Attractions and Places To See around Lafnitz - Top 20

The view from the top is really beautiful on a clear day, like we had.

Hartberg is a fine town with just under 6800 inhabitants, known primarily for its historic buildings. The main square is the heart of the city, featuring the town parish church, the town hall, the Marian column, and many other historical buildings, all of which are under monument protection. You can really feel the long history when you walk through it. It's not particularly ugly when the sun's rays shine on the main square and people sit together in the beer gardens of the numerous inns and cafés. You can comfortably enjoy a cool beer or a Styrian cider and gaze at the magnificent buildings. The main square is practically the living room of Hartberg, where people meet and wind down the day. And the square isn't just lively at all times, no! Many events take place there. Whether festivals, markets, or cultural highlights, there's always something going on at Hartberg's main square. This is how tradition stays alive and connects the past with the here and now. Anyone visiting Hartberg should definitely take time to experience the charm and hospitable atmosphere in the middle of the historic ambience. It is a real tip for anyone who wants to feel a bit of Styrian cosiness.

The unregulated course of the Lafnitz River, especially downstream from the Stögersbach confluence, represents a unique biotope in Central Europe. With its approximately 40 meanders, this section is the most intricately structured part of the entire river course, offering a multitude of habitats for both flora and fauna. The undisturbed flow dynamics are enhanced by heavy summer rainfall, which frequently leads to flooding. These floods promote the pronounced erosion of the banks, a phenomenon known in ecology as cut and point banks. An important aspect of this nature reserve is the breeding population of typical river bird species such as the little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius), the common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), and the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), which depend on these specially shaped banks. In addition, the extensive unregulated sections of the Lafnitz, together with the Raab River, provide habitat for the endangered European otter (Lutra lutra). This species, which in Austria is mainly found in the waters of the Mühlviertel and Waldviertel regions as well as on the lower reaches of the Raab, Lafnitz and Feistritz rivers, benefits from an intact and diverse aquatic landscape, which is essential for its reproduction and foraging.

Beautiful Marian column on the main square in Hartberg. There are several restaurants and shops around it.

Cozy rest area with information boards along the cycle path.

According to the inscription, the Marian Column or Women's Column was donated by the Hartberg ruler Maria Countess von Paar (1657–1682) and her daughter Maria Anna Countess von Talmberg and her husband Rudolph Count von Talmberg. The base bears the coats of arms of the Paar and Talmberg families, dated 1675.

even if you might think you are at a modern bus stop, this is a rest area. It offers shade when it's hot and a roof when it rains.

Wonderful church with a beautiful view of the Pöllauertal and the opposite Rabenwald.