The Dachstein – a majestic mountain range in Austria's Northern Limestone Alps – features breathtaking glacier landscapes, impressive karst formations, and a wealth of activities for hikers, climbers, and winter sports enthusiasts. As the highest peak in both Styria and Upper Austria, the Hohe Dachstein (2,995 m) is not only a draw for mountaineers but also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.

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:

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.

Nestled in the picturesque Alps of Upper Styria, the Basilica of Mariazell attracts over a million visitors each year, making it Austria’s most significant pilgrimage church. Its origins date back to the 12th century when a monk named Magnus carried a miraculous lindenwood statue of Mary to this spot. According to legend, his path was blocked by a massive rock. When he set down the 48 cm statue, the rock miraculously split, allowing him to continue. Today, the statue is venerated as the "Magna Mater Austriae" and is adorned annually with an intricately designed ceremonial robe. More than 150 of these robes are on display in the church’s treasury.

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.

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.

The striking Rax massif in the Northern Limestone Alps rises to its highest point, the Heukuppe, at 2007 meters and offers you an impressive hiking area with its vast karst plateau. Since the first documented ascent by Charles de l'Écluse in the 16th century, the Rax has become a popular destination, accessible since 1925 by Austria's first tourist cable car.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

The Hohe Dachstein (2,995 m) is the highest peak of the Dachstein massif and a paradise for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Highlights include the Dachstein Skywalk, the Ice Palace, and the thrilling "Stairway to Nothingness", while the surrounding glaciers and caves invite exploration. Whether hiking, climbing, or enjoying winter sports, this mountain on the border of Upper Austria and Styria is one of the most stunning destinations for outdoor lovers.

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.

At 2015 meters high, Hauser Kaibling is the tallest peak of the Schladming 4-Mountain Ski Area. This mountain, which hosted the Alpine Ski World Championships in 1982, now offers you 16 slopes of varying difficulty, all accessible via 11 modern lifts.

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.

Just a stone's throw from Murau, this ski resort offers 42 diverse kilometers of slopes and a state-of-the-art 10-seater gondola. Whether you prefer carving down the slopes, testing your freestyle moves in the snowpark, or exploring the Dino Park with the kids – there’s something here for everyone.

Strategically located in the wild and romantic Feistritz Gorge, the fortified Herberstein Castle rises as a true gem of Styria. On the expansive grounds, you can take a guided tour of the castle, stroll through enchanting historic gardens, and visit the integrated Herberstein Zoo, featuring Europe’s best cheetah enclosure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the Loipersdorf Spa, one of the largest thermal facilities in Styria, you can expect a diverse water world spread over 36,000 m² with three different areas. The 62-degree mineral-rich thermal water, discovered by chance during a drilling in 1972, is proven to provide relaxation and stress relief.

The Hochkar in the Ybbstaler Alps, standing at 1,808 meters, is not only an impressive mountain massif but also the most important winter sports area in Lower Austria. Here, you can enjoy 20 kilometers of slopes and nine lift facilities, including six chairlifts.

With the Schöckl cable car, you glide in modern 6-person panoramic gondolas from St. Radegund to an altitude of 1,436 meters in just 7 minutes. The cable car, which opened in 1951 and was completely modernized in 1995, transports around 150,000 visitors each year and operates in both summer and winter.

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!

In the pristine wilderness of the Styrian Salzkammergut, this idyllic mountain lake is sheltered by the steep walls of the Totes Gebirge. Its clear, enigmatic depths, reaching up to 103 meters, lack oxygen below 20 meters, turning the lake into a natural archive and deterring divers. The lake gained fame through legends of sunken treasures and secret Nazi operations, including counterfeit British banknotes from the WWII era.

Are you ready for a real adventure? Head to Erzberg in Styria, the largest open-pit iron ore mine in Central Europe! Here, you'll find not only the impressive terraced mining areas, resembling a giant pyramid rising into the sky, but also thrilling experiences: Hop aboard an 860-horsepower Hauly to witness active mining operations, feel the power of a live detonation, or explore underground tunnels in the show mine.

The lake, nestled in the heart of the Styrian Salzkammergut, is one of those places where time seems to pass more slowly. Framed by the peaks of the Loser and Trisselwand, it captivates with its unspoiled shores, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquility that is truly infectious. Whether you stroll along the leisurely 7.5 km circular path, take a dip from one of the small swimming piers, or explore the lake aboard a solar-powered catamaran, the focus here is on the little things that soothe the soul.

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."

In the world's largest monastery library at Stift Admont, you will find an impressive 70-meter-long Baroque hall from the 18th century, crowned by seven intricately painted domes. The library, designed by Josef Hueber and completed in 1776, houses not only 70,000 books but also over 1,400 valuable manuscripts, more than half of which date back to the Middle Ages.

At the Graz Castle, you will find an architectural masterpiece from the late 15th century: the double spiral staircase. Built under Maximilian I., this structure features two spiraling staircases that wind in opposite directions, briefly merging on each floor before separating again.

As a monumental testament to the Counter-Reformation, the St. Catherine's Church rises with its magnificent mausoleum above the old town of Graz. The ensemble, built by Giovanni Pietro de Pomis between 1614 and 1714, is one of the most significant examples of Mannerist architecture in Austria and houses the largest burial site of the Habsburgs.

If you’re looking for a little break in Graz, head to the Augarten. This approximately 7.5-hectare park lies right on the left bank of the Mur River. Once a floodplain forest (hence the name), it’s now a favorite spot for relaxation.

The Hauptplatz is the central hub of the city, a spot no visitor can miss. Dominated by the magnificent Town Hall, built in the 19th century, the square blends historic charm with modern vibrancy. Located in the heart of the old town, it’s the perfect starting point to explore nearby attractions like the Schlossberg with its Clock Tower or the Kunsthaus Graz.

Located right in the heart of Graz, just a stone's throw from the Schlossberg and the opera house, this popular park is a true urban oasis. Originally created in 1869 on the site of the old Glacis outside the city walls, it remains a favorite spot for Graz locals, students, and tourists alike to enjoy an afternoon or weekend stroll.

At the Austrian Open-Air Museum south of Graz, you can experience the rural cultural history of Austria up close on 65 hectares of expansive grounds. More than 100 historical buildings from six centuries— the oldest dating back to 1452—have been authentically reconstructed here, providing genuine insights into the peasant life of the past.

The Lurgrotte between Semriach and Peggau is the largest active water cave in Austria, stretching over 10 kilometers, and you can explore it from two entrances. Since its discovery in 1894 by Max Brunello, the cave has a dramatic history - in the same year, seven trapped researchers had to be rescued in a spectacular operation.

At the foot of the impressive Seemauer in the western Hochschwab mountains, you will find Lake Leopoldstein, a crystal-clear mountain lake at an elevation of 628 meters. Fed by underground springs, the lake stretches 1400 meters in length and 370 meters in width, and it is named after the nearby Schloss Leopoldstein.

At the Graz Castle Hill, you can look forward to the impressive open-air stage of the Kasemattenbühne, located in the historic vaults of the former castle complex from the 12th century. This venue was established in 1937 with the opening performance of Beethoven's "Fidelio" and has been renovated several times since, most recently in 2009.

In the historic Botanical Garden of the University of Graz, located on Schubertstraße since 1887, you will find a fascinating blend of old and new garden architecture. The modern greenhouses, designed by architect Volker Giencke, impress with their distinctive structure of aluminum arches and curved acrylic glass, housing tropical, temperate, and succulent plant worlds. The historic greenhouse from 1889, which was saved from demolition through community efforts and has been beautifully renovated since 2021, perfectly complements the garden. You can explore the garden daily from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and from mid-May to mid-September even until 4:30 PM.

As part of the Universalmuseum Joanneum, the Neue Galerie Graz has been showcasing contemporary and modern art since 1941 through changing exhibitions. Originally located in the historic Palais Herberstein, you can now find the gallery in the newly designed Joanneumsviertel since 2011, where it merged with the Kunsthaus Graz.

The impressive Heart of Jesus Church in the Graz district of St. Leonhard captivates with its 109.6-meter-high tower, the third tallest church tower in Austria. This neo-Gothic brick building, constructed between 1881 and 1887 on the initiative of Prince Bishop Johann Baptist Zwerger, stands out with its two-level layout featuring an upper and lower church.

In the small Styrian town of Bärnbach, you can find an architectural gem: the only sacred building in the world designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The originally simple post-war church from the 1950s was completely transformed by the famous artist in 1987/88 and now shines in typical Hundertwasser style with colorful ceramic elements, vibrant plaster, and a gilded onion dome.

The Kulm Ski Flying Hill is one of the largest ski flying hills in the world, accommodating up to 90,000 spectators. Since the first ski jumping event in 1950, the facility has become one of the most significant competition venues in ski flying, as evidenced by six world championships held between 1975 and 2024.

At the foot of the Gemeindealpe, you will find the Erlaufsee, a mountain lake on the border between Lower Austria and Styria, which even inspired Franz Schubert to write a song. With its natural beach, clear water, and fascinating underwater landscape, it is now a paradise for swimmers, divers, and anglers.

The 1,445-meter-high Schöckl is the southernmost prominent peak of the Graz mountains and has a long history – even Johannes Kepler climbed it in 1601, while today hikers, mountain bikers, and paragliders populate the mountain.

In the picturesque West Styria, you’ll find the Lipizzaner Stud Farm Piber, the birthplace of the world-famous white stallions of Vienna’s Spanish Riding School. Surrounded by rolling hills and Baroque architecture, the stud farm offers a fascinating glimpse into the over 400-year-old tradition of Lipizzaner breeding, recognized as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Majestically, Trautenfels Castle sits on a rocky outcrop at the foot of Grimming, overseeing the former salt trade routes of the Enns Valley since the 13th century. Originally known as Neuhaus, the building was transformed into its current baroque style by Count Siegmund Friedrich von Trauttmansdorff, who lavishly renovated it between 1670 and 1672.

The Wasserlochklamm in Styria impresses with five large waterfalls that stretch over a length of 900 meters and a height difference of 350 meters. You can explore the entire gorge via a wooden staircase and marvel at one of Austria's largest springs - the Palfauer Wasserloch discharges an average of 2,000 liters of water per second. Under special weather conditions, this amount can even increase twentyfold in just 20 minutes. The entrance to the gorge, with ticket sales and a guesthouse, is located in Schönau on the Hochschwab Straße B24.

In the picturesque valley northwest of Graz, you will find Stift Rein, the oldest existing Cistercian monastery in the world, founded in 1129 by Margrave Leopold the Strong. The originally Romanesque basilica was magnificently transformed into a Baroque masterpiece in the 18th century and now impresses with intricate frescoes by Joseph Adam von Mölk and a historic organ from 1772. The significant monastery library houses around 100,000 items, including valuable medieval manuscripts.

The Styrian Sea is picturesquely nestled in the Styrian Salzkammergut, captivating visitors with its crystal-clear, drinking-quality water and stunning mountain scenery. Styria's largest lake invites you to enjoy swimming at free-access beaches, sailing, diving, and romantic boat tours, including the famous 3-Lake Tour from Gößl to the Toplitzsee and Kammersee.