Key Facts about Riegersburg, Austria

Location

Riegersburg is a scenic hilltop town located in the Styria (Steiermark) region of southeastern Austria, near the Slovenian border. It lies about 45 km from Graz and overlooks the lush Styrian countryside famous for vineyards and volcanic hills.

Known for

Riegersburg is renowned for its imposing medieval castle perched on a volcanic rock, its wine culture, and artisanal chocolate and pumpkin seed oil production. The castle, one of the strongest fortresses in Austria, dominates the landscape and offers sweeping views.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–June): Ideal for vineyard walks and mild weather.

• Summer (July–August): Warm and lively, perfect for exploring the castle and nearby farms.

• Autumn (September–October): Grape and pumpkin harvest season—Styria at its most colorful and flavorful.

• Winter (November–December): Peaceful atmosphere with cozy taverns and Christmas events.

Local Language

German. Some English is spoken, especially in tourism and wine-tasting locations.

Currency

Euro (€).

Getting There

• By car: Around 40 minutes from Graz via scenic country roads.

• By train/bus: Connections from Graz to Feldbach, followed by a short bus or taxi to Riegersburg.

• By air: Closest airport is Graz Airport (50 km).

• By bike: A highlight on the Styrian Wine Route, popular among cycling travelers.

Top Attractions

• Riegersburg Castle (Burg Riegersburg): A dramatic fortress built on a volcanic cliff, with museums and panoramic views.

• Witches Museum & Arms Collection: Located inside the castle, exploring medieval life and folklore.

• Zotter Chocolate Factory: A famous bean-to-bar chocolate experience with tastings and creative flavors.

• Styrian Vineyards: Local wineries offering tastings of Welschriesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

• Pumpkin Seed Oil Farms: Discover Styria’s iconic deep-green oil, a culinary treasure.

• Skywalk and Castle Walls: Walk atop fortification walls for breathtaking landscape views.

Local Specialties

• Styrian pumpkin seed oil (Kernöl): Deep green, nutty oil used on salads, soups, and even desserts.

• Zotter chocolate creations: From classic bars to quirky seasonal flavors.

• Schilcher rosé wine and crisp white wines.

• Backhendl: Styrian fried chicken served with potato salad.

• Kürbiskernbrot (pumpkin seed bread) and local cheeses.

Notable Events

• Wine Harvest Festivals (September): Celebrations across local vineyards with tastings and folklore.

• Pumpkin Festival (Autumn): Highlighting Styrian pumpkin culture and regional cuisine.

• Castle Night Events: Summer nights with medieval shows, music, and torch-lit castle tours.

• Chocolate Workshops at Zotter: Seasonal events and themed tastings.