Voitsberg

Voitsberg, the district capital and namesake of the district, looks back on a long history. The “castrum Voitesperch” was first mentioned in historical records in 1183, while Voitsberg was documented as a market town and town for the first time in 1245. Another important milestone came in 1307, when a charter granted Voitsberg the same rights as Graz.

Today, the historic town centre and the Arik Brauer Town Hall invite visitors to discover Voitsberg’s cultural heritage. The façade of the town hall was designed by artist Arik Brauer in 2002. High above the town stands the Obervoitsberg castle ruin. From the Schlossberggalerie, the “West Styrian Stories and Legends” walking trail leads up to the ruins and the Erzherzog Johann Naschgarten.

Voitsberg’s industrial history has also left a lasting mark on the town. From the 18th century onwards, coal mining became increasingly important and, together with the railway, glass industry and other businesses, contributed to the town’s economic growth. In 1891, Voitsberg became the administrative seat of the district. Today, reminders of its mining heritage include the “Leopold” bucket-wheel excavator along the Energy Experience Trail.

With Greißenegg Castle, its park and the recreational area around Grafenteich pond, Voitsberg also reveals its greener side. A walk through the town combines culture, local history, mining heritage and nature, offering an accessible insight into the development of this district capital in the Lipizzanerheimat region.