Deutsch Goritz can be explored through several distinct themes: Roman times at the museum, religious history around Maria Helfbrunn, and a route to water energy spots. Deutsch Goritz is nestled among bubbling healing springs and picturesque vineyards in the heart of the Thermen- & Vulkanland Steiermark; it is also surrounded by well-maintained, healthy forests. This makes it possible to distinguish between cultural and historical sites, a specific hiking route and seasonal nature observations when planning a trip.

Roman History at the Museum

The Ratschendorf Roman Museum is housed in a former cooling facility. At the centre of the museum room is a full-size, walk-in reconstruction of a Roman-era burial mound containing five burials. The reconstruction makes the burial site tangible as a spatial form; today, the museum is a place to encounter archaeology, history and architectural heritage. To visit the museum, visitors collect the key from the Gasthof Fasching “Zum Hoferwirt” opposite the museum. Check this key collection information again before travelling.

Churches and the History of Maria Helfbrunn

According to the Federal Monuments Authority’s monument list dated 30 June 2025, the Catholic parish church of the Immaculate Conception in Deutsch Goritz and the Maria Helfbrunn Pilgrimage Church in Ratschendorf, Deutsch Goritz, are protected by decree. Renovation work on the Maria Helfbrunn Pilgrimage Church had been completed; on 1 May 2025, visitors were invited to a May devotion and the blessing of the renovated church. The Lourdes grotto near Maria Helfbrunn was built in 1881 above the spring, on the site of an old wooden hut that had previously served as both a bathing hut and the first chapel. The history of the place can also be explored through the spring’s earlier use and the origins of the grotto.

The Seven Springs Trail

The Ratschendorf Seven Springs Trail starts in front of the church in Deutsch Goritz and leads to various water energy spots in Southeast Styria. At the Peter Spring, which the route passes, hikers can taste mineral water at a fountain. Check before setting out whether the fountain is accessible. The starting point and this specific fountain stop provide two distinct points of reference for the hike.

Spring Blossoms and Historic Landscapes

South of Deutsch Goritz, the Jaun wetland is home to a large number of spring snowflakes in spring. The Wäsch is a site of cultural and historical significance, where hemp and flax were once dried and the village farmers’ laundry was washed. The Hügelstaudach woodland contains one of the 34 Roman-era burial mound fields in the Radkersburg district. The Wäsch represents the former processing of plant fibres and communal work, while Hügelstaudach is an archaeological testament to Roman times.

A Look at Pumpkin Seed Oil Production

Puntigam Oil Mill offers a guided tour from pumpkin seed to finished pumpkin seed oil, including a tasting. Check booking details in advance.

Different Highlights to Explore

For an archaeological perspective, visit the museum with its walk-in reconstruction and the Roman-era burial mound field in Hügelstaudach woodland. Maria Helfbrunn can be explored through its pilgrimage church, grotto and architectural history; the Seven Springs Trail focuses instead on water energy spots. In spring, the Jaun wetland adds a seasonal nature experience.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sankt Peter Am Ottersbach, Halbenrain, Reiting, Waasen Am Berg, Edla, Weinburg Am Saßbach, Oberrakitsch, Wetzelsdorf

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