Hallstattzeitliches Museum Großklein

On Burgstallkogel hill (458 m), next to the village of Kleinklein, archaeologists discovered an extensive settlement (approximately 50.000 square meters), dating from the late Urnfield an Hallstatt era, that constituted one of the most important political and economic centres of the Alpine region in early Iron Age (8. - early 6. cent. B.C.). Its significance was strengthened by the four exeptionally richly equipped so-calles princely tombs, found in Saggau valley, next to Kleinklein. At Kröll-Schmiedkogel hill, a bronze face mask, bronze hand masks, a bronze bell-shaped armour and a bronze double-lined helmet were excavated. Today, these items are exhibited at the Landesmuseum Joanneum in Eggenberg castle in Graz.

Around this prehistorical settlement on Burgstallkogel hill, the socalled Sulmtal necropolis is located, one of the largest and most important burial grounds from the Hallstatt era in Europe, with some findings dating back to the late Urnfield era. There were approximately 2000 grave mounds, of which around 700 can still be seen today.

An authentically reconstructed farmstead on Burgstallkogel hill (living quarter, weaving hut, storehouse, breadbaking hut) impressively illustrates everyday life in the Hallstatt era. The trail is part of the Nature Park "Südsteirisches Weinland", connecting the villages of Großklein and Gleinstätten.