The tourism, thermal baths and shopping community of Fohnsdorf is located at 736 m above sea level and with around 8,000 inhabitants is the largest village in Austria. Independent of its traditional mining history with the mining museum, Fohnsdorf is characterized by its extensive tourist offer.
History
The first documented mention of the name of Fohnsdorf was in 1114 as "FANESTORFF". The village was the center of an archiepiscopal office in whose granary, mentioned in 1151, the tithe was collected. The castle, first mentioned in 1252, with 4 or 5 towers provided the necessary protection. Today's ruins are the remains of the castle, which was rebuilt after 1309. Fohnsdorf was owned by the Archbishopric of Salzburg until the Peace of Pressburg (1805). In that year Fohnsdorf came to the state chamber administration, which in turn sold it in a public auction to Josef Seßler in 1827. At that time, the villages of Fohnsdorf, Sillweg, Rattenberg, Hetzendorf, Aichdorf, Farrach and Zeltweg belonged to the dominion of Fohnsdorf. A first correction of the municipal boundaries took place in 1874, when the villages of Zeltweg and Farrach were separated. In 1928, the largest part of the neighboring municipality of Kumpitz - namely Dietersdorf and Wasendorf - and finally in 1948 Kumpitz itself - were annexed to the municipality of Fohnsdorf. The two world wars of the 20th century (1914 - 1918 and 1939 - 1945) also had a terrible impact on Fohnsdorf. Countless casualties, famine, forced labor and unconditional coal mining for the armaments industry combined with many casualties are worth remembering. In the course of reconstruction after 1945, Fohnsdorf experienced a continuous economic upswing with the mining industry, which lasted until the end of the 1950s.
Pure shopping experience in the Arena am Waldfeld
Stress-free shopping and entertainment value at the same time - that's what the Arena am Waldfeld offers you. The more than 100 stores in the arena have optimally geared their offer to the needs of the customers. Of course, the free use of the parking spaces is perceived as particularly pleasant by arena visitors. The numerous caterers in the arena look forward to your visit during your shopping tour.
Pure relaxation in the Aqualux Fohnsdorf thermal spa
Probably the best known is the Therme Aqualux in Fohnsdorf. Here you can relax and unwind - simply pure wellness. Take advantage of the opportunities for special days of well-being in the pleasantly warm healing waters in the beautiful Mur Valley. With a wonderful outdoor area, the spa is a popular destination not only in the colder seasons, but also in the summer months.
Cultural treasures up close
Even if the history of mining in what was once the deepest shining coal mine in the world can only be felt in the traditions and customs, you too can gain an insight. Here you will find the mining museum with unique exhibits, such as the 47 m high winding tower, the twin tandem winding engine, the oldest steam locomotive in the world, the exhibition mine and the mineral show gallery - an unforgettable experience.
The Styrian heart in Fohnsdorf
Even from a distance you can discover the green heart at the foot of the castle ruins in the valley, which is lovingly planted every year. But it is not only because of the green heart that a detour to the castle ruins or to the viewing platform is a good tip. But because in front of you the Murtal presents itself in full width. In the south you can see the Seetaler Alps and the Glein- or Stubalpe and in front of them the largest inner alpine basin of Styria stretches out.
Murradweg
Probably one of the most beautiful stages of the Murradweg is located in the Murtal and numerous restaurants invite you to stay and stop for a bite to eat. Fohnsdorf is also a popular stop on the Tour de Mur.
Pure Nature
Fohnsdorf, located on the northern edge of the Aichfeld, is known as the sunny community of the Murtal region. Numerous hiking and walking trails can be found on the Gaaler Höhenzug, a wooded ridge north of Fohnsdorf. Starting from the main square of Fohnsdorf, the entire recreational area of the village is accessible, with the ruins of Fohnsdorf, the Sillweg lookout and the mining museum.
Customs
Customs are held in high esteem in Fohnsdorf. Theater, Maypole Festival, folk dancing and traditional costume marches of the Bergla Buam are just as popular as the musically extraordinarily successful Bergkapelle Fohnsdorf.
The imaginative, scary masks of the Perchten group "Fohnsdorfer Gruabnpercht'n" are frightening. The marches of the Perchten from near and far are marveled at by the population during the Raunachtszeit and the hustle and bustle of the masks is a spectacle that no one should miss.
The Knappschaftsverein Fohnsdorf is a traditional association that has existed since 1954. The purpose of the association is the preservation of mining customs. To the association also belongs the only Styrian Roaftanzgruppe with miner character.
The Bergkapelle Fohndorf was founded in 1862 by nine miners as "k. k. Berg-Musik Fohnsdorf". As proof of this, the commemorative publication for the 100th anniversary of the existence of the band mentions a sound recording from 1892, which was recorded on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the existence of the Bergkapelle Fohnsdorf. The first instrumentation consisted of a trumpet, a flugelhorn, a cornet, two trombones, two tubas and a bass trumpet - thus the Berkapelle Fohnsdorf was a pure brass ensemble in 1862. Today the music society of the Bergkapelle counts 65 musicians.
