Visiting Graz: what are the best things to do and see in this Austrian city, rich in culture and history?
Discover the region of Styria,Austria‘s second largest province. Its capital, Graz, is sure to be a delight to discover! It’s one of Austria’s largest conurbations in terms of population. A European City of Culture in 2003, the city is brimming with exceptional museums, and its surroundings offer landscapes of hills, valleys and mountains. Graz lies on a plain bordered to the west by the last foothills of the Alps, and to the north and east by the Styrian hills. Whether you prefer museums or hiking, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for!
Wondering what to do in Graz? This is the place!
1. Eggenberg Castle
Photo credit: Flickr – KLMircea
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the largest castle in Styria. Built in 1625 by Hans Ulrich Von Eggenberg, imperial advisor to Ferdinand II, its construction was organized around time and the seasons: 4 towers for the 4 seasons, 365 windows for the days, 31 rooms on each floor for the months, 24 ceremonial rooms for the hours, etc….
If you’re wondering what to do in Graz, you’ll find several museums here, including the Museum of Archaeology and the Coin Cabinet, as well as a large park.
2. Murinsel, or the island on the Mur
Photo credit: Flickr – Riessdo
Not to be missed if you’re visiting Graz: the Island on the Wall! Conceived when Graz was taking part in the European Capital of Culture competition in 2003, the island is in fact a work of art by New York artist Vito Acconci. This unusual building, in the shape of a giant seashell, serves to link the 2 banks of the Mur (Graz’s river), and houses a café and an amphitheatre.
3. Graz libraries
Photo credit: Flickr – hl_1001
Graz is renowned for the quality of its higher education. It boasts three major universities: Karl-Franzens-Universität, Technische Universität and Fachhochschule Joanneum. These universities are home to the city’s major libraries. Admont Abbey is famous for having the world’s largest monastic library, with over 200,000 books.
4. Styrian Tuscany
Photo credit: Flickr – MaxPower0815
If you’re visiting Graz, don’t hesitate to push a little further south, where the vineyards stretch out, nicknamed the « Tuscany of Styria ». Here you’ll discover paths that climb through vineyards, woods and meadows. This part of Styria attracts many visitors, wine lovers and gourmets alike. In the famous « Buschenschenken » (traditional taverns), you can taste delicious wines, cheeses and traditional cakes, not forgetting « Kürbiskernöl », a dark-colored, strong-tasting pumpkin seed oil, a must in regional cuisine.
5. The Schlossberg
Photo credit: Flickr – Marco Verch
There’s nothing like discovering Graz in a different way (or rather, from a different angle): from above! Head for the Schlossberg, a 123-metre-high hill overlooking the city. In the past, there was a castle on top of the mountain, hence the name « Schlossberg », which means « Castle Mountain ». Today, however, you can only see 2 buildings that have become symbols of the town: the Clock Tower (Urhtum) and the Bell Tower (Glockenturm).
There are 3 ways to get up there: On foot from Schlossbergplatz, up the 260 steps (approx. 30 minutes), by elevator inside the hill, or by funicular from Emperor Franz Joseph Square to the top (€2.20).
Once at the top, you’ll discover a magnificent park, as well as numerous restaurants and souvenir stores.
6. Landeszeughaus Museum
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Dennis Jarvis
Don’t miss a visit to the Landeszeughaus, the city’s must-see museum, home to the world’s largest collection of weapons and armor! Guns, swords, armor, halberds, helmets – there’s something for everyone!
7. St. Giles Cathedral, Graz
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Taxiarchos228
If you’re driving through Graz’s historic center, be sure to stop off at St. Giles Cathedral. Built in the 15th century, it is one of Graz’s most important cultural, artistic and historical monuments. At first glance, its exterior is rather austere, but you’ll discover the famous fresco « The Plagues », depicting the 3 plagues (plague, locusts and Turks) that struck Styria in 1480. Inside, head for the choir, home to the famous and impressive organ, with over 5,350 pipes.
How to get to Graz
Graz is served by international flights. You can fly to Graz’s Thalerhof airport, where tickets are sometimes cheaper than to the capital, Vienna. To reach the city center, you can take a shuttle bus, cab or train. Alternatively, for a wider choice of dates, you can fly to Vienna, Salzburg or Linz and take the train or bus to Graz (approx. 2.5 – 3.5 hours travel time)? If you want to get there by plane, you’ll find a cheap flight on the website of our partner Ulysse.
From France, bus travel to Austria is economical, but time-consuming and less comfortable. Some routes offer very attractive fares, provided you book well in advance.
Where to stay in Graz
If you choose to visit Graz, you should be aware that, as in all Austrian cities, accommodation in Graz can be quite expensive and overcrowded during vacation periods. We strongly advise you to book as early as possible to avoid the best accommodations being snapped up. There’s something to suit every budget, from youth hostels to 4* luxury hotels! You can find a cheap hotel in Graz by searching on this hotel comparator.
You’re sure to fall under Graz’s spell, with its blend of futuristic architecture and historic buildings, all set in lush green surroundings, making it a unique place to visit.
Still wondering what to do in Graz?
Map of hotels and accommodation – Graz,at