Weiz: City History, Culture and Nature

Weiz offers different ways to enjoy a stay: city history, church art, interactive science and nature experiences. Choosing which of these to focus on can help you plan your trip around your interests—from historic buildings and exhibitions to experiments and routes through the landscape.

City History, Art and Churches

The Weiz City Museum presents the history of the city and is a key part of its cultural life. A special focus is the history of the electrical industry in Weiz. Alongside the city’s general history, a defining local subject is therefore also brought into focus.

The Kunsthaus Weiz is a venue for art, culture and conferences. Its transparent glass structure blends into the historic fabric of Weiz’s old town. The upper floor contains an event hall, a foyer and exhibition spaces. The Stadtgalerie in the Kunsthaus and the Weberhaus Gallery host exhibitions throughout the year, with a focus on contemporary art.

The churches, too, tell stories of different eras. The Taborkirche, also known as St. Thomas Church on the Tabor, is the oldest surviving building in the city. It was dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket of Canterbury in 1188. Partially preserved Romanesque and Gothic frescoes depict scenes from the Creation, the Passion of Christ and the story of Mary.

The Basilica on Weizberg is a Baroque pilgrimage church at the highest point of the district capital, Weiz. The first church was built there as early as the 11th century. The Baroque church building is 53.58 metres long and its interior is decorated with frescoes by Josef Adam Ritter von Mölck. In January 2018, Weizberg Church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica.

The Spiritual Path connects these two churches as a pilgrimage route: over three kilometres, it leads from Taborkirche in the town centre to the Basilica on Weizberg, with seven stations along the way. The walking time is 30 minutes. Those interested in history and sacred art will find not only the individual buildings here, but also a route linking the two places.

Experiments and Blacksmithing

The interactive funergyLAB science centre is for children and adults. Experiments and experiment kits explore topics such as water, heat, technology, sound, air, electronics, electrostatics and optics. Highlights include working with robots, a 4D cinema and a black-light room. Alongside its historical perspective, Weiz offers a very different way to explore: scientific topics become the subject of hands-on experiments.

The Klingenschmiede Museum offers another perspective on craftsmanship, in the old Mosdorfer factory complex dating from the late 18th century. It offers insight into the art of blacksmithing, for which Weiz was known for centuries. Restored models and interactive stations present traditional blacksmithing, from the creation of the materials to the production of blades.

Forest, Park and Nature Experiences

The large adventure forest, partly left in its natural state, stretches across Weiz and Mortantsch. Along a 1.7-kilometre route, nine learning and adventure stations provide information about the forest and its inhabitants. The route ends at the large playground in Hofbauer (Augsten) Landscape Park.

The 17-hectare Hofbauer Landscape Park is a recreational area for residents and visitors to Weiz. An orchard and pick-your-own garden, as well as rest areas, invite you to stroll and wander while enjoying views of the landscape. The Weiz Nature Experience Trail brings the flora and fauna of the city and its surroundings, along with different cultural landscapes, to life through information boards. This easy circular hiking trail is 11.5 kilometres long.

When choosing your holiday apartment, it may help to decide first what you want to focus on: city history and art, interactive science, or nature and outdoor activities. Weiz offers a range of themes that can be given different weight when planning your trip. Look for accommodation that suits your plans, and check the details of the respective offerings in advance.

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Go to the parent travel overview: Weiz.