Peggau – natural wonders, cave worlds and Styrian history

Between rock and river: discover, hike, marvel

Peggau is located north of Graz at the foot of the Hochplatten and directly on the Mur. The market town is known for its impressive Natural scenery, historic caves and excursion destinations, which have a lot to offer, especially for families and nature enthusiasts. Easy accessibility by train, car, and bike makes Peggau an attractive starting point for day visitors and weekend excursions.

Lurgrotte Peggau

One of Austria’s largest stalactite caves and a true natural wonder:

• Guided tours through enormous cave halls and stalactite formations
• fascinating light and sound installations
• accessible all year round – a highlight even on hot or rainy days

Hiking with a view

• marked hiking trails to the high plateau around the Jungfernsprung
• Trails and panoramic paths with views of the Murtal
• short walks along the Mur or through the shady local forest

Cycling & Nature

• direct connection to the Mur cycle path (R2)
• Rest areas, natural benches and access to the Mur
• perfect combination of exercise and landscape enjoyment

Culture & History

• Traces of mining, historical cave use and local museums
• Chapels, memorials and hidden viewpoints with a past
• For centuries, Peggau was an important place for industry, speleology and trade

• 🚆 By S-Bahn: Direct connection from Graz main station, approx. 20 minutes
• 🚗 By car: around 25 minutes via the A9 or Brucker Schnellstraße
• 🚴 By bike: comfortably along the Mur cycle path (R2)

The region around Peggau was already in the Neolithic period settled – early finds in caves and on the high plateau testify to the long human presence in the area between the Mur and the cliffs of the Jungfernsprung. Lurgrotte, today a popular tourist destination, served as a shelter and place of worship in prehistoric times.

In the Middle Ages Peggau became increasingly important as a trading and commercial center. Its proximity to the Mur River and its strategically favorable location on old trade routes led to the construction of mills, craft businesses, and early quarries. The salt trade also played a role, as the connection to Leoben and the Enns Valley became increasingly important.

In the Modern times Peggau was known for its Gypsum and limestone mining, the production of cement and for the first scientific exploration of the Lurgrotte. Especially in the 19th century, the cave world attracted many naturalists and adventurers. After several spectacular discoveries and the development of artificial entrances, Peggau developed into a center of Styrian cave research.

The Opening of the Southern Railway Line In the 19th century, Peggau was directly connected to Graz, Bruck, and Vienna – a significant boost for business, commuter traffic, and tourism. Since then, the town has continued to develop, but its proximity to nature and its striking topography have made it a popular retreat.

Today Peggau stands for a combination of Nature experience, geological uniqueness and historical grounding – a place where you can look deep into the landscape as well as into the past.