Road trip on the wine route in Styria
We discovered by chance the lavender from Styria on our wine journey through Austria, to which we were invited as travel bloggers. It happened like this: A few years ago we were at a lavender farm in Quebec and reported about it in our blog and on Facebook. We received the tip from one of our Facebook friends that lavender is also grown in Styria. As is sometimes the case, this hint didn't leave me be. So I started researching. I finally found what I was looking for in the Sausal. There is actually lavender in Austria. Our visit to the Lavendelhof Wunsum turned out to be a real highlight of our road trip on the Sausaler Wine Route.
Accommodation near the lavender in Styria
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Lavender manufactory in Styria
At the Sausal wine route is the Lavender manufactory Wunsum on a mountain ridge just outside Kitzeck. We visited it on our gourmet tour along the Sausal Wine Route. There, we found a little paradise full of aromas, flavors, and wonderful views.
The Lavendelhof Wunsum
The Lavendelhof Wunsum is easy to miss when driving along the Sausaler Wine Route. Only a small sign on the road points to the entrance to the lavender factory. We park our car there and immediately feel like we're in the Provence, The entrance to the house, covered with lush vines and roses, takes us to another world. The front door is half open, but no one is visible. After a few minutes a young woman comes out of the yard with a basket full of bottles. She looks at us questioningly. “We are here to take a look at the lavender factory,” we explain. "The boss has just left," she replies, somewhat startled. "I'll call right away," she says.
Shortly afterward, she apologizes for her boss: “An important business appointment has got in between. I shall lead you through the manufactory. But don't expect too much. I've only been working here for a few weeks. ”She looks at us somewhat uncertainly. “Don't worry,” I laugh. “Just show us what you are doing here.” Finally, she introduces herself, a little relieved: “My name is Maria and I love my work in the Lavender Manufactory. I finished my art studies last year and have been working here ever since. ”She points to the yard and the farm shop with her hand. And she repeats: “I like working in the lavender factory. I'm happy here.“
Lifestyle in Sausal with lavender from Styria
When I look around I can understand that well. The houses and barns in the courtyard are lush with wine. There is also a large fig tree at the entrance to the farm shop, where fruits are already growing. Among them sprout wild roses, which are full of buds. The first ones are already in bloom. Through a gap between the economic areas we look at steep vineyards. On the other side, the courtyard opens to the valley. Even there, the slopes are full of grapevines. We miss however any trace of lavender fields.
Where are there lavender fields in Austria?
"Where can we see the lavender from Austria?" I ask, and Maria laughs. "It grows on the other side of the buildings." She leads us a few steps down the hill, and there it is. In winding rows, the lavender blends into the terrain. The first perennials are already blooming.
Route to the Lavendelhof Wunsum
Best time for lavender blossom in Austria
However, we're still a week or two too early. We're missing the full bloom of lavender. Maria explains that the fields never bloom at the same time. The main flowering period, however, is July and August. "We definitely grow different varieties of lavender here. They bloom at different times." We can already smell it – the wonderful scent of lavender. "This is just one of the factory's fields. There are other fields in other locations. The Wunsum organic farm owns the largest organic lavender fields in Austria, covering approximately 3 hectares."
She plucks one of the flowers and shows them to us. “In the past few weeks we have had Slovenian workers in the fields. Together with them, I plucked the weeds out of the lavender trees. Not an easy job. But with lots of fresh air. I like that."
Savoir-vivre with lavender in Styria
Maria then leads us back into the courtyard of the manufactory and asks us to take a seat at a small table with a view of the valley and the vineyards. “I'll get you some lavender water. And coffee.” That said, she disappears. Petar is enthusiastic about the views and films the farm, the vines, and the view of the valley. As always, he is fascinated by the old trees, in the shade of which we sit.
Maria comes back: with a tray on which glasses, cups, carafes, and cakes are stacked. “Try our cake. It's baked with lavender flowers.” A cake with lavender? That's new to me. I don't want to miss it. The delicate taste that the flowers give the sponge cake is delicious. Combined with cold lavender water and a good cup of coffee, it tastes wonderful, and so we finally enjoy the view. Provenalian savoir vivre in Styria! Definitely pure enjoyment!
Make your own lavender cake
You are looking for a recipe for a lavender cake? No problem! Here you will find a tasty selection:
- Nachgebacken: Lavender cake from Barbara's Spielwiese
- Funny "Cakes in a jar" with lavender flowers
- Monsieur Muffin introduces Lavender cake with honey .
"Have you seen our ant tree yet?" Maria asks. We look at each other questioningly and say no. She points to an old, weathered tree on the other side of the yard. "An ant colony has colonized it," she laughs. Indeed! As we get closer, we follow a clearly visible ant trail through the grass, leading from there up the tree. "The tree should actually be cut down," says Maria. "But we're leaving it standing. It's not a nuisance here. And the ants can use it."
Lavender products Styria – Lavender fragrances and more in the farm shop
Afterwards, we continue to the farm shop, where we are greeted by the intense scent of lavender as we enter. It wafts from various sachets, each filled with lavender.
Lavender effects and uses
There are lavender products from Styria for your wardrobe at home. "Moths don't like the scent," explains Maria. There are also lavender liqueur, lavender vinegar, and spice blends. The manufacturer recently started producing essential lavender oil and eau de lavender. I'd love to load our entire car with these Styrian lavender delicacies. The scent is tempting. We finally decide on a bottle of lavender liqueur. "So we have something at home to remind us of this place," I explain to Maria.
Lavender Festival in Styria:
The Wunsum organic farm hosts a lavender festival every year on the first weekend in July. The 2025 event will take place on July 5 and 6.
Lavender Manufactory Wunsum Experiences
The lavender factory in Kitzeck enchanted us. We highly recommend a visit.
Excursion destination Southern Styria
If you would like to visit them yourself, you can do so here:
Organic farm Wunsum Styria
8442 Kitzeck iS
Greith 17 + 47
Mobile: + 43 664 812 88 36
Tel + 43 316 32 14 81
Contact
However, it is best to call there first or register by e-mail, so that someone is there to show you around.
Questions and answers about lavender in Styria:
When does lavender bloom in Styria?
The best time to experience the lavender bloom in Styria is usually from mid-June to early August. However, this depends somewhat on the weather. If the spring was warm, the lavender may be in full bloom a little earlier. If you want to capture the perfect lavender field photo, it's worth checking with the lavender factory or a local tourist office beforehand. This way, you can be sure you're there at exactly the right time.
Where can I see lavender in Styria?
A particularly beautiful place to experience lavender in Styria is the Wunsum Lavender Manufactory in Sausal. There, you can not only admire the vibrant purple lavender fields, but also learn more about cultivation and processing. There are other farms in the region that grow lavender, but Wunsum is definitely one of the most well-known. If you're traveling by car, you can also take a short road trip through southern Styria and enjoy the hilly landscape—perhaps you'll discover even more hidden lavender fields.
Can you buy lavender products in Styria?
Yes, and how! The Wunsum Lavender Manufactory offers a whole range of lavender products – from lavender oil and lavender pillows to culinary delights like lavender vinegar and lavender syrup. The best part is that the products are handmade and often certified organic. If you don't have time to visit the shop, you can also order many of these products online. But honestly: It's a special experience to be there, to smell the lavender, and maybe even to try a fresh lavender pastry.
Is the Wunsum Lavender Manufactory worth a visit?
Definitely! The Wunsum Lavender Manufactory is not only a beautiful place, but also a true experience for all the senses. You can take a guided tour where you'll learn how lavender is grown, harvested, and processed. There's also a small tasting session where you can try lavender products—such as lavender cake or lavender water. So, not only is it a beautiful place for photography, but it's also a great opportunity to learn about regional lavender production. And the best part? The visit is completely relaxed, as the manufactory is located amidst Styrian vineyards, which makes the whole experience even more idyllic.
How do I get to the lavender factory in Styria?
The Wunsum Lavender Manufactory is located in Sausal, a beautiful wine region in Southern Styria. The easiest way to reach it is by car, as public transportation doesn't go directly to the manufactory. If you're coming from Graz, the journey takes about an hour. From Vienna, you should allow about two and a half hours. A tip: Combine your visit with a wine tour in the surrounding area, as Southern Styria is also known for its excellent wines. This way, you can enjoy the scent of lavender and wine at the same time—it doesn't get any better than that, does it?
Other Sausal attractions:
More information about lavender:
Travel Arrangements
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Getting to the lavender in Styria
Compare and book flights here* (advertisement). The nearest airport is Graz. From there you can travel by rental car or your own car.
Car Rentals:
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Accommodation near the lavender in Styria
Hotels and accommodation in Kitzeck in the Sausal * You can also easily book through our partner booking.com.
Other destinations in Styria
- Excursion destinations Styria
- Graz insider tips – Discover Graz’s culinary delights
- In St. Lambrecht
- Im murtal
- At the nuclear Sausal wine region
- Close to Therme Loipersdorf
- The South Styrian Wine Route
- At the Schilcher wine route
- Im Ausseerland
- In the capital Graz
- In Schladming
- Discover Styrian delights
- More tips for the Styria here.
Do you know this?
- Taste the World: Wine Regions to Discover
- Manufactories and producers
- Quebec Attractions
- Shopping experience in Nova Scotia
- Baking supplies store
For more Slow Travel travel tips there's this link. Discover other wine regions in Austria here.
Source: own on-site research. We would like to thank TV Sulmtal Sausal and the Styrian Tourism Association for supporting this trip. However, our opinions remain, as always, our own.
Text Lavender from Styria: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Good morning, Johanna!
And thank you for your comment from LAWN TEA! I have a few high German from the university, but I've eaten it all - many years ago I have a struggle with the words but love to write in German.
I love your blue and the lavender! Only the scent of lavender and the warm breeze that flows through this vast field - my imagination simply floats with the scent of summer.
Thank you for this beautiful view of a distant wonder - such sweet memory of my own lavender beds from long ago.
Happy August!
rachel
Thank you, Rachel, for your comment. However, my name is Monika :). But you're right, lavender is something of a symbol of summer.
Best regards,
Monika
That's right, one thinks first of Provence and not of Styria on the topic of lavender, it is grown in some countries in Europe, for example, in Bulgaria on a large scale.
I really like the scent, just not in the cake. My worst culinary experience with lavender: as ice cream. It tasted like soap.
That lavender is grown in Bulgaria, I did not know so far. An interesting tip, Antje. Until our visit to the lavender manufactory, I did not even know that you can eat lavender. The cake tasted good, if a bit unusual. I have not tasted lavender ice so far. But I can well imagine that it is reminiscent of soap.
Lavender from Austria, that's a real new discovery for us! Maybe we can incorporate that in one of our outdoor activities.
Yes, that surprised me too. But he thrives there well. No wonder, he is grown in the middle of the wine region in Sausal. Wine and lavender always go well together.
Great report, thank you!
I am very happy if he pleases you, Johanna.