History Of Gröbming

One preserved tombstone in the Gröbming Catholic parish church adds to the town’s intricate historical fabric by proving Roman habitation. Bavarians and Slavs coexisted in the area throughout the demographic shift of 700–1000. The oldest known references to many farms are from the eleventh century, and Gröbming was greatly influenced by Protestant ideas during the Reformation.

In the first written document, from 1139, the town is called “Grebin”. From the Slovenian word “greben,” which meaning ridge or hill, comes the name “Grebin.” The historical account changed dramatically in 1680 when the plague destroyed Styria and had a big impact on Gröbming. There were a good number of empty houses since owners either died of disease or fled. Not being able to find suitable interment, the remains were allowed to rot in the cemetery. During this turbulent time, church services were moved to a chapel on Kulmleiten hill; a Marian column in the old town stands as a lasting reminder of the pandemic.

In the 19th century, Gröbming saw a major turning point when manorial power was abolished in 1848–1849. The town had before unrecognized market advantages. With a concentration on those from the Rhineland, Gröbming gave 3,000 refugees shelter and food during the turmoil of World War II.

Part of the post-war events, Gröbminger pastor Leopold Achberger elected the first superintendent of the newly formed Evangelical Superintendent A. B. Steiermark in 1947. He stayed at this job until 1951, when he moved to Graz.

When a local bypass was built in 1979, the municipality saw significant infrastructure growth. Gröbming backed a joint project to build an industrial park in 2021 together with the municipalities of Öblarn, Michaelerberg-Pruggern, Sölk, and Mitterberg-Sankt Martin. It is expected that this industrial park would bring 300 more jobs, which will indicate progress and economic growth.