Feldbach, Styria

Feldbach
Feldbach

Location within Austria

Coordinates: 46°57′00″N 15°53′00″E / 46.95000°N 15.88333°E / 46.95000; 15.88333Coordinates: 46°57′00″N 15°53′00″E / 46.95000°N 15.88333°E / 46.95000; 15.88333
Country Austria
State Styria
District Südoststeiermark
Government
  Mayor Josef Ober (ÖVP)
Area
  Total 3.2 km2 (1.2 sq mi)
Elevation 282 m (925 ft)
Population (1 January 2016)[1]
  Total 4,643
  Density 1,500/km2 (3,800/sq mi)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 8330
Area codes +43 3152
Vehicle registration FB
Website www.feldbach-stadt.at

Feldbach (Slovene: Vrbna) is a town in the southeast of the Austrian state of Styria, near the Slovenian and Hungarian border. It is located in the valley around the river Raab.

History

Findings from the Neolithic prove the early existence of a settlement in the area, where Feldbach is located. The name "Feldbach" was first mentioned in 1188 as "Velwinbach". A parish exists since 1232.

In 1469, Feldbach was devastated by rebellious troops. This is probably the reason why the Feldbach Tabor, a medieval fortress, was built.

In the 15th century Feldbach was the setting of many conflicts between rival aristocratic families which caused destruction and pillages in the town. Finally, after the Hajduks (which accompanied the attacking Ottoman Turks) destroyed the whole town, except the Tabor hill, a closed fortification with several gates was built.

Feldbach experienced a major economic upswing after the Hungarian Western railroad was opened in 1873. At the same time the nearby spa Bad Gleichenberg became well known.

During World War I a prisoner-of-war camp existed in Feldbach.

Population

Historical population
YearPop.±%
18691,173    
18801,491+27.1%
18901,582+6.1%
19001,793+13.3%
19101,929+7.6%
19232,467+27.9%
19342,859+15.9%
19392,970+3.9%
19513,395+14.3%
19613,701+9.0%
19713,903+5.5%
19814,066+4.2%
19914,228+4.0%
20014,680+10.7%
20114,614−1.4%

References

  1. Statistik Austria - Bevölkerung zu Jahresbeginn 2002-2016 nach Gemeinden (Gebietsstand 2016-01-01), 2016-01-01.
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