Districts & Neighborhoods in Leoben
Leoben is a city made up of many districts and neighborhoods, each with its own character and past. The famous Gösser beer and a remarkable collegiate church call Göss home, a district steeped in industrial and cultural heritage. A modern steel manufacturing center, Donawitz is renowned for its metallurgical research and inventiveness. Leitendorf, a residential suburb, offers walking and cycling opportunities and is a short walk from the old town of Leoben. The popular residential area of Judendorf/Seegraben enjoys a rural appeal with farms, orchards and forests.
The main square, town hall, Schwammerlturm and Kunsthalle of the old center of Leoben, Innenstadt, both a residential area and the seat of Leoben University of Technology, Hinterberg is the headquarters of AT&S worldwide and new homes and businesses fill Lerchenfeld/Mühltal, the residential area of the former Mühltal valley and the Lerchenfeld district. Leoben Prison, known for its modern and compassionate approach to rehabilitation, is located in Lerchenfeld/Mühltal.
Originally “Wassen-Vorstadt”, Waasen is close to the center of Leoben and is home to a mixed and cosmopolitan population. The Montan Mystery Challenge, an interactive treasure hunt allowing visitors to explore Leoben in an entertaining way, also takes place here.
Göss
Göss is a neighborhood known for both its church and its beer. One of the most consumed beers in Austria is produced by the Gösser brewery. Founded in 1860, the brewery houses a museum honoring the history and customs of beer making. Göss is particularly famous for its exceptional collegiate church, built in the 15th century. The church has a large organ and a rich collection of Gothic-style artwork. Once an independent town, Göss was annexed to Leoben in 1939. In addition to a popular recreational area called Gösser Park, Göss has a strong industrial and cultural heritage. Consisting of a pond, a playground, a mini golf course and a café, Gösser Park is a green refuge. Göss is a neighborhood offering a flavor of environment, culture and history.
Donawitz
Surrounded by breathtaking nature, Donawitz is a central district for modern steel manufacturing. Voestalpine, one of the largest and most modern steelworks in Europe, is located in Donawitz. About 3,000 people work at the steel mill, which produces high-quality steel for several industries, including energy, automotive and aerospace. Donawitz hosts the K1-MET Competence Center, a joint venture between industry and academia, fostering a metallurgical research and innovation hub. Also originally a separate town, Donawitz merged with Leoben in 1939. Donawitz is as much a place of recreation as it is an employment center. Among the sports and recreational activities offered by Donawitz are the Asia Spa, a wellness and relaxation center with massages, saunas and swimming pools. With hiking and biking trails as well as spectacular mountain views, Donawitz is also close to picturesque countryside. Combining business and environment, Donawitz presents a glimpse of the steel of the future.
Leitendorf
A short walk from the old town of Leoben, Leitendorf is a charming residential area. In addition to its green spaces and play areas, Leitendorf features both ancient and modern architecture. Leitendorf is also close to the Mur River, which offers walking and cycling opportunities. Families would find Leitendorf perfect as it offers a convenient location and pleasant environment. Among the most renowned institutions in Leitendorf are the HTL Leoben technical school, specializing in mining and metallurgy, and the BG/BRG Leoben I secondary school, specializing in languages and sciences. Leitendorf offers immediate proximity to the city center and a high standard of living.
Judendorf/Seegraben
Another popular residential area close to the city center and leisure facilities is Judendorf/Seegraben. Judendorf and Seegraben, initially independent villages, joined Leoben in 1974. With its farms, orchards and forests, Judendorf/Seegraben has a rural appeal. Also among Leoben’s most exquisite and oldest buildings are Seegraben Castle in Judendorf/Seegraben, a 13th-century fortress, as well as the Romanesque tower and Baroque interior of the parish church known as Pfarrkirche Judendorf . The Judendorf/Seegraben region has a rich cultural heritage as well as a peaceful and charming environment.
Innenstadt
The historic center of Leoben, Innenstadt is home to the main square, the town hall, the medieval tower known as the Schwammerlturm, and the Kunsthalle (an art museum). With so many shops, cafes, restaurants and events, Innenstadt is the center of Leoben’s social and cultural life. Innenstadt is a neighborhood that reflects the modern and energetic side of Leoben as well as its past and beauty. Some regional specialties, such as Leobener Bierkrapfen (a pastry stuffed with beer cream), Leobener Wurstsalat (a salad with sausages and cheese) and Leobener Schokolade (a chocolate with nuts and raisins), can also be found in Innenstadt.
Hinterberg
Hinterberg is a residential district where the headquarters of the global manufacturer AT&S, producer of printed circuits, is also located. Developed in the 1960s and 1970s, Hinterberg exudes a modern, metropolitan sensibility. Hinterberg is also close to the Leoben University of Technology, which attracts many researchers and students. Hinterberg represents Leoben’s cosmopolitan and energetic attitude as well as his inventiveness and technological ability. Hinterberg is also home to the Eisenerzer Ramsau, a nature reserve with a breathtaking alpine landscape, and the Erzberg, the largest open-cast mine in Central Europe.
Lerchenfeld/Mühltal
Growing with new homes and businesses, the Lerchenfeld/Mühltal region is the residential part of the former Mühltal valley. Lerchenfeld/Mühltal enjoys a picturesque setting with views of the river and mountains. Also in Lerchenfeld/Mühltal is Leoben Prison, known for its modern and compassionate attitude to rehabilitation. Lerchenfeld/Mühltal offers a feeling of community and diversity as well as a balance between urban and rural life. Among leisure activities, Lerchenfeld/Mühltal is home to the Lerchenfeld Golf Club, a 9-hole golf course with café and terrace, and the Mühltal Adventure Park, a ropes course with several degrees of difficulty.
Waasen
Originally the “Wassen-Vorstadt”, the suburb of Wassen, Waasen is a district close to the center of Leoben. In addition to a lively and creative environment, Waasen can boast of having a varied and cosmopolitan population. The Montan Mystery Challenge, an interactive treasure quest allowing you to explore Leoben in a fascinating way, also takes Waasen. Waasen is a neighborhood that honors the adventure and joy of Leoben as well as its diversity and heritage. Besides the Stadtpfarrkirche, a parish church with baroque architecture and the well-known organ, Waasen is also the site of the Stadtmuseum, which exhibits the history and art of Leoben.
