Sankt Oswald bei Plankenwarth – hill hiking, castle panorama and nature enjoyment

Excursion destination north of Graz with castle, Way of St. James and quiet castle pond

Only about 10 km northwest of Graz lies the municipality Sankt Oswald near Plankenwarth – a retreat in the hills with quiet hiking trails, historic buildings and family-friendly leisure activities.

Central attractions are the complex towering over the town Plankenwarth Castle, the late Gothic Parish Church of St. Oswald and the idyllic castle pond, which is used both summer and winter. Whether by bike, on foot, or with a picnic blanket – the townscape is characterized by scattered rural settlements, panoramic views, and regional culture.

Hiking & panoramic views

• easy circular trails with views of the Graz mountains
• Part of the Way of St. James in Western Styria leads through the municipality
• Popular routes: Schlossberg Loop, stage hike on the Way of St. James

Cycling & Mountain Biking

• Tours through the Liebochtal, over the Plankenwarter ridge or to Hitzendorf
• quiet side streets, little traffic, moderate gradients
• newly opened cycling course in the town center for children and young people

Experience culture & history

• Parish Church of St. Oswald – first mentioned in 1402, today late Gothic-Baroque form
• Plankenwarth Castle – former hilltop castle from the 13th century with cultural activities
• regional customs surrounding church, annual cycle and culinary arts

Castle Pond & Leisure

• historic pond below the castle – popular for fishing, curling and walking
• family-friendly recreational destination with seating
• quiet atmosphere, ideal for relaxing hours in the countryside

• 🚗 By car: about 20 minutes via the L301 (via Judendorf-Straßengel)
• 🚌 By bus: Regional lines from Graz main station via Straßengel or Hitzendorf
• 🚴 By bike: via the Liebochtal, cycle routes towards Gratwein and North Graz

The first documented mention of the community dates back to 1402. The parish church of St. Oswald, dedicated to the patron saint, has been expanded and restored several times over the centuries – today it combines a Gothic basic structure with Baroque furnishings.

Plankenwarth Castle, located above the town, dates back to a medieval castle. It was converted into a palace complex in the 17th century. Today, it is used for exhibitions, seminars, and cultural events.

Sankt Oswald developed from a scattered settlement along the hills and has remained a quiet place with a strong connection to nature, history and regional life to this day.