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Discover Austria: How to make the most of 24 hours in Graz

Although not as popular a tourist destination as Vienna or Salzburg, Austria’s second-largest city has a unique charm and plenty to offer to make a 24-hour stay in Graz worthwhile.

Discover Austria: How to make the most of 24 hours in Graz
The Styrian capital of Graz, in Austria (Photo by Yasen Iliev on Unsplash)

In southeast Austria near the Slovenian border, Graz is a former Slavic settlement dating back to the 12th century. Its rich historical and cultural heritage, mixed with its recent resurgence as a design city, makes for a compelling combination, reflected by the bold modern buildings that have cropped up to complement the more traditional Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

This unique blend of styles has earned Graz international recognition: its old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, and it has held a UNESCO City of Design Title since 2011. 

Graz is not just renowned for its architecture: the city is Austria’s officially designated culinary capital, partly because its position between the Styrian alps and the fertile Grazerfeld basin makes it an ideal setting for agricultural production.

If you are planning to visit Graz but only have a short window of time– perhaps an afternoon arrival and an afternoon departure the following day– read on to discover all you can see with The Local’s guide to 24 hours in Graz.  

READ ALSO: Vienna vs Graz: Which city is better for foreign residents?

The old town of Graz at sunset (Photo by Imran Hečimović on Unsplash)

Start in the old town

Graz’s historic old town, just east of the Mur River that cuts through the city, offers plenty to explore in the first few hours after your arrival. Start by getting an aerial view of the renowned district by climbing the Schlossberg, a nearby hill home to the remains of a medieval fortress that now serves as a public park. 

To get up and down, you can either take on the 260-step, zig-zagging staircase built into the hill face or enjoy a ride on the Schlossberg Funicular or the Schlossberg Lift

Aside from its stunning views of the Graz landscape, Schlossberg’s main attraction is the Uhrturm (clocktower), whose white facade, wooden balconies, and striking clock face endear it to locals and tourists alike. In fact, Graz residents valued the Uhrturm so much that they paid the French a sizable ransom not to destroy it during the Napoleonic wars in the early 1800s. 

Once you’ve made your way back down, you can start exploring the old town proper, which has a variety of intriguing sites all within walking distance. For example, if you want to learn more about the region’s military history, you could check out the Styrian Armoury, which holds 32,000 artefacts used in war, making it one of the largest collections of arms in the world. 

READ ALSO: Discover Austria: How to make the most of 24 hours in Innsbruck

Meanwhile, the Graz Cathedral and the neighbouring Ferdinand Mausoleum provide excellent examples of the traditional architecture in the city. The cathedral was constructed in 1438 and features a Gothic exterior and Baroque interior. The mausoleum, considered among the most beautiful in Europe, was commissioned by Emperor Ferdinand II in the 17th century. Its design has an evident Italian influence, and you’ll also be able to appreciate the many religious sculptures and paintings inside. 

Conclude your sightseeing with a stroll through the Hauptplatz (main square) and up to Sporgasse, an ancient winding road known for its colourful, scenic storefronts. At the top, you can reward yourself with a pastry at the Höfbackerei, which features a stunning carved wood entryway to go along with delicious treats. 

A tower in Graz. Here are some of the important changes you should be aware of in Austria this month. Image: Pixabay

Graz’s clocktower. Image: Pixabay

Finish the day off at the Univiertel

Speaking of food, you’ll likely be hungry after a day of exploring. Thankfully, Graz’s old town has plenty to offer, including many vegan and vegetarian options. But if you want to venture further afield, consider visiting one of the many Bausatzlokale in Graz’s Univiertel, a bit further east. These restaurants let you choose the ingredients for your dish, whether a pizza or a baked potato. 

Given Graz has a student population of 60,000 or so, this area will be bustling in the evening, and you’ll find plenty of bars if you want to cap off your night with a drink.

READ ALSO: One day in Vienna: How to spend 24 hours in the Austrian capital

The Austrian city of Graz. Photo by Daniel J. Schwarz on Unsplash

(Photo by Daniel J. Schwarz on Unsplash)

Spend the next day across the river

On the following morning, check out the western side of the city. As you cross the river, make sure to stop at the Murinsel. An example of the city’s modern flair, this glass, a dome-like structure constructed in 2003, links two pedestrian bridges which span the river. Inside is a café where you can enjoy a coffee and a strudel as the river flows beneath you.

On the west bank, just south of the Mur Insel, lies another curious structure that exemplifies the city’s new design identity: Kunsthaus Graz. Also built in 2003, the Kunsthaus’s description-defying design has seen it dubbed the ‘friendly alien.’ Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of modern art.  

Finally, you can walk a few minutes north and wrap up your visit by grabbing a bite to eat at one of Graz’s famous farmers’ markets: Bauernmarkt am Lendplatz. Open every day except Sunday, here you can get a taste of the local Styrian produce Graz has to offer, like apples, pumpkins, and ham. 

Alternatively, you could walk south for a larger meal at Der Steirer, a well-known spot where you can get a traditional backhendl or choose from their myriad selection of Styrian tapas dishes. They also have a wine shop where you can taste the local varieties. 

With that, your action-packed 24-hour stay in Graz should be complete. Viel Spaß!

READ ALSO: What you need to know before travelling to Austria in spring 2023

Did we miss your favourite spot or do you have an insider tip you want to share? Leave us a comment below or email us at [email protected]

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Discover Austria: 7 must-see destinations for a spring break

The best way to blow away the winter cobwebs is by planning a spring adventure. And there's no better place to explore than Austria.

Discover Austria: 7 must-see destinations for a spring break

Austria is usually known as a winter destination, but it’s a beautiful country to explore in the spring too. 

In the east, flowers and trees come to life in cities and the countryside, and snow capped mountains sparkle in the spring sunshine in the west.

The only downside is that the weather can be unpredictable with spells of sunshine often interrupted by rainfall. And the west can still get snow flurries until May. 

FOR MEMBERS: Six of the best things to do in spring in Vienna

But as long as you don’t mind packing for two seasons, there is plenty to see and do during spring in Austria.

Here are seven places to visit for a spring adventure in the Alpine Republic.

Winemaker Nikolaus Saahs, 34, poses for a picture in one of his vineyards overlooking Wachau Valley near Mautern, Lower Austria, on August 21, 2014. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP)

Wachau

At the top of your list for a spring destination in Austria should be the Wachau – a region in Lower Austria that runs alongside the Danube River and is home to many vineyards and pretty villages.

Between March and April, the Wachau comes to life as around 100,000 apricot trees come into bloom. Spring is also the time when winegrowers open their taverns after a winter break, so it’s a great opportunity to sample some local food and drink.

To really make the most of the region, the best way is to hike the Wachau World Heritage Trail. This is a 180 km trail broken down into 14 stages (so you don’t have to do it all). Most people start in Krems and the trail takes you along the river, past vineyards and historical locations. 

Salzkammergut

In the Salzburg region, famous for its stunning lakes and mountains, try out the Salzkammergut cycle path this spring. It is 337 km-long and runs past 13 lakes.

Some of the main sights along the way include the city of Salzburg, spas in Bad Aussee and Bad Mitterndorf, the famous world heritage site of Hallstatt and the beautiful Grundlsee.

May is recommended as one of the best months to enjoy the Salzkammergut cycle path before the main summer season starts. However, there could still be some chilly days on the higher elevations, so be sure to pack a warm jacket before setting off.

READ MORE: What you need to know before travelling to Austria in spring 2023

A chilly and beautiful spring morning in Zillertal, Austria (Photo by Simon Maisch on Unsplash)

Zillertal

Spring is a great time to visit the Zillertal valley in Tyrol as you can enjoy activities like hiking and cycling, as well as winter sports.

Most ski resorts close around early to mid-April, depending on the conditions. But the Hintertux Glacier is open all year round, so you can get your skiing fix while enjoying the spring sunshine.

The Zillertal Valley is also a great place to get back to nature with lush green meadows and gently sloping mountains. Or visit the popular hiking village of Ginzling, which sits at 1,000 metres above sea level and is a base for exploring the region by foot.

The Austrian city of Graz. Photo by Daniel J. Schwarz on Unsplash

The Austrian city of Graz. Photo by Daniel J. Schwarz on Unsplash

Graz

In southeast Austria near the Slovenian border, Graz is a former Slavic settlement dating back to the 12th century. It has a rich historical and cultural heritage with modern buildings sitting next to more traditional Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

This unique blend of styles has earned Graz international recognition: the Altstadt (Old Town) has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, and it has held a UNESCO City of Design title since 2011. 

Graz is also known as a culinary destination, which makes it an ideal choice for a spring weekend city break. Explore the Aldstadt by foot and discover its many restaurants, including vegan and vegetarian options. Or check out the farmer’s market Bauernmarkt am Lendplatz, on the other side of the river to pick up some local produce.

READ ALSO: Discover Austria: How to make the most of 24 hours in Graz

Eisenstadt

Eisenstadt is the capital of Burgenland – Austria’s most eastern province and prominent wine growing region. It is also just 50 minutes from Vienna by car, making it a great location for a spring getaway.

Although a small city, Eisenstadt is packed with culture and a thriving culinary scene, with the districts of ​​St. Georgen and Kleinhöflein most famous for Heurigen wine taverns and restaurants. 

A highlight in Eisenstadt is the Schloss Esterházy – a beautiful baroque palace that was built in the 13th Century. It is also home to Haydnsaal, a concert hall in memory of the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn from the Classical period.

And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, the city of Bratislava in Slovakia is just one hour away across the border. 

READ ALSO: Discover Austria: How to make the most of 24 hours in Innsbruck

Lake Lünersee, in Austria (Photo by Andreas Weilguny on Unsplash)

Lake Lünersee

Lüner Lake – known as the pearl of the Alps – is a large lake in Vorarlberg, near the town of Bludenz. In springtime it’s known for hiking trails and enjoying the fresh mountain air without the crowds of summer.

The Lünerseebahn (cable car) operates from mid-May and takes you from the valley station in Brandnertal (1583 metres) to Lüner Lake at 1983 metres. Alternatively, you can hike 2 km via the Böser Tritt to reach the lake.

However, some trails in the Alps can still be covered with snow in spring, so always do some research before venturing into the mountains. And if you want to stay overnight, the only place available at Lüner Lake is the Douglass Hütte that opens in mid-May.

READ ALSO: How to keep safe and avoid problems when hiking in the Austrian Alps

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The High Alpine Road takes you on a stunning drive through the Alps to Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner, which sits at 3,798 metres above sea level. The road is located in the Hohe Tauern National Park and extends across Salzburg, Tyrol and Carinthia.

The mountain pass is open to tourists from early May from 6am to 8pm and can only be accessed with a ticket. You can buy a day ticket, a three-week ticket, a season pass or a round-trip ticket. Motorcyclists can also take advantage of a tour ticket which allows for reduced entry to the Villacher Alpine Road.

There are also several mountain huts and restaurants along the route to sample some authentic Alpine cuisine, or simply enjoy the view on a sunny terrace.

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