"KITZECK, STEIRMARKT (STYRIA)" Kitzeck im Sausal by longsanborn

Kitzeck in the Sausal is the highest wine producing village in central Europe. Kitzeck is in the vicinity of Leibnitz city, and the area belongs to the district of Leibnitz.

I visited Kitzeck in summer 2006 with friends and we had a great time there. It was a wonderful surprise to discover the beautiful rolling hills covered in grapewines and farmhouses.

Apparently, Kitzeck is famous amongst the Austrians. It is a little secret kept by the locals and I am not surprised by it. Kitzeck area is breath-takingly beautiful, especially on pleasant warm days. One could see packed heuriger gardens filled with the locals having a great time drinking and socializing.

There are many Buschenschanks- small family-run and owned heurigers (wine taverns/restaurants) in Kitzeck. You must not miss visiting these Buschenschanks because you get excellent panoramic views of the the surrounding Südsteirische (south styrian) hill country.

Kitzeck only covers an area of up to 1,629 hectares and has a small population of 1,198. The rest of the people are mainly local tourists from all over Austria, and the Italians and Slovanians from the border towns.

The grapevines that produce the excellent south Styrian white wines grow and thrive on very steep cliffs and hills, where they get maximum sunshine.

Why not go and visit South Styria and stay a few nights in Kitzeck? You will just love the old country traditional charm and the excellent wines.

• Pros:Beautiful landscape, cheap B&B and excellent food & wine
• Cons:Need your own transport vehicle to get here!
• In a nutshell:Austria's own version of "Little Tuscany"