Graz

Austria's second-largest city and Styria's capital, featuring a stunning medieval Old Town with the Schlossberg fortress overlooking red-roofed buildings and narrow streets. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cultural hub with excellent museums, vibrant architecture, and a distinctive charm that rivals Vienna in character.

Things to do

• Schlossberg Fortress — Climb the iconic hilltop fortress overlooking the Old Town with panoramic views accessible via funicular railway or steep stairs.
• Graz Old Town (Altstadt) — Wander the UNESCO-listed medieval streets lined with Renaissance and Baroque buildings, discovering hidden courtyards and cafés.
• Kunsthaus Graz — Visit this contemporary art museum housed in a striking blue inflatable-looking building with cutting-edge exhibitions.
• Eggenberg Palace — Explore this Baroque masterpiece surrounded by elaborate gardens, featuring a stunning courtyard and period rooms.
• Mausoleum at St. Catherine's Church — Admire this ornate Renaissance tomb built for Emperor Ferdinand II with intricate marble carvings and frescoes.
• Murinsel Island — Cross the quirky floating metal platform island in the Mur River, which hosts cultural events and offers river-level perspectives.

Food to try

• Steirische Spezialitäten — Sample Styrian specialties like Steirisches Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) and local pumpkin seed oil that define the region's cuisine.
• Kernöl (Pumpkin Seed Oil) — Taste this dark green, nutty oil unique to Styria, typically drizzled over soups, salads, or vanilla ice cream as a sweet-savory finish.
• Murauer Bier — Drink this local brewery's amber lager, a regional favorite served in traditional beer halls throughout the city.
• Steirerkas — Try this pungent, crumbly cheese made from sour milk curds, often served with dark bread and onions as a simple Styrian lunch.
• Kletzenbrot — Enjoy this dense, dark bread studded with dried pear pieces, reflecting Alpine baking traditions and served at local bakeries.

Local customs & good to know

• Café Culture — Embrace the Viennese-influenced coffee tradition by spending leisurely hours in atmospheric cafés with newspapers and pastries, a cherished local habit.
• Marktplatz Markets — Visit the central market squares especially on weekdays to experience authentic local shopping and interact with vendors selling produce and regional products.
• Respectful Photography — Always ask permission before photographing people in traditional dress or during local celebrations, as Styrians value privacy and courtesy.
• Evening Strolls (Spaziergang) — Join locals for evening walks along the Mur River or through the Old Town squares at dusk, a cherished daily ritual that reveals the city's most intimate character.

Nearby

• Deutschlandsberg — 27 km
• Riegersburg — 38 km
• Bad Radkersburg — 59 km
• Semmering — 68 km