Schildbach: Ringkogel, Traditions and History

Schildbach offers several ways to enjoy a trip that combines scenery and cultural history. Hiking trails in the surrounding area lead up to the Ringkogel; in the village, protected heritage sites sit alongside historic destinations in the region. A New Year’s Eve run and the Pudelmuatta add events and local traditions to the mix. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, you can decide whether trails and views, local history, or a cultural-historical destination nearby should be the focus of your plans.

Hiking and Views at the Ringkogel

Several hiking trails in the Schildbach area lead up to the Ringkogel. The Ringwarte lookout tower on the Ringkogel offers panoramic views across the East Styrian hills. This gives you two different interests to consider when planning: the hiking trails and the views across the landscape. You can decide whether you’d rather focus on exploring the trails or enjoying the views during your stay.

Local History and Monuments

Schildbach was founded by the sovereign and first documented in 1294 as “Shilpach.” Its foundation and the first recorded mention of its name are two separate historical reference points. As of June 23, 2026, the burial mounds in Schildbach Forest and the Florian Column wayside shrine in Schildbach are protected monuments.

Historic Destinations Nearby

The area around Schildbach has historic destinations from different periods. In Löffelbach, the Villa Rustica preserves the well-preserved foundations of a large Roman country estate from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. St. Anna Church on the Masenberg is a Gothic building dating from between 1453 and 1499. It lies halfway along the old pilgrimage route between Hartberg and Pöllauberg. Neuberg Castle is also in the area: a surviving 12th-century fortification that is one of the most significant preserved defensive structures in Styria. The destinations differ in period and architectural focus: Roman foundations, Gothic architectural history connected with the pilgrimage route, and a medieval fortification. This lets you choose the historical focus that interests you most. The burial mounds and the Florian Column are in Schildbach; the Ringwarte, Villa Rustica, St. Anna, and Neuberg Castle are in the surrounding area.

Traditions and Events

The municipality’s December 2025 newsletter described the Pudelmuatta as a strangely veiled figure who goes from house to house on the evening before Epiphany and gives gifts to children. Her appearance in Schildbach was announced for January 5, 2026. In 2025, the New Year’s Eve run in Schildbach was held for the 21st time. Participants could run, walk at a brisk pace, or take a stroll; the organizers intended to donate the proceeds to charitable causes again.

Practical Information for Your Stay

The Seidl Buschenschank is run by the third generation of the family in Schildbach. If you’re planning a visit, check the latest information about its operating hours in advance. The Oststeiermark shared taxi stop HF6025 is at the village square in Schildbach. Check current transport information before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Söchau, Penzendorf, Wenigzell, Sankt Lorenzen Am Wechsel, Sankt Johann Bei Herberstein, Sankt Jakob Im Walde, Pöllau, Pöllauberg.

Return to the main travel overview: Hartberg-Fürstenfeld.