400-year-old Weinzierlhaus “Sandstöckl” in Gnas

A centuries-old overall appearance

In 2010 to 2017, a dilapidated 400-year-old Weinzierlhaus was demolished, expertly renovated and rebuilt in the immediate vicinity of its original site in Ebersdorf near Gnas. Today, this architectural gem once again looks far out into the country from a hilltop. It is surrounded by a bee show garden and nature trail. The Sandstöckl is located directly on the Kaskögerlweg, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the thermal and volcanic region of Styria.

Tip: The Weinzierlhaus can also be used for small celebrations and is open all year round as a rest stop with self-service drinks.

 

What is a Weinzierlhaus?

The work in a vineyard was originally done by a "Weinzierl", a vineyard worker who was paid for his work and expertise by the respective owner. The Weinzierl usually lived at his workplace in the vineyard, in the, named after his work, Weinzierlhaus. The current state of research proves the existence of the Weinzierlhaus in its present form at least since 1667. According to the findings so far, it can be assumed that no changes have been made to the object in the past centuries, which means that in its present overall appearance it corresponds to the state of more than 350 years ago. This makes the Gnaser Weinzirlhaus "Sandstöckl" the last authentic house of its kind in all of southeastern Styria. A comparable object can only be found in the Austrian Open Air Museum in Stübing, the so-called Weingartenhaus.