Nestelberg, also known as Königsberg, is a flat-topped summit at around 424 m above sea level, overlooking the Sulm. It is home to a remarkably well-preserved prehistoric settlement. This directly connects the landscape with a specific trace of early settlement. The mountain is also referred to as Königsberg in route descriptions; knowing both names makes it easier to identify the routes.

Prehistoric settlement and regional history

The wider Heimschuh Basin also has a historic transport route: a Roman road ran westwards along the southern edge of the basin, south of the Königsberg. Its context differs from that of the settlement on the summit. While the prehistoric settlement is associated with Nestelberg itself, the Roman road traces a route across the wider basin. Two different perspectives on local history therefore sit side by side: a settlement site on the mountain and a westward-running transport route in the surrounding area.

Today, the remains of a fortification are known by the name “Hoferlippen-Waldschloss”.

Hiking and cycling routes on the Königsberg

The routes can be distinguished by their named places and elevation changes. Variant 5a of the Heimschuh South Loop connects Heimschuh and Nestelberg along the municipal road and has only slight elevation changes. On the Heimschuh South Loop No. 5, the Königsberg is part of the route to the Koschak inn. The western route of the Sulmtal Sausal Panorama Gallery – Art & Wine No. 6 also crosses the Königsberg, between Heimschuh and Fresing. This provides different reference points for choosing a route: the Heimschuh–Nestelberg connection on 5a, the inn as a destination on No. 5, or the stretch between Heimschuh and Fresing on No. 6.

The Sulmtal Cycle Route R1 is also one of the cycling routes associated with Nestelberg or Königsberg. Anyone wishing to include cycling in their stay can consider it as a separate cycling route alongside the hiking trails mentioned above.

Hartlieb Oil Mill: oil pressing and museum

In the wider municipal area, the museum in the mill loft of the Hartlieb Oil Mill offers a different cultural focus. It presents oil production, the raw materials required, the use of historic equipment, and customs and traditions from earlier times. Visitors can watch the oil pressing in the workshop. Alongside the history of settlement and routes, visitors can also explore production, work tools, and everyday customs of the past. The museum combines an account of oil production with information about raw materials and the use of historic equipment; it also presents customs and traditions from earlier times. The workshop, by contrast, focuses on the pressing process. This offers two distinct perspectives on the same subject: its context and the hands-on craft.

Discover more destinations: Gündorf, Neurath, Langegg, Municipality of Pistorf, Neudorf im Sausal, Sankt Johann Im Saggautal, Seggauberg, Vogau

For the wider travel overview: Leibnitz.