Overview

Südoststeiermark is an administrative district in the southeastern part of the Austrian state of Styria. It was established on 1 January 2013 by the merger of the former Radkersburg and Feldbach districts. The new district combines predominantly rural landscapes with a number of small towns and market communities; local administration was consolidated to improve efficiency while municipalities retained many local functions.

Geography and landscape

The district lies along Austria's border with Slovenia and features rolling hills, river valleys and patchwork vineyards characteristic of southern Styria. The Mur river and smaller tributaries shape local drainage and settlement patterns. The climate and soils favour viticulture and mixed farming, and the scenic countryside includes orchards, hedgerows and scattered woodlands.

History and administration

The 2013 reform that created Südoststeiermark was part of a broader regional restructuring within Styria. The reform merged administrative offices for tasks such as civil registration, road maintenance and social services while preserving municipal councils and many local traditions. Historical ties in the area reflect centuries of cross‑border exchange with neighbouring Slovenia.

Municipal structure

The district comprises numerous municipalities, ranging from small villages to larger market towns and spa communities. Several towns that formerly served as district seats continue to function as local service centres. Municipalities oversee local planning, cultural events and municipal utilities while the district level coordinates broader services.

Economy and culture

Agriculture remains a core economic activity, with wine production a particularly important specialty in the South Styrian wine region. Small and medium enterprises, tourism services, craft industries and seasonal markets complement farming. Cultural life includes folk festivals, harvest celebrations and traditions linked to viticulture and rural crafts.

Road and rail connections link the district to larger Styrian cities and to border crossings into Slovenia, supporting daily commuting and trade. Cross‑border cooperation programmes and local initiatives reinforce economic and cultural ties across the frontier.

Tourism and recreation

Visitors are attracted by wine routes, cycling trails, spa towns and historical centres with churches and local museums. Agrotourism, wine tastings and outdoor recreation — including hiking and river activities — are among the region's drawcards for domestic and international visitors.

Further information

For official details on administration, services and municipal contacts consult regional and national information portals or municipal websites; many such resources are available through state and federal channels as well as local pages, including pages linked from official sites.

  • Border proximity and cross‑border cooperation with Slovenia.
  • Noted viticultural landscape within southern Styria.
  • Formed in 2013 by merging the Radkersburg and Feldbach districts.