Leoben
Leoben, located on the Mur River, is the second largest town in Styria and the main center of the Upper Styria region. Surrounded by the Styrian Alps, the town features incredible scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Leoben enjoys a continental environment with separate seasons. Mostly Austrian, the population is strongly Catholic. The city is divided into districts, each with a unique character, similar to the industrial heart of Donawitz.
Leoben’s musical traditions, artistic environment and literary heritage clearly demonstrate a strong cultural scene. Leobener Bierfleisch (beer stew) and Leobener Schokoladentorte (chocolate cake) are some of the local specialties that the city presents in a varied cuisine.
From medieval to modern, Leoben’s architecture reflects many genres. In addition to its industrial buildings and bridges, the city is known for its Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings. Industry, particularly engineering and steel, is the engine of the economy; Voestalpine is the world leader in this field. Education is extremely important; One of Leoben Tourism’s best-known mining universities also adds outdoor activities and cultural attractions.
The history of Leoben dates back thousands of years, to the 10th century. The town actively participated in trade and mining and witnessed historical events, including the Peace of Leoben in 1797. Leoben is easily accessible by road, train and air; the closest being Graz Airport.
Leoben has different attractions highlighting its history and culture, including Göss Abbey, the oldest women’s monastery in Styria, and Kunsthalle Leoben for modern art. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, winter sports, and discover the local food scene.
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Geography Of Leoben
Leoben is an old town in Upper Styria, Austria. Made up of the Hochschwab Mountains, the Gleinalpe and the Eisenerzi Alps, it is located in a lovely bend of the Mura River. With trees making up over 79% of the 108 square kilometer municipal area, Leoben’s highest peak reaches 1,643 meters; its lowest point is 515 meters above sea level.
The territory of Leoben consists of ten cadastral villages: Leoben, Judendorf, Waasen, Donawitz, Leitendorf, Prettach, Göss, Mühltal, Gössgraben-Göss and Schladnitzgraben. The city is also divided into districts like Donawitz, Göss, Hinterberg, Josefee, Judendorf-Seegraben, Leitendorf, Lerchenfeld, Mühlthal and Waasen. Other places included include Münzenberg, Nennersdorf, Neudorf, Proleber-Siedlung and Schladnitzdorf.
Leoben is located in Upper Styria, in the south-eastern central region of Austria. Located near the junction of Vordernbergbach and Leobenbach, on the Mur River, about sixty kilometers northwest of Graz and two hundred kilometers southwest of Vienna, the town rises to an altitude of 540 meters. boasts a territory of 108 square kilometers with 38% forest land, 34% agricultural and 28% urban.
The districts of Bruck-Mürzzuschlag in the north, Graz-Umgebung in the east, Leibnitz in the south and Liezen in the west surround the city. Leoben has good access to transport; Graz Airport offers domestic and international flights, and rail terminals connect Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Munich and other cities. Main roads such as the A9 and the S6 as well as other paths such as the B116 and the B115 provide access to the city. Leoben has a park and ride system as well as parking lots.
Weather & Climate In Leoben
The city has a Dfb climate, sometimes called a humid continental climate, lacking a dry season and mild summers. Leoben has four distinct seasons with notable temperature variations between the hottest and coldest months as well as variable annual precipitation.
Leoben has an average annual temperature of 8.6°C; July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 17.9°C and January is the coldest month with an average temperature of -4.1°C. The daily temperature varies slightly; July has the greatest variation and January the smallest. The annual thermal range is rather wide; January sees the most fluctuations and July the least.
Leoben receives an average annual rainfall of 829 mm; August is the wettest month and December the driest. Although precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, it increases slightly in summer. Although snowfall is also quite heavy in winter, rain is the most common type of precipitation.
Leoben receives 144 cm of average annual snow; January is the snowiest month while July does not see normal snowfall. The city experiences an average of 133 days of precipitation and 42 days of snowfall per year.
Leoben enjoys an average annual relative humidity of 84%; December is the wettest month and July is the least humid. The average annual dew point is 5.6°C; July has the highest dew point and January the lowest.
Demographics Of Leoben
As of January 11, 2024, Leoben, a town in Styria, Austria, had a population of 28,481. With 14,460 men and 14,021 women, the city has a fairly equal male/female ratio. Leoben is the main place of residence for the majority of the population – 24,646 people – while 3,835 people have a second home in the town. Leoben has 13,531 housing units in total.
Covering 107.77 km2, the city claims most of its territory as forest (78.69%). Agricultural land (9.03%), building land (5.27%) and other categories including waterways, Alps and gardens include other land uses. The average altitude of Leoben is 540 m above sea level; Wetterkogel has the highest altitude: 1,643 m.
Leoben’s population density, 264.2 inhabitants per km2, exceeds the average density of both Austria (106.8 inhabitants per km2) and Styria (125.5 inhabitants per km2). The population is not uniform; most residents live in Leoben (9.3 km2), an urban area with 19,879 inhabitants. With a population of 8,499, the surviving inhabitants live in the rural areas of Leoben covering 98.47 km2.
The median age of Leoben’s population is 45.3 years, higher than the median age of Styria (43.8 years) and Austria (43.6 years). The median age of women is 47.9 years; the median age of men is 42.6 years.
Districts & Neighborhoods in Leoben
Leoben is a city made up of many neighborhoods and communities, each with its own character and past. Rich in both cultural and economic heritage, Göss boasts world-class Gösser beer as well as a remarkable collegiate chapel. Renowned for its metallurgical ingenuity and research, Donawitz is a center of modern steel manufacturing. Near the old town of Leoben, Leitendorf is a residential area with cycle and walking paths. The rustic appearance of the popular residential district of Judendorf/Seegraben is enhanced by farms, orchards and forests.
The town hall, Kunsthalle, main square and Schwammerlturm are located in the Innenstadt, or historic center of Leoben. Hinterberg, a residential district and global headquarters of AT&S, is home to the Leoben University of Technology. Lerchenfeld/Mühltal, the residential area of the former Mühltal valley and the Lerchenfeld district, is seeing the construction of new residences and apartments. Lerchenfeld/Mühltal owns Leoben Prison, known for its progressive and caring attitude towards rehabilitation.
Originally called “Wassen-Vorstadt”, Waasen is a cosmopolitan district close to the center of Leoben. In addition, it hosts the Montan Mystery Challenge, an interesting treasure hunt allowing visitors to find Leoben in a light-hearted way.
Economy Of Leoben
Leoben, with 25,000 inhabitants, is the second largest town in Styria. It is located at the intersection of the Vordernberg and Mur rivers in the Mur valley. Since the Middle Ages, the town has had a mining and metallurgical history. Leoben was a major center for iron, steel and aluminum manufacturing as well as the industrial revolution. Still a major industrial center today, Leoben is home to several large companies, including Voestalpine, AT&S and Mayr-Melnhof. In addition to a wide range of shops, restaurants and cultural sites, Leoben provides a nearby shopping and business center.
In addition to an industrial and learning center, Leoben is a tourist and cultural site. The city’s rich and varied cultural background is reflected in Leoben’s architecture, museums and events. The Baroque and Biedermeier periods abound among the well-preserved structures in the city’s historic center. Notable sights include the main square, the town hall, the parish church, the art museum and the Hackl House. Among the many museums Leoben hosts are the Gösser Brewery Museum, the Mining Museum, the Leoben Town Museum and the Leoben Museum Center. Leoben hosts cultural events throughout the year, including the Leoben Christmas Market, the Leoben Music Festival, the Leoben Jazz Days and the Leoben Film Festival.
Leoben is also a popular resort with sports and outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers a range of outdoor events and attractions. Leoben is the perfect place for horse riding, hiking, skiing and climbing, surrounded by beautiful mountains and woods. Leoben is close to Admont Abbey, the Red Bull Ring, the Styrian Castle Route and the Gesäuse National Park, among other natural and cultural sights. The modern sports and leisure complex Asia Spa Leoben is located in Leoben. Massages, swimming pools, saunas, gyms and wellness are among the many amenities it offers.
History Of Leoben
From 1261, the village was transferred under King Ottokar II to the “Murschleife”, near the Vordernbergerbach and the “Leuben” with the Wall. Military and political aspects shaped this choice. During this period, the city charter was approved. The city is centered on a large market square stretching from north to south and using a well-designed rectangular shape. The perfect placement of the square’s surrounding blocks creates a symmetrical and orderly cityscape.
The city benefited from its favorable location, which provided it with natural defense. The Mural River had three sides of protection. Apart from this, the colony gained a defensive wall reinforced with more defenses and defensive towers positioned on each of the four sides. Their security was dedicated to the honorable families of Timmersdorf, Krottendorfer and Saurau as well as the Dominican Order.
The Dominican convent was built in the north-eastern part of the city, on the “Grünberg”, which eventually became Stadtbühel. People started calling it the Dominican Corner. Built between 1262 and 1280, the monastery existed until 1811. Located to the south, the Winkelfeldtor constituted the entrance to the Winkelfeld on the other side of the Wall and surrounded the space.
The first and oldest sovereign stronghold was built in the southeast corner. Nicknamed “Saurauhaus”, the land was acquired by the Saurau family around 1400. Built as a gate tower, the Jakobsturm served as a portal for the route linking Bruck a der Mur to Leoben. The Saurauhaus was destroyed in 1870; the Jakobsturm met a similar end in 1841.
Tourism In Leoben
Leoben is the center of local business and is also home to the mining-focused University of Leoben. Travelers seeking the natural beauty, history and culture of Styria will find the town to be the ideal visit due to its breathtaking architecture, rich cultural heritage and picturesque setting.
Tourism statistics show that Leoben welcomed a total of 120,000 visitors in 2020, of which 80,000 were domestic guests and 40,000 were foreigners. Leoben mainly traveled from Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Slovenia. The typical tourist was 45 years old and stayed 2.5 days.
Leoben has seasonal trips; May to October is the most important month. Particularly attracted by its cultural and natural sites (the Mur river, Göss Abbey and Kunsthalle Leoben), the city welcomes more visitors at this time of year. Although the low season, which runs from November to April, attracts fewer visitors, there are still opportunities for winter sports like sledding, snowboarding and skiing.
Leoben offers several choices of accommodation with 1,500 beds. The average occupancy rate in 2020 was 60%; August had the highest rate, at 80%, and January had the lowest rate, at 40%. Regarding accommodation, visitors most often choose hotels, guesthouses, apartments and houses.
Best Time To Visit Leoben
If you want to visit Leoben, do you want to know when is the ideal time? August is the best month to visit Leoben based on what we know about the environment and weather. The temperature rises to 74°F during this period and the least amount of rain falls: only 7.9 inches. At 9.8 hours, the average daily amount of sunshine also extends over the longest period. Sunny days will allow you to better see the city and its surroundings.
If you want to avoid the crowds and high rates, you may choose to consider alternative months. May and June are also wonderful dates to visit Leoben since the temperature is still pleasant, between 47°F and 72°F, and the rain is light. It’s not too heavy: 8.5 and 9.1 inches, respectively. With 7.8 and 8.9 hours respectively, the average daily sunshine is also very correct. One can enjoy the surroundings and witness lush landscape and spring flowers.
Another option is September. In Leoben, this month marks the arrival of autumn. With temperatures ranging from 47°F to 67°F and only 5.6 inches of rain recorded so far, the weather is relatively pleasant. Usually the daily sunshine is also decent: 7.4 hours. By participating in cultural events and celebrations like the Leoben Wine Festival and the Leoben Jazz Festival, you can observe the changing color of the leaves.
Months you might want to avoid are January, February, March, April, October, November and December. Leoben has the coolest and wettest months of the year. Temperatures drop to 5°F and it can rain up to 9.3 inches. With between 2.6 and 5.5 hours per day, typical sunshine is also the shortest. You may not be able to see many places or participate in many activities depending on the presence of snow, fog or ice.
How To Get In Leoben
There are different ways to get to Leoben if you want to visit it. About 50 kilometers away, Graz Airport is the closest airport. From many European locations, including Vienna, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Amsterdam and London, Flights to Graz From Graz Airport, you take a bus or taxi to the Graz Hauptbahnhof (large train station), then take a train to Leoben. The train journey takes one hour and costs around €10.
Another way to get to Leoben is by bus. Leoben is served by several bus companies from other Austrian cities as well as other countries. With fares between €10 and €30, Flixbus offers direct buses from Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, Klagenfurt and Ljubljana to Leoben. Additional bus companies such as Eurolines, RegioJet and BlaBlaBus also offer choices and discounts for travel to Leoben.
Leoben is accessible to those who prefer to drive; the A9 motorway connects the city to Graz and Linz. Connected to the A1, the A9 also connects Salzburg and Vienna. Around 160 miles separate Vienna from Leoben and the journey takes one hour and forty minutes. From Graz the distance is around 70 km and the journey takes around fifty minutes. Note that using Austrian highways requires toll fees, which is why vignettes (stickers) can be purchased online or at gas stations.
How To Get Around In Leoben
Leoben offers its visitors several ways to get around the city and its surroundings. For visitors arriving by air, Salzburg and Graz, both approximately 150 kilometers apart, are the closest airports. To reach Leoben from the airports, visitors can decide to take a train, bus or rental car. The bus journey takes around three hours and costs around twenty euros; the train journey takes around two hours and costs around thirty euros. On the other hand, renting a car would take around 1h30 and cost around 50 euros per day.
Leoben also has a well-connected train station providing access to other major European and Austrian cities. On the ÖBB website, visitors can view timetables and prices. Conveniently located in the city center, the station is within walking distance of most hotels and attractions.
Leoben has a public bus system covering the town and surrounding areas for those who prefer to take the bus. Tickets can be purchased either from vending machines at bus stops or from the driver. A day ticket costs 5.50 euros; a single ticket costs 2.20 euros. The Styria Ticket also allows visitors to spend 24 hours on buses and trains in the region for 14 euros. On the Leoben website you can view bus routes and timetables.
With so many bike paths and bike rental shops spread across Leoben, the town is also known for being bike-friendly. Nextbike offers bike rentals in many locations around the city. You can register online or via the application; Payments can be made by credit card or PayPal. Bike rental starts with the first thirty minutes, then costs one euro every hour or five euros per day.
Attractions & Landmarks In Leoben
Rich in history and culture, Leoben is full of sites and monuments to discover. The 13th-century watchtower known as the Schwammerlturm offers a panoramic perspective of the city and nearby mountains. Additionally, the city is home to Austria’s oldest institution, the Leoben Mining Institution, which specializes in materials science, metallurgy and mining. The institution grants public access to structures and archives such as the Geological Museum and the Peter Tunner Building.
Beer lovers should definitely not miss the Gösser Brewery Visitor Center and Museum. Showcasing the tools and methods used to create the famous Gösser beer, this museum sheds light on the history and customs of beer making in Leoben. Visitors can take guided tours, taste samples and even purchase souvenirs.
Dedicated to the Jesuit missionary who brought Christianity throughout Asia, Saint Francis Xavier is a baroque church. It is a fascinating sight with its magnificent facade covered in angels and holy sculptures as well as its dome with murals depicting events in the life of Saint Francis Xavier.
Spanning 12 hectares, the Leoben municipal park is a green haven in the heart of the city. In addition to enjoying the many events hosted by the park (markets, celebrations and concerts), visitors can appreciate the diverse range of plants, trees and flowers.
The Erzbergbahn, a narrow gauge railway from Vordernberg to Eisenerz, is important for people fascinated by the region’s mining past. In addition to a museum and tourist center to discover the largest open-air iron mine in Central Europe, operated since Roman times, it offers breathtaking views of the mountain and the mining operations.
Things To Do In Leoben
Leoben is a fascinating town with great natural beauty, active culture, and rich past. Leoben provides something for everyone’s taste whether your preferences are in museums, castles, mountains, or beer.
Leoben turns into a winter paradise with a range of snow and ice sports. Part of the Central Eastern Alps, the Lavanttal Alps provide visitors exciting snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing trips. There are several ski resorts in the Lavanttal Alps that fit all ability levels including Eisenerz, Hohentauern, and Präbichl. The old Erzbergbahn railway treats visitors to amazing views while providing a leisurely trip over the snow-covered slopes.
Visiting the Goesser Braumuseum will please beer enthusiasts as they may discover the history and expertise of brewing. Popular beer in Austria and a Heineken Company product, Goesser beer takes front stage in the museum. Interactive displays, antiques, and exhibits give a whole picture of the brewing process and beer culture. At last, at the end of the journey, visitors can taste Goesser beers.
Leoben changes into a lush paradise full of lovely parks, gardens, and woodlands as summer arrives. The main park in Leoben City Park lets visitors take in the sunlight and the striking flora. Comprising a playground, pond, and fountain, the park offers a nice spot for leisure. Leoben’s ongoing relationship with the Chinese city of Xuzhou is symbolized by the Chinese gate at the entrance to the park, the Chinesisches Tor.
Food & Drinks In Leoben
Leoben’s food reflects its physical location, that of the central Alps and nearby countries like Italy, Slovenia and Hungary. It offers a wide spectrum of flavors. The city’s gastronomic scene delights gourmets: stews and soups, fresh salads and pastries, meat and cheese delights.
One of the most regularly eaten dishes is Leoben’s Kren-Tappauf, a regional delicacy consisting of boiled beef, horseradish sauce and bread dumplings. Usually served on Sundays or other special occasions, this dinner is known for its spiciness and great blend of flavors. Another local favorite is Styrian roast, a mild and excellent roast beef prepared in a thick sauce mixing onions, garlic, vinegar and spices. Perfect for the winter heat, this recipe calls for potatoes, noodles or ravioli.
Usually of the Schilcher variety, made from partially fermented grape juice, Leoben also offers a seasonal drink called Schilchersturm. This light and pleasant drink with a fruity taste and discreet sparkling is only available in the fall, when the grapes are picked. It usually accompanies roasted chestnuts or dishes including ham and cheese. The famous Viennese chocolate confectionery Sachertorte has taken up residence in Leoben. Covered in a dark chocolate glaze, this wonderful dish consists of two layers of thick chocolate sponge cake divided by a thin layer of apricot jam. Usually topped with whipped cream, it’s a treat for any occasion.
Accommodations & Hotels In Leoben
On the main square of Leoben, close to the Mur River and the old town, the Kongress Hotel is a 4-star establishment. Featuring free Wi-Fi, a TV, a minibar and a security system, it has 68 rooms from single to suites. The hotel has two restaurants, a beer bar, a sauna, a fitness center and a meeting room.
Two kilometers from the center of Leoben, Hotel Brücklwirt is another 4-star hotel located in a green and peaceful area. From standard to luxury, it offers seventy rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and hairdryer. The hotel offers a restaurant, a bar, a spa center, a garden and a conference room.
Consisting of a 4-star hotel, Asia Hotel & Spa Leoben is connected to the public thermal bath and sauna Asia Spa Leoben. A few steps from the old town, it is located in a park on the banks of the Mur River. Featuring free Wi-Fi, a TV, a minibar and a balcony, the hotel has 103 rooms ranging from classic to superior. It requires a restaurant, cafe, spa and business center.
The three-star Hotel Bellini is located in a peaceful area three kilometers from the city center of Leoben. Equipped with free Wi-Fi, a TV, a refrigerator and a coffee maker, it offers eighteen single to family rooms. In addition to free private parking, the hotel has a terrace and a garden.
Located on the main square of Leoben, close to the university and the old town, the Kindler 2.0 Self-Check-In Hotel is a 3-star property. Featuring free Wi-Fi, a TV and a desk, it offers forty rooms at reasonable prices. from budget to comfort. The hotel features a vending machine, buffet breakfast and self-check-in system.
Popular Places In Leoben
Leoben City Shopping
Gustav Adolf Church
Leoben-Lerchenfeld Parish Church
Leoben-Waasen Parish Church
Leoben-Göss Parish Church
Parish church Leoben-St. Xavier
