Styria - Austria - page 379

To get to Piber from Graz, the most convenient option is to catch the GKB ( ww.gkb.at )
morning bus 700 at 8am from Graz' Griesplatz, arriving in Piber at 9.15am (you have to
change to connecting bus 705 at Voitsberg Hauptplatz). The last bus leaves Piber at
4.57pm. This only works weekdays. Frequent trains also go to Köflach (€9.90, one hour),
from where it's a 3.5km walk from Hauptplatz along Piberstrasse (follow the signs). A
taxi ( 03144-26 26; fares €6.50) from the Köflach train station to Piber is an option. Bundes-
gestüt Piber is also close to Bärnbach (€7 by taxi).

TOP OF CHAPTER

Bärnbach
03142 / POP 5250
Otherwise unremarkable, Bärnbach is famous for its St Barbara Kirche (Piberstrasse; dawn-
dusk) , a church redesigned by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Completed in 1988, it
is a visual treat of bright colours and glistening copper dome. Leave a donation and pick
up the explanation card in English, which reveals the symbolism behind the architectural
features.
Tourist information is available from the glass-making centre and from Bärnbach Informa-
tion ( 615 50; www.baernbach.at ; Hauptplatz 1; 8-11.30am Tue, Wed & Fri, 8-11.30am & 2-4.30pm Mon &

Thu) , which is located inside the town hall.

Getting There & Away

Hourly trains run from Graz (€7.90, 50 minutes). The train station is 2.5km south of the
church. Follow Bahnhofweg and Neue Landstrasse (turn right) to Piberstrasse. A taxi (
0664-340 2247) to the centre of town costs about €6.