary.

If you would like to expand your selection, you can also view Lieboch, Hart, Raaba, Neudorf, Sankt Bartholomä, Sankt Peter, Sankt Marein Bei Graz or Gratkorn.

For the higher-level travel overview: Graz-Umgebung.