The Raab Gorge extends as far as Mitterdorf an der Raab: its southern exit is in the village, while its northern entrance is in the municipality of Arzberg. At 17 kilometres, it is divided into the Great and Small Raab Gorge. This distinction is useful when planning your trip: the total length describes the gorge between its endpoints, not necessarily a single outing. In Mitterdorf, a designated entrance to the Small Raab Gorge, local culture and regional cuisine come together, and the main village is well connected to the RegioBus network.
Raab Gorge: Natural Area and Orientation
The Raab Gorge area, covering around 400 hectares, is designated as a Natura 2000 site under the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. The gorge is also protected as a nature reserve. Protected plant and animal species occur there; in addition, the structure of the Raab’s watercourse in this section remains largely natural.
For nature lovers and hikers, the Small Raab Gorge is a particular highlight. The designated starting point is the car park by the kindergarten in Mitterdorf. This helps distinguish two different details when planning: the 17 kilometres refer to the entire gorge, while the car park is an entrance to the Small Raab Gorge. Plan your specific route around the section you want to visit.
Along the Raab Gorge on the R11a
For cyclists, the Mitterdorf R11a route provides another point of reference. It follows the Raab through the Small Raab Gorge and then continues on to Mitterdorf. While the designated entrance indicates access to the Small Raab Gorge, the R11a describes a route along the river. So consider whether to plan around the entrance or the route itself.
Stadl Castle and Listed Heritage Sites
Stadl Castle is a moated castle between St. Ruprecht and Mitterdorf. Around 1540, it was expanded from the seat of the Knights of Stadl into a manor. The estate also includes a chapel consecrated around 1704. These details trace the castle’s history from its expansion into a manor to the later chapel.
The castle is inhabited by the Kinsky family; visits are possible only in exceptional cases and by prior arrangement. If you are considering a visit, arrange it in advance. Mitterdorf an der Raab is also home to the Chapel of the Elevation of the Cross and the Pestkreuz wayside shrine, both protected as historic monuments by ordinance. They add two other specifically named cultural and historical points of interest to the story of Stadl Castle.
The cultural programme includes the traditional castle concert by the Mitterdorf Singkreis at Stadl Castle. The programme features folk songs and modern songs from many genres. If you would like to include a concert in your stay, check the dates for your travel period.
Landscape and Regional Specialties
The cultural landscape of Mitterdorf an der Raab includes fruit growing, winegrowing, arable farming and extensive meadows. If you do not want to focus your stay solely on the gorge, you can also experience the agricultural landscape as a distinctive part of the village’s character.
Regional specialties are available at Gasthaus Glatz, Restaurant Mittelpunkt, Hexenhaus, Weizer Schafbauern, Scherbauerhof, Karberger Bauernbackstube, Buschenschank Gansrieglhof, Weinhof Deutsch and Weingut Michael. Many fruit growers also offer regional specialties. This gives food lovers several named places to choose from rather than just one. If you are planning a specific visit, check the current offerings in advance.
Getting There and Choosing Accommodation
The main village of Mitterdorf is well connected to the RegioBus network. If travelling by bus, check the connection for your travel day. When looking for a holiday apartment in Mitterdorf an der Raab, you can start by weighing up what brings you here: nature in the Raab Gorge, the R11a, the history of Stadl Castle or regional cuisine. Then compare specific offers with your travel dates and personal requirements.
Discover more destinations: Gersdorf An Der Feistritz, Reichendorf, Aschau, Grosspesendorf, Hofstätten An Der Raab, Gleisdorf, Oberrettenbach, Sankt Kathrein Am Offenegg Ii.Viertel.
Go to the main travel overview: Weiz.
