The name of Pöllau was first mentioned in 1153 and means "field or broad hollow". Due to its favourable geographic location on the intersection of important trade routes, Pöllau developed into a place for arts & crafts and trading. The former Augustine monastery is now regarded as a "castle". As in the times of the monks, it is still very much a place that sparks developments, a place where you be taught and also learn; a centre for spiritual and intellectual enlightenment. It is, for example, also the home of the Pöllau-Vorau-Joglland music school whose pupils are well-known for their skills the world over. The Kernstockkapelle brass band, which has been given the title of "best brass band in Austria", has its headquarters and practice rooms here in the castle. A school as well as seminar and exhibition rooms all invite guests to participate in learning and further education. The fresco hall is a festive and colourful setting for many occasions. This is, for example, where the celebrations for the traditional castle ball on Carnival Monday are always held. The tourism office is also located in the castle. Here you can get all the information you need on the region and the Pöllauer Tal natural park.

The pilgrimage to Pöllauberg begins by the veneration of a picture of the Virgin Mary. At the end of the12th or the beginning of the 13th century a small Romanesque chapel - now the current site of the Anna Chapel – was built and predominantly visited by pilgrims on a Saturday. That's how the mountain has got its name "Samstagsberg" (Saturday mountain). Now the people make the pilgrimage to Pöllauberg from all over Austria and even from various European countries. Our church guides and natural park guides are always available if you want to find out more about the history of the town and the landscape.


- In the footsteps of the pilgrims:
There are many reasons to go on a pilgrimage. The provincial exhibition "Pilgrimage - ways to inner strength", which was held in Pöllau in 1994 showed that it was more often than not a search for some kind of power or inner strength. The Pöllauer Tal valley and the Pöllauberg Pilgrimage Church has since been a place for people to come and gather strength.


- Exhibitions and museums


- Farm arts & crafts


- Music and concerts