Leoben facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leoben
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Municipality
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Clockwise from top: Old town by the river Mur, City parish church, Schwammerlturm and Murbrücke, University of Leoben, Main Square with Old City Hall
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 Leoben
Location in Styria
Leoben
Location in Austria
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| Country | Austria | ||
| State | Styria | ||
| District | Leoben | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 107.77 km2 (41.61 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 541 m (1,775 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018-01-01)
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| • Total | 24,645 | ||
| • Density | 228.681/km2 (592.28/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postal code |
8700
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| Area code | 03842 | ||
| Vehicle registration | LE | ||
| Website | www.leoben.at, | ||
Leoben (German pronunciation: [leˈoːbn]) is a city in central Austria. It is located in the state of Styria, right on the Mur river. In 2023, about 25,140 people lived there.
Leoben is an important industrial city. It is also home to the University of Leoben, which teaches about mining and raw materials. A very important agreement, the Peace of Leoben, was signed here in 1797. This agreement helped end a war between Austria and France.
The Justice Centre Leoben is a modern prison building. It was finished in 2005.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Leoben comes from an old Slavic word. It means 'beloved'. In old records from the year 904 AD, the city was called Liupina.
Exploring Leoben's Geography
Leoben is found in the Mur Valley. It is about eight kilometers east of Sankt Michael in Obersteiermark. It is also 15 kilometers west of Bruck an der Mur. The oldest part of the city was built inside a river bend, called a "Murschleife". Today, Leoben spreads out on both sides of the Mur river.
The city covers an area of about 108 square kilometers. Almost 79% of this area is covered by forests. The lowest point in Leoben is 515 meters above sea level. The highest point is the top of the Wetterkogel mountain, which is 1643 meters high.
Leoben's Rich History and Modern Life
Leoben is often called the "Gateway to the Styrian Iron Road". This name shows its long history with iron trade.
Historic Buildings and Churches
The city's main square, built in the 13th century, is very famous. Here you can see the Hackl House. It has a beautiful red and white front. The City Parish Church, named St. Francis Xavier, was built in 1660. Its inside decorations from the 17th century are very special. It is one of the most important Jesuit churches in Austria. You can also find an Art Nouveau Lutheran church. It is at the top end of Franz-Josef-Strasse.
Göss Abbey and Brewery
Göss Abbey is the oldest convent for women in Styria. It was started in 1020 AD. Benedictine nuns lived and worked there for many years. Next to the old convent is the Gösser brewery. You can visit a museum there to learn about how beer is made.
Sports and Culture in Leoben
Leoben has a football club called DSV Leoben. They play in the Austrian 2. Liga. This is the second-highest football league in Austria. Their home stadium is the Donawitz Stadium.
The city also has a lively cultural scene. You can enjoy classical concerts at the Congress Leoben. In July, there are Summer Philharmonic performances. Leoben also has the oldest working theatre in Austria. It hosts many local and guest shows.
Traditions and New Ideas
For many centuries, Leoben has been shaped by the iron trade. The University of Leoben, founded in 1840, has also played a big role. It focuses on studying raw materials.
Mining Traditions
Mining traditions are still very important in Leoben. For example, there is the Miners' Parade. The St. Barbara Celebration and the Ledersprung ("Leather Jump") are also special events. These traditions celebrate the city's mining past.
Festivals and Fairs
The Gösser Kirtag is a large street fair. It happens on the Thursday after the first Sunday in October. Tens of thousands of people come to Leoben for this popular event.
Famous People from Leoben
Many interesting people were born or lived in Leoben.
- Gabriel Gruber (1740–1805) was an Austrian priest and a very smart person.
- Alma Seidler (1899–1977) was an Austrian actress. She worked at the famous Burgtheater for over 50 years.
- Friedl Kjellberg (1905—1993) was an Austrian-Finnish artist who made beautiful pottery.
- Hannelore Valencak (1929–2004) was an Austrian physicist and writer. She wrote novels, poems, and books for children.
- Martin Weinek (born 1964) is an actor and also makes wine.
- Hannes Arch (1967–2016) was an Austrian pilot. He was famous for competing in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.
- Lisa Eckhart (born 1992) is an Austrian comedian and artist.
Sports Stars from Leoben
Leoben has also produced many talented athletes, especially in football.
- Walter Schachner (born 1957) was a football player and coach. He played over 460 games and 64 games for the Austrian national team.
- Wolfgang Klapf (born 1978) is an Austrian football player who played over 500 games.
- Joachim Standfest (born 1980) was a football player and coach. He played over 540 games and 34 for the Austrian national team.
- Christian Gratzei (born 1981) was an Austrian football goalkeeper. He played 257 games and 10 for the Austrian national team.
- Roland Linz (born 1981) was a football player. He played 368 games and 39 for the Austrian national team.
- Chris Raaber (born 1981) is a professional wrestler known as "Bambikiller".
- Christoph Strasser (born 1982) is an amazing ultra-distance cyclist. In 2021, he rode over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) in just 24 hours!
Images for kids
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Leoben around 1900.
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View of Leoben in 2009.
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See also
In Spanish: Leoben para niños
