Hartberg

It's just off the A2 Autobahn, near the Burgenland-Styria border. Of course, it's more fun to drive the country roads and see all the small towns, forests and mountains.

There are train connections from Graz and Wien (Vienna) and the railway station is 15-20 minutes walk from the town centre. Check the timetable but it's probably quicker to use a bus, which also arrives from Graz and Wien. The main bus stop is even closer to the town centre, which is 5 minutes walk away.

• 🌍 Hartberg railway station (Bahnhof Hartberg). (updated Nov 2020)

Hartberg is a small enough town to walk to wherever you're going.

If you want to go a bit further, then you can use some of the local taxi services but as there are no taxi stands; you will have to order one via phone. The bigger companies are Taxi Schlemmer (+43 3332 7173) and Taxi 4 You (+43 664 9358000).

There are lots of things that are worth a visit.

A good starting point is the Hauptplatz, the main square and centre of the town with the local church (open every day), the Karner (built in the 12th century and used to be storage place for human bones) and the nicely refurbished Rathaus (town hall). It's the meeting point for locals in summer with lots of restaurants and bars with outside seating areas.

Although Hartberg is not very big, you can find two parks. The Stadtpark and the Bergpark with a castle that was refurbished not that long ago. It is popular as a wedding venue for locals.

If you are a fan of nature you won't be disappointed by the Gmoos, the last big moor in east Styria and since 1992 a protected natural reserve habitat with lots of wildlife. There is a walking trail around it with many peaceful places to sit down and ejoy the nature.

Not far from the town centre (3 km) near Löffelbach, you can find Villa Rustica, the ruins of a villa build by the Romans around the 2nd century CE.

15 minutes walk from the town centre towards the south of the HERZ, a recreational facility with outdoor and indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa.

Not far from the HERZ, there are 6 beach volleyball courts which are owned by the local volleyball club, but everyone is welcome to play. Also some tennis courts, indoors and outdoors. In winter there is a big ice rink next to the HERZ and usually a smaller one for kids only at the Hauptlatz, the main square.

If you are interested in vintage cars you must not miss the classic car museum with one Austrias biggest collection. Please check for opening times before you go.

There are lots of hiking trails.

Lots of Buschenschänke, small to medium size winemakers who sell their wine and food. You should check which is open at the time you go.

There are lots of seasonal events which you will certainly enjoy. A Christmas market in November and December. Motor Mythos Classic, a vintage car race usually around June every year. Outdoor concerts and festivals in the Stadpark or main square. The Beachdays, when the main square will be transformed to a beach volleyball court with Austrias top players. The Winzerfest, a wine festival at the old town of Hartberg where you can taste the wine and food of local winemakers, a highlight which you must not miss.

The town centre is a good place to go shopping. Don't expect too much: Hartberg is a small town after all. Walk along the Wienerstrasse and you find shops and Cafes as well as along the Herrnegasse.

There is also a shopping centre towards the A2 motorway with more shops.

There are lots of restaurants and cafes in and around the Hauptplatz where you can get high quality food.

The Gasthof-Restaurant Zum Brauhaus has outdoor seating in good weather. It serves traditional Austrian food and is open for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Casa Mulino is an Italian restaurant with romantic interior and outdoor seating in summer. Open for dinner only but something you must not miss.

Abendrestaurant im Schloß (+43 3332 61850) has traditional Austrian high quality food. It's inside the castle in the Schloßpark, which is one of the best locations.

Restaurant- u Vinothek Pußwald, Grazer Str 18 (+43 3332 62584), is one of the best restaurants in terms of quality of food you can find in Hartberg.

The Cafe Sonne offers breakfast and a small lunch menu.

There are many more restaurants. Just explore the streets and alleys of Hartberg, you won't be disappointed.

Styria has excellent wine and beer, so you really can't miss.

The Hotel Alter Gerichtshof is a very nice hotel in town. The room decor, the view from the balcony, and the sound of birds singing are highlights. Very relaxing.

• Vienna is the capital of the Republic of Austria and by far its most populous city. It is Austria's artistic, cultural, economic and political centre.
• Graz is the second-largest city in Austria. The City of Graz, its historic centre and Schloss Eggenberg, is a world heritage site.
• Baden bei Wien, is a smaller historic town 25 km south of Vienna. Famous for its baths and thermal waters. It features many beautiful buildings and beautiful parcs from the Biedermeier period.
• Wiener Neustadt also has a lot to offer for tourists, including the cathedral, renovated in 1975-1999, the castle and the city museum.