Discover Eisenerz: Erzberg, Museums and Leopoldsteiner See

Eisenerz combines the history of mining with impressive landscapes and special excursion destinations. Erzberg shapes the character of the town, while museums, the fortified church and the old town tell the story of the development of this mining town. In addition, there is Leopoldsteiner See with its unspoilt shore.

Experience Erzberg in Different Ways

Erzberg is the largest open-pit mine in Central Europe, the most important ore deposit in the Alps, a symbol of industrialisation and a central part of the Iron Road. Its dimensions can be experienced particularly vividly on a Hauly tour: guests travel through the open-pit mine in a converted heavy-duty truck with 1,217 hp.

The tour through the show mine offers a different perspective. There, visitors learn about the underground labyrinth of Erzberg and the working world of the miners in the past and present. The area of the Oswaldirücken open-air exhibition is located directly on Erzberg at an altitude of 878 metres and invites visitors to enjoy an eventful walk. The exhibition complements the insights into mining history with time spent outdoors.

This results in a clear choice between different experiences when planning your trip: the Hauly tour leads through the open-pit mine, the show mine takes you underground, and Oswaldirücken combines an exhibition with a walk. When looking for a holiday apartment in Eisenerz, consider which of these experiences should be the focus of your stay.

Fortified Church, Old Town and Mining History

The fortified church of St. Oswald, with the surrounding Tabor complex, is the largest and most important fortified church complex in Styria and one of the few completely preserved fortified church complexes in Austria. Its history dates back to 1190. The exhibition presents the lives, work and traditions of the miners, bringing an important part of the region's history to life.

The old town also tells the story of the mining era. Typical features include the houses of former Radmeister, with arcaded courtyards and sgraffito decoration. In 1581, the Radmeister decided to build the watchtower; the Schichtturm was subsequently built as an elaborate Renaissance-style tower. Anyone wishing to combine historic architecture with the development of the mining industry will find several different ways to explore this subject in Eisenerz.

Further museums provide a deeper insight. The Eisenerz Town Museum is located in the original centre of the mining town, bears the Austrian Museum Quality Seal and documents the eventful relationship between Erzberg and Eisenerz. The Museum in the Old Town Hall displays precious iron blossoms and minerals, the Eisenerz Wonder Specimen, as well as other rarities from mining and local cultural history, including the Tendler puppet theatre.

The Austrian Post and Telegraph Museum presents the development of postal and telegraph services from the imperial era to the present day. It is located in the historic rooms of the Kammerhof, a former hunting lodge of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The Salzer Tannery Museum illustrates leather production using original, functioning tannery machines from the 1930s. The museum also includes a water wheel that has been put back into operation; it was formerly used for leather production and is now used to generate electricity.

Leopoldsteiner See: Nature, Circular Trail and Swimming Area

Leopoldsteiner See is an undeveloped, unspoilt Styrian mountain lake. The rock face of the Hochschwab massif is reflected in its emerald-green surface; the lake is fed by spring water from the surrounding mountains. A 4-kilometre hiking trail leads around Leopoldsteiner See and offers magnificent panoramic views of the surroundings.

The lake can therefore be planned into your stay as a more peaceful counterpart to the industrial and historical impressions of Erzberg. There is a public swimming area on the western shore. When choosing your holiday apartment, consider whether you would prefer to focus on museum days, excursions to Erzberg or time spent in the countryside.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to consider other destinations in the surrounding area in addition to Eisenerz, you will find the relevant points of interest here: Niklasdorf, Sankt Peter-Freienstein, Hieflau, Leoben, Mautern In Steiermark, Sankt Stefan ob Leoben, Rannach and Präbichl.

Questions for Planning Your Trip

What makes Eisenerz special?

The combination of Erzberg, mining history, historic buildings, museums and unspoilt Leopoldsteiner See gives your stay several clearly distinct focal points.

Which excursions showcase Erzberg?

On a Hauly tour, you experience the open-pit mine in a converted heavy-duty truck with 1,217 hp. A tour through the show mine, on the other hand, leads into the underground labyrinth and the working world of the miners.

What does Leopoldsteiner See offer?

The lake has a 4-kilometre circular trail with views of the surroundings and a public swimming area on the western shore.

To the higher-level travel overview: Leoben.