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Graz

 

 

Published: 07 September 2023, 10:00

Charming Capital of Styria

Austria's second largest city offers an ideal mix of tradition and modernity, hipness and coziness, enjoyment and culture.

The historic old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites you to take a stroll through its narrow streets and marvel at its richly decorated facades and pretty buildings. In the heart of the old town, you’ll find Hauptplatz, which welcomes visitors with its lively hustle and bustle and cozy cafés set in picturesque surroundings. As a university city, Graz offers a lively atmosphere as well as colourful creativity and a rich nightlife. You can also experience a diverse culinary scene here, ranging from traditional Austrian cuisine to rich, international flavours.

The charming capital of Styria is also an important centre for art and culture. This is particularly apparent in Kunsthaus Graz, a futuristic building with a daring bubble structure that houses numerous important contemporary works.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 298.000
  • Official language: German
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Ten Highlights of Graz

Hauptplatz in Graz
Main square in Graz © Boris Stroujko/stock.adobe.com
Die Grazer Altstadt zählt zum UNESCO Weltkulturerbe. Die Mischung aus mittelalterlicher und barocker Architektur verleiht der Stadt einen zeitlosen Charme.
The old town of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mix of medieval and baroque architecture gives the city a timeless charm. © e_polischuk/stock.adobe.com
Laut den Architekten ein „Friendly Alien“: Das Kunsthaus Graz ist ein modernes Wahrzeichen und spiegelt mit seiner futuristischen Bauweise die Offenheit der Stadt für Innovation wider.
According to the architects Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the “Friendly Alien”, is a modern landmark and, with its futuristic construction, reflects the city’s openness to innovation. © Vladislav Gaji
Der Schlossberg ist das Wahrzeichen von Graz. Er bietet eine herrliche Aussicht auf die Stadt und beherbergt historische Stätten wie den Uhrturm und das Glockenspiel.
The Schlossberg is the symbol of Graz. It offers beautiful views of the city and houses historic sites such as the clock tower and carillon. © Przemyslaw Iciak/stock.adobe.com
Ein weiteres modernes Wahrzeichen der Stadt: Die Murinsel ist eine Stahlkonstruktion mit einer schwimmenden Plattform, die die beiden Ufer des Flusses Mur verbindet
Another modern landmark of the city: The Murinsel is a steel structure with a floating platform that connects the two banks of the Mur river. © balakate/stock.adobe.com
Das prächtige Barockschloss Eggenberg beeindruckt mit wunderschönen Gärten und einer umfangreichen Kunstsammlung.
The magnificent baroque Eggenberg Palace impresses with beautiful gardens and an extensive art collection. © Posztós János/stock.adobe.com Alt text: Schloss Eggenberg © Posztós János/stock.adobe.com
Das Landhaus Graz, der Sitz des steirischen Landesparlaments, zählt zu den schönsten Renaissancebauten außerhalb Italiens.
The Landhaus Graz, the seat of the Styrian state parliament, is one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings outside of Italy. © Sonja Birkelbach/stock.adobe.com
Das imposante Mausoleum wurde im 17. Jahrhundert im Auftrag von Kaiser Ferdinand II. errichtet und diente als Ruhestätte für Mitglieder der Familie Habsburg.
The imposing mausoleum was built in the 17th century by order of Emperor Ferdinand II and served as a resting place for members of the Habsburg family. © Flaviu Boerescu/stock.adobe.com
Als Haupt-Flaniermeile der Stadt lockt die Herrengasse nicht nur mit zahlreichen Shoppingmöglichkeiten, sondern auch vielen Prachtbauten.
As the city's main promenade, Herrengasse’s attractions include not only its numerous shopping opportunities, but also its many magnificent buildings. © Rostislav Ageev/stock.adobe.com
Die Grazer Oper ist ein beeindruckendes Gebäude im Jugendstil und bietet eine breite Palette von Opern- und Musikvorführungen.
The Graz Opera House is an impressive Art Nouveau building and offers a wide range of opera and music performances. © blickwinkel2511/stock.adobe.com

The Alpine and Wine Region of Styria

The area around Graz is characterised by an impressive natural backdrop. From the majestic Alps to the rolling hills of vineyards and sparkling lakes, there are endless opportunities for hiking, biking and outdoor activities. Styria is also known for its castles, palaces and monasteries, which provide an insight into the rich history of the country.

The Most Beautiful Destinations from Graz

Der Grazer Hausberg Schöckl bietet Wanderwege, Mountainbike-Strecken und einen atemberaubenden Panoramablick über die Stadt und die Umgebung.
Graz's local mountain Schöckl offers hiking trails, mountain bike trails and a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area. © hofi777/stock.adobe.com
Die Weinstraße Südsteiermark ist bekannt für ihre malerischen Weinberge und erstklassigen Weine. Zahlreiche Weingüter bieten hier in schönster Umgebung Verkostungen an.
The South Styria Wine Route is known for its picturesque vineyards and first-class wines. Many wineries offer tastings here in beautiful surroundings. © Simone/stock.adobe.com
Die 850 Jahre alte Riegersburg erhebt sich weit sichtbar auf einem steilen Vulkanfelsen. Sie liegt knapp 50 Kilometer südöstlich von Graz.
The 850-year-old Riegersburg rises from afar on a steep volcanic rock. It is located almost 50 kilometres southeast of Graz. © Alex G. Photography/stock.adobe.com
Das Gartenschloss Herberstein, etwa eine Stunde von Graz entfernt, zählt zu den schönsten Schlössern der Region. Es ist von einem weitläufigen Park sowie einem Tierpark umgeben.
The Garden Castle Herberstein, about an hour away from Graz, is one of the most beautiful castles in the region. It is surrounded by a spacious park and an animal park. © Przemyslaw Iciak/stock.adobe.
Das Benediktinerstift Admont besitzt die weltweit größte Klosterbibliothek und ist von der malerischen Gebirgskulisse des Nationalparks Gesäuse umgeben.
The Admont Benedictine Abbey has the world's largest monastery library and is surrounded by the picturesque mountain backdrop of the Gesäuse National Park. © Alexander/stock.adobe.com

Graz from BER

Flugzeug kurz vor dem Aufsetzen auf die Start- und Landebahn

Eurowings

Graz Airport (GRZ)

Five travel tips for …

  • Admire the Kunsthaus from the inside as well as from the outside 
  • View collections of art, history and natural history at Universalmuseum Joanneum
  • Stroll through contemporary sculptures and art in the Austrian Sculpture Park
  • Discover one of the largest weapons collections in the world in the Styrian Armory
  • Let the Museum of Perception affect all your senses

  • Visit one of the numerous farmers markets with local products and specialties
  • Discover the diversity of Graz cuisine on a culinary city tour
  • Taste Styrian wine, grown in the Graz area
  • Enjoy the traditional local café culture
  • Eat rustically in the historic Schlossbergkeller inn

  • Sit in the café in a picturesque setting on Hauptplatz
  • Enjoy the beautiful view of the city from Schlossbergplatz
  • Take in the impressive architecture on Mehlplatz
  • Watch the urban hustle and bustle on Jakominiplatz
  • Stop into one of the numerous bars on Karmeliterplatz

Picture source title: Funicular © Ewald Fröch/stock.adobe.com
 

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