Kulm

The Kulm is a striking 975-metre peak in the hilly countryside of eastern Styria. It stands apart from the eastern Alps, its cone-like shape rising above the surrounding ridges. The name comes from old Slavic and Latin words meaning ‘hilltop’, describing its bold outline. The mountain marks the border between two districts, Weiz and Hartberg-Fürstenfeld, and touches several villages. To the north and east the Feistritz river carves deep gorges, while to the west the Ilz valley forms another boundary. Archaeologists have found traces of settlement going back to the Copper Age. Excavations by Diether Kramer uncovered pottery and stone tools from that time. Later, Iron Age house platforms were cut into the summit plateau. A Celtic oppidum crowned the top in the late Iron Age, protected by a stone wall and grand gate. Today the open-air museum Keltendorf brings these past lives to life under historian Titus Lantos. The mountain also serves as a launch point for paragliders. Visitors reach the summit through waymarked paths that cross beech woods and open meadows. At the top a broad viewing platform gives sweeping views over the patchwork of orchards and vineyards. The protected summit chapel and Calvary from the 18th century stand nearby. Below, the Stubenberg lake and Herberstein castle offer further stops. The region is known for its apple orchards and wine taverns along the Roman Wine Road.