Feldbach, Styria

Feldbach
Feldbach Location within Austria
Coordinates:
Country	Austria
State	Styria
District	Südoststeiermark
Government
• Mayor	Kurt Deutschmann (SPÖ)
Area
• Total	3.2 km2 (1.2 sq mi)
Elevation	282 m (925 ft)
Population (1 January 2014)
• 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. Most likely this was the reason the "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
Year	Pop.	±%
1869	1,173	—
1880	1,491	+27.1%
1890	1,582	+6.1%
1900	1,793	+13.3%
1910	1,929	+7.6%
1923	2,467	+27.9%
1934	2,859	+15.9%
1939	2,970	+3.9%
1951	3,395	+14.3%
1961	3,701	+9.0%
1971	3,903	+5.5%
1981	4,066	+4.2%
1991	4,228	+4.0%
2001	4,680	+10.7%
2011	4,614	−1.4%

External links

• Media related to at Wikimedia Commons