Discover Oppenberg

Oppenberg offers several themes to consider when planning a trip: hiking, the pilgrimage tradition, and the history of the parish church. The Oppenberger Moos nature reserve adds a landscape perspective to these themes. You can decide which aspect you want to shape your stay according to your interests. For a trip with a religious focus, the pilgrimage dates are particularly relevant; those planning to hike will find several named destinations and trail sections described in different ways.

Landscape and hiking

The Oppenberger Moos nature reserve lies in a spacious valley floor west of the Rottenmanner Tauern, within the municipality of Oppenberg. This makes the valley landscape a nature topic in its own right, alongside the individual hikes, each of which focuses on a specific route or destination.

The Gewürzalm Route crosses meadows and passes through the forest to the Gewürzalmhütte. There is also a hike to Seekoppe in Oppenberg; check the specific trail conditions separately before planning. The marked Hochgrössen-Seekoppe loop is described differently: it follows a trail downhill to Oppenberg, after which you have to walk about 2 km along the road back to your car. The Gewürzalm Route is characterized by its alternation of meadows and forest and the hut, while the loop is defined by the descent and the road section back to the car. This makes it possible to compare the hikes based on their different route descriptions.

Parish church and pilgrimage

Oppenberg’s parish church was first mentioned in official records in 1403. It was originally Romanesque and underwent major structural changes in the 15th century. The southern side chapel contains a Gothic shrine group depicting the “Adoration of the Magi,” dating from around 1490. The year 1403 refers to the first mention, not the date the church was originally built. The different dates can therefore be distinguished: they refer to the church’s first mention, its structural alteration, and a later work of art. For travelers interested in sacred architecture and art history, the shrine group brings the church’s history to life.

The pilgrimage on foot from Irdning and Donnersbach to Oppenberg has been documented in official records since 1403. The year also appears in the church’s history, but there it refers to the parish church’s first mention. The parish and pilgrimage church celebrates its patronal feast of the Nativity of Mary every year on September 8. The pilgrimage in Oppenberg takes place annually from May 13 to September 13; the patronal feast therefore falls within this period. During the pilgrimage, the rosary prayer begins at 18:00 at Schattnerhof. If you plan to travel for one of these dates, check the period and prayer time in advance.

Food and practical planning

Classic Styrian dishes are served at the Alpengasthof Grobbauer in Oppenberg. Individual dishes on the menu may change. The Wirtshaus Schaffer has a parking lot; check the local parking arrangements before your arrival.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Martin Am Grimming, Puchen, Strimitzen, Kleinsölk, Öblarn, Michaelerberg, Trieben, Admont

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Liezen.