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The Parish Church of St. Lawrence and the Hemma Pilgrimage Trail have direct ties to the town; the observatory is also located in St. Hemma, a district of the market municipality. Other topics range from natural history to seasonal activities on the water and in winter. This gives you the chance to decide in advance which interests you want to shape your stay.

Churches and history

The Parish Church of St. Lawrence in Edelschrott was first mentioned in a document in 1245. It preserves a Romanesque choir tower; the nave dates from 1780 to 1790. These dates refer to different aspects of the building’s history: the first written mention should not be confused with the construction period of the nave.

The branch church of St. Hemma on Kreuzberg also has an early history: it was first mentioned in a document in 1498. In its present form, it is a single-nave Late Gothic building and is believed to have been constructed around 1540. The Hemma Pilgrimage Trail also passes through Edelschrott. Both church architecture and a pilgrimage trail therefore provide specific historical points of reference for planning your trip.

Natural history and the observatory

The Talschaft Museum focuses on the geology, ornithology and flora of this small region. These subjects are presented in three scholarly works. The facility includes 150 square metres of exhibition space in the information centre and a 1,200-square-metre outdoor area. The three fields offer different ways of exploring natural history: from geological formations to birdlife and plant life.

The St. Hemma Observatory is located in St. Hemma, a district of the market municipality of Edelschrott, and is described as the highest-altitude observatory in Central Europe. Various binoculars, telescopes and optical instruments are available for observations. This focus differs from the Talschaft Museum’s broad range of natural history topics: here, optical instruments and observing the sky take centre stage.

Water, trails and structures

The Packer Reservoir has a water surface of around 60 hectares. Seasonal activities there include bathing, swimming, sailing, surfing and rowing. Trails around the reservoir are suitable for walking, hiking and cycling; fishing and camping are also listed as leisure activities. Boats and kayaks can be rented at the Hirzmann Reservoir. Since these activities may be seasonal, it is advisable to check availability before your trip.

On the hiking route by the Hirzmann Reservoir, a walkway nearly 60 metres high crosses the dam of the Hirzmann Reservoir. The listed Ströhberne Bridge, built in 1816, is also located at the same reservoir. The two structures offer different points of interest: the walkway is a feature of the hiking route, while the Ströhberne Bridge is a historic structure.

Guided tours are offered in the power station area of the Packer Reservoir and inside the dam. Arrange the details before you arrive. The Fly-Line at Steirarodl Park offers a different kind of activity: it combines elements of a flying fox and a roller coaster. Seated on a disc, you ride down the slope along a winding course.

Winter activities

The Modriach-Winkel ski area is located at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,230 metres. Four drag lifts serve a compact network of varied downhill runs; winter operations are seasonal. When planning your trip, distinguish this focus clearly from the seasonal water activities at the Packer Reservoir.

If you are looking for a hotel in Edelschrott, these different topics can help you decide what you want to focus on during your trip—from church and local history to observing nature and seasonal activities.

Discover more destinations: Söding, Kleinsöding, Graden bei Köflach, Krottendorf Bei Ligist, Bernau, Steinberg Bei Ligist, Rauchegg, Ligistberg.

Go to the overview of the wider area: Voitsberg.