The second-largest city in Styria houses Austria's oldest mining university and an active steel industry, with a medieval main square lined by Renaissance buildings.
Located in central Austria's Styria region, Leoben stretches along both banks of the Mur River, with the Hochschwab mountains rising to the north and the Gleinalpe range to the south. Walk through the 13th-century Main Square to see the red-and-white baroque Hackl House, climb to the medieval Massenburg castle ruins, or join thousands of visitors at the annual Gösser Kirtag street festival in October.
Getting to Leoben
Leoben lies in the heart of Styria, 15 kilometers west of Bruck an der Mur. Direct trains run from Graz (1 hour) and Vienna (2.5 hours) to Leoben's central station. From the station, walk 10 minutes north along Erzherzog Johann-Straße to reach the Main Square.
Exploring the Main Square
The 13th-century Hauptplatz anchors Leoben's old town. Look for the distinctive Hackl House with its red and white baroque facade, and the central Pestsäule monument commemorating plague survivors. The medieval Schwammerlturm tower, built in 1280, creates an archway over Homanngasse road at the square's western entrance.
Mining University and Traditions
Since 1840, the University of Leoben has trained mining and metallurgy specialists. Join the annual Miners' Parade in November to watch students march in traditional uniforms, or catch the Ledersprung ceremony where new students jump over a leather mining apron. Visit the university museum to see mineral collections and mining equipment from the region.
Göss Abbey and Brewery
Step inside the Göss Abbey's early Romanesque crypt, part of what was once Styria's first women's convent, established in 1020. Walk next door to the Gösser brewery, where monks first brewed beer in 1459. Take a guided tour through the brewery museum to learn about traditional brewing methods and sample Gösser beer.
Hiking and Nature
Trek through the Lavanttal Alps on marked trails starting from the city center. Climb the Reichenstein summit (2,128 meters) for clear views of the Ennstal Alps, or take a 2-hour hike up Mugel mountain (1,632 meters) for panoramas of the Mur valley. Choose from three marked routes to reach the Trenchtling peak (2,081 meters).
Local Events
Join the Gösser Kirtag festival each October, when food vendors and musicians fill the streets for three days. Watch performances at the Congress Leoben during summer concert season, or visit Austria's oldest operating theater, which runs productions throughout the year in its 1790 building.
