Neumarkt in Styria: Moorland, Water and History

Neumarkt in Styria is one of the communities in Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park. Moorland, water, hiking trails and historic sites offer a range of things to enjoy during a stay. Would you prefer to focus on nature watching, swimming and fishing, or exploring the past? If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by considering which of these aspects of the area matters most for your trip.

Moorland, Views and Birdlife

Dürnberger Moor is a raised bog with a history dating back around 9,000 years to the Ice Age. A trail leads from the Oberdorf car park, northwest of Vockenberg, past the Anawander farmstead to the moor and its observation tower. The “7 Kirchen Blick” observation tower is 14 metres high. From there, the view stretches from Zirbitzkogel to the Lower Tauern and takes in seven churches in the surrounding area. This excursion combines views of a distinctive moorland landscape with a wide panorama.

Swimming and fishing are possible at Furtnerteich, which also has a sunbathing lawn and a bathing jetty. Migratory birds use the pond as a breeding ground and stopover, and a circular trail runs along the bird sanctuary there. Water activities and birdwatching offer two different reasons to include this place in your day’s plans.

Trails, a Spring and Varied Stops

Bionikinsel is the starting point for a hike through Graggerschlucht gorge. There are car parks in Mühldorf and St. Marein bei Neumarkt; from either one, the hike takes about two hours on foot. Zeutschach Spring offers a different natural feature: it is a typical karst spring with a discharge of 90 to 120 litres per second.

Märchenrätselwald Nature Park offers various fairytale-themed stations and a forest nature trail, as well as a petting zoo and an adjacent water playground. The different stops give an outing several points of interest. Along with the trail through Graggerschlucht and the activities at Furtnerteich, they offer a range of ways to spend your holiday days: hiking, discovering nature or spending time by the water.

History and Local Insights

The history of local buildings and the area can also be traced through specific sites. The origins of Forchtenstein Castle in Neumarkt date back to the mid-12th century. Neumarkt’s ring wall was documented as a fortification in 1394. The “Andere Heimatmuseum” in Lind Castle explores more recent social history and includes a memorial site for the Mauthausen subcamp that operated from 1942 to 1945.

The free “Sagenhafte Landschaften” app offers another way to explore the past and local traditions. Among other things, it uses augmented reality to bring vanished Iron Age burial mounds to life and connects these impressions with traditional sagas and legends. The journey ranges from medieval buildings and more recent social history to archaeological traces and storytelling traditions.

At Buschenschank Zeischgl, bacon, salami, butter, Steirerkäse, bread, pastries, salad, cider and schnapps are produced right on the farm. As seasonal opening arrangements may change, it is worth checking the latest information before visiting.

Choose the Right Base

When looking for a holiday apartment, use the experiences you have planned as a guide: water and birdwatching at Furtnerteich, a hike through Graggerschlucht or historic sites each offer a different focus.

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