Großklein lies in the heart of the South Styrian Nature Park. The Hallstatt period has left a particularly clear mark on the area: archaeological traces, a reconstructed farmstead and a museum focused on the region can be found at Burgstallkogel. Walking and cycling routes offer different perspectives on the area. You can tailor your stay to your interests—from archaeology and historic buildings to a tasting at the oil mill.
The Hallstatt Period at Burgstallkogel
Burgstallkogel near Großklein is one of Europe’s most significant archaeological sites for the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. It dates from the 9th to the 6th century BC; contemporary settlement traces have also been archaeologically documented on the hill. Four burial mounds in the Sulmtal necropolis are known as princely tombs. Their impressive size, prominent location and rich grave goods set them apart from other mounds.
The hamuG Hallstattzeitliches Museum Großklein (Hallstatt Period Museum Großklein) focuses mainly on settlement, economy and culture in the region around Burgstallkogel, from about 800 to 450 BC. The Hallstattzeitliches Gehöft am Burgstallkogel (Hallstatt Period Farmstead at Burgstallkogel) offers another way to explore the Early Iron Age. Built on the basis of experimental archaeology, it provides an insight into life at the time. The complex includes a furnished dwelling with a shingle roof, a weaving hut with a loom, a raised granary and a bread-baking hut.
Walking and Cycling Routes
The 8 km Fürstengräberweg (Princely Tombs Trail) is an archaeological route that passes the princely tombs. It climbs through Hallstatt-period burial mound fields to Burgstallkogel, then passes the remains of an old iron mine and early medieval castles. This sequence brings together different traces of regional history along one route.
The Großkleiner Harmonieweg No. 14 starts at the Hallstattzeitliches Museum Großklein and leads via Heimschuh, Hammerkogel and the Fahrenbachtal valley to Kreuzbergwarte. Conditions on this route can change, so check the current situation before setting off.
Several cycling routes also pass through Großklein. The R1 Sulmtal Cycle Route runs from Leibnitz via Großklein and Gleinstätten to Eibiswald and Deutschlandsberg. The R20 Saggautal Cycle Route starts at the R1 junction in Fresing, continues via Großklein, Sankt Johann im Saggautal and Oberhaag, and reaches the junction with the R3 “Weiße Sulm Cycle Route” at Pitschgau. The sequence of places shows how each route connects different locations; the two routes do not share the same route description.
The Weinstraßentour (Wine Road Tour) also leads to Großklein. From there, it follows the Saggau and the Sulm towards Leibnitz. In addition to the archaeological trails, there are therefore cycling connections whose described routes pass through different places and along different rivers.
Church, Castle and Regional Delights
The parish church in Großklein, dedicated to Saint George, took on its present form in the second half of the 17th century. Elements of the earlier church, built in 1447, have been preserved, including the north tower. Schloss Ottersbach near Mantrach, close to the Sulm, is a late Baroque building. It represents more than 400 years of Styrian history and aristocratic family tradition, adding another historical perspective to the archaeological themes.
One culinary stop is the Kremsner oil mill, where visitors can sample pumpkin seed oil, sunflower oil and various snack seeds. Afterwards, you can watch the oil pressing process firsthand. The focus here is not just on the finished product, but also on how it is made.
Discover more destinations: Kitzeck im Sausal, Eichberg-Trautenburg, Gamlitz, Glanz an der Weinstraße, Spielfeld, Oberhaag, Heimschuh, Berghausen.
View the overarching travel guide: Leibnitz.
