Top 6 Castles around St. Martin am Wöllmißberg

The region is home to several historically significant castle ruins. Neu-Leonroth Castle Ruins, dating back to the 13th-14th century, offers extensive remains of a hill castle. Its predecessor, Burgruine Alt Leonroth, though less extensive, is important for its role in securing ancient trade routes from the late 12th century.

Yes, for a family-friendly experience, consider visiting the area around Piber Castle. While the castle itself houses the administration of the Federal Stud Piber, the viewpoint offers good views and the general area is suitable for families, especially those interested in the famous Lipizzaner horses.

The castles are often situated amidst natural landscapes, making them ideal for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and cycling routes. For example, there's a moderate hiking loop from St. Martin am Wöllmißberg that includes the Neu-Leonroth Castle Ruins. You can also explore various cycling routes that pass by historical sites like the Ruins of Krems Castle (Voitsberg).

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. A popular moderate route is the Neu-Leonroth Castle Ruins loop from St. Martin am Wöllmißberg, which is about 13.3 km long. This trail allows you to explore the extensive ruins nestled within a forest setting.

The best time to visit the castle ruins is generally during the spring, summer, or early autumn months. The weather is more favorable for hiking and exploring the outdoor sites. During these seasons, the natural surroundings are vibrant, enhancing the experience of discovering these historical places.

Given that many of the sites are ruins located in natural, often forested areas, comfortable hiking shoes with good grip are highly recommended. Dress in layers suitable for the weather, and consider long pants and sleeves to protect against vegetation, especially when exploring less-maintained paths around the ruins.

While Neu-Leonroth Castle Ruins is a significant attraction, its predecessor, Burgruine Alt Leonroth, is a less extensive but historically valuable site. It offers a serene experience for those interested in early medieval fortification techniques in a natural, less-developed setting. The Ligist Castle Ruins, dating from the end of the 12th century, also offers a worthwhile visit with beautiful hiking trails nearby.

Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of history and nature. The Neu-Leonroth Castle Ruins, for instance, are appreciated for their enchanted forest setting, with parts of the ruin intertwined with vines, creating a picturesque and atmospheric experience. The historical significance and the opportunity for outdoor exploration are frequently highlighted.

Many of the outdoor trails and natural areas around the castle ruins are dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep your dog on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or other visitors. Be sure to check specific site regulations if available, but generally, exploring the forest paths with a dog is a popular activity.

The duration of a visit can vary. For extensive ruins like Neu-Leonroth Castle Ruins, you might spend 1-2 hours exploring the site itself, plus additional time for hiking to and from the ruins. Smaller sites or viewpoints, such as the View of Piber Castle, might only require 30 minutes to an hour.

Yes, several sites offer excellent panoramic views. The View of Voitsberg from Obervoitsberg Castle Ruins is known for being one of the most beautiful event locations in the Lipizzaner homeland, offering great views of Voitsberg. Additionally, the Ruins of Krems Castle (Voitsberg) also provide a beautiful view over Krems.