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Graz

Styria, Austria

Austria Styria
Graz

Graz, the charming capital of Styria, enchants visitors with its seamless blend of old-town charm and modern design. Home to 300,000 residents, Austria's second-largest city is beautifully situated along the Mur River, where the Alps gently give way to the Graz Basin. Between baroque splendor, a historic old town, and futuristic eye-catchers like the "Friendly Alien" (yes, that’s what the locals call their Kunsthaus), the city buzzes with vibrant creativity. Here, UNESCO World Heritage meets a thriving arts scene and Styrian joie de vivre – all best enjoyed with a glass of Styrian wine and a view of the Schlossberg. Graz: small enough to feel cozy, yet big enough to keep surprising you.

Top Highlights of Graz

Embodiment of the order of the universe
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Eggenberg Palace
Graz, Styria, Austria
On Graz’s western edge you’ll find the Eggenberg Palace - the most important Baroque palace in Styria and part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1625 and 1646, it’s a tribute to cosmic order, featuring:
Where Graz lies at your feet
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Schlossberg
Graz, Styria, Austria
The Graz Schloßberg is the heart of Graz – a 123m high dolomite rock rising above the city center, captivating visitors with its 360° panoramic view. The history of the Schloßberg, once home to an impregnable fortress, dates back to the Middle Ages. Especially famous are the Clock Tower, with its reversed hands, and the Bell Tower, which houses the largest bell in Styria.
Visit the Student City
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Old town Graz
Graz, Styria, Austria
The charming old town of Graz is a true gem – vibrant, steeped in history, and wonderfully laid-back. Wander through the narrow streets lined with a delightful mix of Gothic and Baroque buildings. The iconic Clock Tower on Schlossberg watches over the city, while the striking Kunsthaus, affectionately called the "Friendly Alien," adds a futuristic contrast.
The rescued Landmark
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Clock tower in Graz
Graz, Styria, Austria
The 28m high Graz Clock Tower is the iconic landmark of Graz, watching over the city from its perch on the Schloßberg and visible from afar. With its 5m large clock faces and reversed hands—the large hand indicates the hours, while the small hand shows the minutes—it stands out strikingly. Originally built in the 13th century as part of the fortress, the tower was saved from destruction by Napoleon’s troops in 1809 when the citizens of Graz bought it for nearly 3,000 guilders; unfortunately, the rest of the fortress was demolished. Today, the Clock Tower offers one of the best panoramic views of the old town and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Learn More About Knights & Armor
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Landeszeughaus (Styrian Armoury)
Graz, Styria, Austria
Step into the world of knights and mercenaries: The Landeszeughaus, the largest historical armory in the world, houses an impressive collection of 32,000 pieces, including armor, swords, helmets, and firearms from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Enjoy a performance!
Opera Graz
Graz, Styria, Austria
The Graz Opera House is one of Austria’s most important cultural venues, drawing attention with its magnificent Neo-Baroque architecture. Built in 1899 by renowned Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer, the building’s ornate details and striking dome reflect the grandeur of the late 19th century. Since its opening with Schiller’s “William Tell,” it has become a key venue for opera, ballet, and musicals in Austria. The auditorium, with its Baroque and Rococo elements, is truly stunning.
A Modern Landmark of Graz
Murinsel
Graz, Styria, Austria
Spanning the Mur River, the Murinsel is an extravagant steel structure that has connected the river and city since 2003. Designed by New York artist Vito Acconci, its semi-open shell shape may seem out of place in nature but quickly becomes a cherished feature.
Friendly Alien
Kunsthaus Graz
Graz, Styria, Austria
With its iconic biomorphic shape, resembling a futuristic spaceship nestled into the historic backdrop of Graz, the Kunsthaus Graz is a mecca for contemporary art enthusiasts. Opened in 2003, the "Friendly Alien," as the building is affectionately called, sits directly on the banks of the Mur River, merging the futuristic vision of architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier with the façade of the 1847 Iron House.
Pilgrimage Church on the Purberg
Mariatrost Basilica
Graz, Styria, Austria
The Basilica of Mariatrost sits atop the Purberg in the Mariatrost district of Graz and is considered one of Styria’s most important Marian shrines. Built in the early 18th century in the opulent Baroque style, the church is striking with its twin onion-domed towers and magnificently adorned interior. To admire it up close, you’ll need to conquer 216 steps on the Angelus Stairway, but you’ll be rewarded with nice views of the surrounding area!
A Jewel in the Graz City Crown
Graz Cathedral
Graz, Styria, Austria
In the heart of Graz stands the late Gothic Cathedral of Saint Giles from the 15th century, built under the reign of Emperor Frederick III.. The cathedral, together with the imperial mausoleum, the castle, and the theater, forms the ensemble known as the "Crown of Graz."
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Location

Graz lies at the heart of Styria, in southeastern Austria, nestled between the foothills of the Alps and the Graz Basin. At an altitude of just 353 meters above sea level, with nearly 70% green spaces and a mild climate, it’s no wonder Graz is one of Austria’s sunniest cities – perfect for a city break. This prime location makes it not only scenically stunning but also an ideal starting point for exploring the nearby vineyards and rolling countryside.

Best Activities

The Old Town & Schlossberg

Graz is a city steeped in history. Its Old Town earned UNESCO World Heritage status in the 20th century – and deservedly so. The Clock Tower, the city’s iconic landmark, stands atop the Schlossberg, overlooking centuries-old streets and squares. Let yourself wander: every corner has a tale to tell, from the grand Main Square to the Herrengasse with its magnificent facades.

Discover Modern Graz

Graz isn’t just a city of the past – it’s also boldly modern and innovative. The Kunsthaus, fondly called the "Friendly Alien", showcases cutting-edge architecture and contemporary art, offering a strong contrast to the historic Old Town. Another standout is the Murinsel, a floating platform on the river that combines a café, a stage, and striking design. Since 2011, Graz has proudly held the title of "UNESCO City of Design".

Tip: Visit the Needle, an observation platform inside the Kunsthaus that offers a fantastic view of the city.

Additional Attractions

Beyond the classic highlights, Graz offers plenty to explore:

  • Schloss Eggenberg, a baroque fairytale estate with sprawling gardens located just outside the city center
  • The Landeszeughaus, boasting the world’s largest collection of historical armor and weapons
  • The delightful farmers' markets, like the Kaiser-Josef-Markt, where you can browse fresh, regional produce

Culture & Events

Graz was named European Capital of Culture in 2003 – a title it well deserved. The city is a vibrant stage for festivals, such as the steirischer herbst, and the proud home of the Universalmuseum Joanneum, one of Central Europe’s most significant museums. From opera and theater to galleries, Graz promises to enchant you with its rich and dynamic cultural scene.

Travel Info

Best Time to Visit

Graz is a year-round destination, but it’s especially charming in spring and autumn, with mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and vibrant events like the Steirischer Herbst festival. The Christmas season is equally magical, with its festive holiday markets.

Spring (March to May)

  • Climate: Mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.
  • Activities: Perfect for leisurely walks and sightseeing. Don’t miss the Springfestival in May, a highlight for electronic music enthusiasts.

Summer (June to August)

  • Climate: Warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, with occasional rain showers.
  • Activities: Ideal for open-air events like the La Strada Festival, an international celebration of street and puppet theater. Spend warm evenings relaxing in the city’s many outdoor café terraces (Schanigärten).

Autumn (September to November)

  • Climate: Comfortable temperatures from 10°C to 20°C.
  • Activities: Autumn marks the start of the grape harvest in South Styria, making it a perfect time for wine lovers to visit. The Steirischer Herbst, a contemporary arts festival, offers an exciting array of cultural experiences.

Winter (December to February)

  • Climate: Crisp temperatures between -5°C and 5°C, with occasional snowfall.
  • Activities: The holiday season comes alive with atmospheric Christmas markets, especially the one on Hauptplatz. Popular winter activities include ice skating at Karmeliterplatz and visiting the Grazer Winterwelt.

Getting There

Well-connected and eco-friendly Graz is easy to reach by train, car, or plane. Once you’ve arrived, the city is compact and simple to explore on foot, by public transport, or by bike.

By Plane

Graz Airport (GRZ) offers flights from many European cities and is located just 9 km south of the city center. From the airport, it’s only a quick 15-minute train ride into the heart of Graz.

By Train

Graz's main train station is extremely well connected, with direct routes from Vienna (2.5 hours), Salzburg (4 hours), Munich, and Ljubljana.

By Car

Graz is easily accessible via the A2 (Südautobahn) and A9 (Pyhrn Autobahn). Keep in mind that Austrian highways require a toll sticker (Vignette).

Parking: Parking in the city center is limited and often expensive. To save time and hassle, consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts and taking public transport into the city center.

By Long-Distance Bus

Companies like FlixBus provide direct connections to Graz from various European cities. Most buses arrive at the terminal conveniently located near the main train station.

Getting Around in Graz

Schlossbergbahn Graz features a well-connected public transport network with six tram lines and numerous buses. The city is also highly bike-friendly, making it easy to explore on two wheels.

Tickets & Fares Graz is part of fare zone 101. Single tickets currently cost €3.10, which isn’t particularly cheap. A 24-hour ticket (€6.80) is often the better choice, or you can go for the Graz Card, which includes admission to many of the city’s top attractions.

Tickets in this zone are valid on all public transport, including trams, buses, the Schlossbergbahn, as well as all trains and RegioBuses with three-digit route numbers operating within the zone.

Schlossbergbahn

This funicular railway connects the city center to the Schlossberg and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Graz.

Tram Network

Graz’s tram system features six main lines that make getting around the city quick and easy:

  • Line 1: Eggenberg/UKH – Mariatrost
  • Line 3: Andritz – Krenngasse
  • Line 4: Reininghaus – Liebenau/MURPARK
  • Line 5: Andritz – Puntigam
  • Line 6: Smart City – St. Peter
  • Line 7: Wetzelsdorf – LKH Med Uni/Klinikum Nord

Buses

In addition to the tram network, Graz offers an extensive bus system that serves even the city’s more remote neighborhoods. Both buses and trams operate under the Graz Linien fare system, allowing you to use a single ticket for seamless travel across both modes of transport.

Nightline

For night owls, seven Nightline bus routes ensure safe and reliable transportation on weekends and the nights before public holidays. These routes connect key hubs like Jakominiplatz to various neighborhoods, making late-night travel easy and convenient.

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Culinary Highlights

They say everything tastes better in Graz – and they’re not wrong. As Austria’s Capital of Culinary Delights, the city offers an exceptional food scene with a focus on local and regional specialties.

  • Must-Try: Styrian pumpkin seed oil, crispy fried chicken (Backhendl), scarlet runner beans (Käferbohnen), and classic apple strudel
  • Local Favorites: Head to Glöckl Bräu for hearty Styrian home cooking or Der Steirer for creative, modern takes on regional dishes
  • Coffee Culture: Graz has a thriving coffee culture, ranging from traditional coffeehouses to trendy third-wave spots like Tribeka
  • Wine Country: Just a short trip away lies the South Styrian Wine Road, renowned for its exceptional white wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip.
  • Farmers’ Market: The Kaiser-Josef-Markt, Graz’s oldest and liveliest farmers’ market, is a must-visit. Here, you’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies, offering a genuine taste of Styrian life.

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