A glance at Deutschlandsberg

Deutschlandsberg, an interesting and diverse town and a real insider tip in the south of Austria.

Nestled in the rolling hills and surrounded by the vineyards, meadows and forests of Schilcherland, Deutschlandsberg is not only scenic, but also rich in history, culture and culinary delights.

The town with its six districts; Bad Gams, Freiland, Kloster, Osterwitz and Trahütten, is home to around 11,600 inhabitants and is considered the Schilcher capital. Schilcher, a wine made from the Blauer Wildbacher vine, thrives particularly well here. The region’s mild climate also contributes to the quality of the wine.

The medieval Deutschlandsberg Castle towers majestically over the town and is a striking landmark. Visitors can tour the castle and experience a journey back in time to the ancient Celts in the Archeo Norico castle museum. The town is also an insider tip for hikers and cyclists and is located on the “From Glacier to Wine” hiking route and the Styrian Wine Country Cycle Tour, which makes Deutschlandsberg a popular starting point for outdoor activities.

Cultural life in Deutschlandsberg is diverse. In addition to concerts and theater performances, visitors can gain historical insights and experience regional art and culture. The town also offers a high quality of life thanks to its unspoiled nature and diverse sports facilities. The natural area extends right into the town and includes the Natura 2000 European nature reserve Laßnitzklause.

Last but not least, Deutschlandsberg attracts visitors with its culinary delights. In addition to the famous Schilcher wine, visitors can enjoy regional specialties such as pumpkin seed oil, sweet chestnuts in autumn and the popular Schilchersturm. Styrian cuisine, characterized by local ingredients, offers a wide range of culinary delights.

Deutschlandsberg is a town that harmoniously combines history and modernity. With its natural beauty, cultural diversity and gastronomic delights, it is a place that delights visitors from near and far.

The castle of Deutschlandsberg

Once upon a time, there was an imposing rocky ridge on the north-western edge of the fertile valley that later established itself as Deutschlandsberg. Thousands of years ago, this place was an important Neolithic settlement. A magnificent hilltop castle was finally built on this protected rock in the Dark Ages.

The first lord of the castle, Count Lonsperg, first appeared in historical records in 1153. For over 800 years, the castle was the center of extensive land holdings of the Archbishopric of Salzburg in western Styria. Over the centuries, the castle underwent significant reconstruction and expansion phases, ranging from the Romantic to the Gothic and Renaissance periods.

However, after its glorious rise, the castle began to gradually fall into ruin from 1850 onwards. But the end of its history had not yet come, as there were always people who took care of it and helped it to regain its former glory. Since 1932, the castle has been owned by the municipality of Deutschlandsberg and has continuously developed into a supra-regional exhibition center.

The castle museum “Archeo Norico” offers a lively historical experience in eight permanent exhibitions with over 5,000 exhibits. Visitors can stroll through the old castle on a newly created circular route and discover the traces of the former builders. The observation tower offers an exclusive view over the region as far as Slovenia.

With a bit of luck, visitors can even look over the archaeologists’ shoulders as they work and admire the latest finds.