Whether you're cycling through the rolling hills of South Styria’s vineyards, hiking the rugged paths of the Gesäuse, or standing on the summit of Schöckl with the world stretching beneath you – nature, adventure, and culinary delights take center stage in Austria’s green heart. Pack your hiking boots and set off on a journey of discovery.
Why You’ll Love It
Diverse Landscapes: Styria is a region of vast forests, dramatic alpine peaks, and idyllic vineyards. The Dachstein and Gesäuse regions are perfect for hiking and mountaineering, while the southern vineyards offer gentler trails and scenic views.
Rich Culture: From the grand Admont Abbey, with its world-famous library, to the baroque elegance of Eggenberg Palace in Graz, history is everywhere.
Wine Country: The South Styrian Wine Road, often called the Styrian Tuscany, is a dream for wine lovers, with sweeping vineyard views and rustic wine taverns.
Top Highlights of Styria
Embodiment of the order of the universe
Top
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
Top
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.
Fairy-Tale Water World
Top
Rogner Bad Blumau
Bad Blumau, Styria, Austria
Bad Blumau is truly one of a kind. Designed by the extraordinary artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this vibrant, organic masterpiece is a joy to explore, whether for a day or two. The complex boasts forested rooftops, charming terrace gardens, golden domes, around 330 colorful columns, and over 2,400 windows—each one completely unique.
Dizzying Views for the Brave
Top
Stairway to Nothingness
Ramsau am Dachstein, Styria, Austria
At an altitude of 2,700 meters, a truly unique experience awaits: The Stairway to Nothingness offers brave visitors the chance to step onto a glass platform suspended 400 meters above the ground and feel the breath of the Alps. Connected to the Dachstein Suspension Bridge, this attraction is one of the region's most spectacular highlights.
Your Animal World Tour in Styria
Top
Herberstein Zoo
Styria, Austria
Do you feel like an adventure? This zoo takes you on a journey around the world, right in the heart of beautiful Eastern Styria. From lions and agile cheetahs to cheeky prairie dogs, over 80 animal species are waiting to be discovered by you. One of the highlights is Europe’s largest cheetah enclosure, where you can feel the wilderness up close! For little explorers, there’s also a lovingly designed petting zoo and playgrounds.
Schladming–Dachstein holiday region
Top
Hochwurzen
Schladming, Styria, Austria
High above Schladming, the Hochwurzen mountain rises to 1,850 meters, offering a perfect blend of nature and adventure. As part of the Ski Amadé network and the Schladming–Dachstein holiday region, it’s a year-round destination. In summer, stunning hiking trails wind through the Schladminger Tauern, while winter brings the thrill of a 7 km toboggan run and impeccably groomed ski slopes.
Emerald-green gem that captures hearts
Top
Grüner See
Styria, Austria
The Green Lake in Styria is a natural gem that has captivated visitors from around the world. Famous for its emerald-green, shimmering waters, fed by melting snow, it transforms into a 12-meter-deep lake from spring to early summer.
The impregnable stronghold
Top
Riegersburg Castle
Riegersburg, Styria, Austria
Perched atop a steep volcanic rock at 482 meters, Riegersburg is one of the best-preserved castles in Styria and a popular excursion destination. With its massive defensive walls, seven gates, and eleven bastions, the castle tells a story of over 900 years, including the fascinating era of the Gallerin, who transformed it into the "strongest fortress of Christendom."
World’s Largest Monastic Library
Top
Admont Abbey
Styria, Austria
At the Benedictine Abbey, you’ll find the world’s largest monastic library, a 70-meter-long treasure trove of knowledge with over 70,000 volumes. But there’s much more to discover: since 2003, a modern museum has spanned three floors and two wings, showcasing a diverse collection from Gothic art and nature to contemporary works.
Adventures in the Wild Heart of Styria
Gesäuse National Park
Styria, Austria
de: Do you love untouched nature, steep cliffs, and roaring rivers? Then the Gesäuse National Park is just the place for you. Nestled in the Ennstal Alps, this natural paradise spans over 12,000 hectares – a region where the Enns River rushes through one of Austria’s most spectacular gorges.
With Destimondo you can easily plan your stops, see travel times, schedule arrival dates, and save all the fabulous attractions you wish to visit.
Interested?
Start planning your next adventure!
Travel Ideas
Styria’s Regions
Styria is made up of 7 unique regions, each offering its own distinct charm. Discover what makes each special below:
Styrian Alps
An adventurer’s paradise!
The Styrian Alps, home to Schladming-Dachstein, the Gesäuse, and Ausseerland, boast a diverse mix of peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows, and lakes. In winter, Schladming transforms into a skier's haven, while summer brings trails for hikers and climbers.
The Gesäuse, with its wild rivers and sharp rock faces, is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature photographers. Meanwhile, the Ausseerland region embodies traditional Austrian charm. Don’t miss the Narzissenfest, when the area blooms into a sea of white daffodils.
Upper Styria
This rugged northern region is defined by its towering mountains and dense forests. The Hochschwab massif is a dream for hikers, with the chance to spot chamois or ibex. Here, imposing peaks and pristine lakes create a breathtaking natural escape.
Upper Styria’s small towns, like Bruck an der Mur and the pilgrimage site of Mariazell, add a dose of culture to your nature-filled adventure.
Western Styria
Known for its mining and forestry heritage, Western Styria also offers outdoor adventures. The Erzberg in Eisenerz is an impressive iron ore mountain, and you can explore its tunnels on guided tours.
Murau is surrounded by forests and alpine lakes, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. The Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Reserve is a hit for families, while beer enthusiasts can visit the Murauer Brewery, brewing since 1495.
Murtal is a motorsport hub, home to the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. But beyond the racetrack, you’ll find plenty of hiking, cycling, and skiing options.
Graz and Surroundings
Graz is the beating heart of Styria. Austria’s cultural capital, it combines medieval charm with modern flair. Explore its UNESCO-listed old town, climb the Schlossberg for panoramic views, or marvel at the contemporary Kunsthaus.
Just outside the city, you’ll find rolling hills, scenic vineyards, and plenty of trails – a peaceful contrast to the city buzz.
Eastern Styria
Welcome to Austria’s orchard!
Eastern Styria is famous for its apple orchards, especially beautiful during the blossom season. The Apfelland around Lake Stubenberg is perfect for relaxed walks and lake days. Local taverns serve hearty dishes featuring pumpkin seed oil and beans, staples of the region.
Southern Styria
Wine lovers will find their paradise here. The rolling hills of the South Styrian Wine Road, known as the Styrian Tuscany, are dotted with vineyards stretching to the horizon. Sip a glass of Schilcher at a rustic wine tavern and savor the view – and the flavors – of this distinctive region.
Spa and Volcano Land
For deep relaxation, head to the southeast, where thermal waters bubble up from the volcanic earth. Rogner Bad Blumau, with its whimsical Hundertwasser architecture, is a must-visit for anyone in need of rejuvenation.
Best Time to Visit
The weather in Styria varies by region. Depending on your plans, you can visit nearly all year. The best months are May to September, with December to February ideal for winter sports. October is perfect for autumn colors and mushroom foraging in southern Styria.
While Southern Styria enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate, the northern and western alpine regions are cooler and ideal for summer hiking and winter skiing.
Late Spring (April - May)
Perfect for wellness retreats, cycling, hiking, and city breaks to Graz. Mornings and evenings are still cool.
Southern Styria is mild (10°C - 20°C), ideal for cycling and hiking.
Eastern Styria becomes pleasant from April, with temperatures around 10°C - 18°C.
Western Styria sees more frequent spring showers.
The Alpine regions in the north remain cold and snow-covered until April, with temperatures around 5°C - 15°C. Snow can linger in Dachstein-Tauern until May (0°C - 10°C).
Summer (June - August)
Summer is the best time for alpine hikes and high-altitude tours (10°C - 20°C), as well as water sports in the Gesäuse. Bring a rain jacket for sudden showers.
Southern Styria enjoys the warmest and driest weather, with 25°C to 30°C.
Eastern and Western Styria offer mild temperatures of 20°C - 28°C, though the west can be rainier.
Autumn (September - October)
With its golden hues, wine harvests, and apple picking, autumn is ideal for a relaxed getaway. It’s also prime mushroom foraging season.
Southern Styria stays warm (15°C - 20°C).
Eastern and Western Styria cool down to 10°C - 18°C, with the west getting cooler and wetter.
Alpine regions may see their first snow in October, with temperatures between 0°C and 15°C.
Winter (November - February)
For winter sports, head to Upper Styria from December to February. The temperatures, between -15°C and -5°C, ensure plenty of snow for skiing.
Eastern and Western Styria are milder at -5°C to 5°C.
Southern Styria rarely drops below 0°C.
November is often rainy and foggy – not the best time for a visit.
Getting There
By Plane
Fly into Graz Airport, which has direct connections from Germany and other European cities. From the airport, it’s just a 10 km trip to the city center via bus or S-Bahn.
Alternatively, fly into Salzburg, Vienna, or Munich, and continue by train or rental car.
By Train
Styria is well-connected by train. The ÖBB offers direct routes from Munich and Zurich, passing through the stunning Alpine scenery.
The Eurocity Transalpin (EC163/164) runs daily between Graz, Innsbruck, and Zurich, stopping in Schladming, Zell am See, and Kitzbühel. First-class passengers can enjoy panoramic views from specially designed carriages.
Graz, Schladming, and Leoben are well-connected to Austria’s broader rail network.
Within Styria, the S-Bahn provides easy connections between Graz and the surrounding regions, including South Styria and Schladming-Dachstein.
By Car
For exploring remote areas, a car is ideal. Styria is well-linked by highways, but local buses can be infrequent. Don’t forget to purchase a vignette for driving on Austrian highways!
