STYRIA (STEIERMARK)
Styria is the “Green Heart of Austria,” blending soaring Alpine peaks in the north with gentle, vineyard-covered hills in the south. It is a region of stunning natural contrasts.
The vibrant capital, Graz, anchors a diverse land that offers ancient culture, world-class thermal spas, and the rich flavors of its famous wine routes and unique pumpkin seed oil.
Most Popular Attractions
Graz City Core & Heritage:
Schlossberg & Uhrturm (Clock Tower): The iconic hill fortress above Graz, offering panoramic views and housing the city’s famous, unique Clock Tower.
Landeszeughaus (Styrian Armory): The largest historic armory in the world, holding over 32,000 pieces of 17th-century weaponry and armor.
Hauptplatz (Main Square), Graz: The central, bustling square of the UNESCO Old Town, surrounded by beautiful Baroque and Renaissance architecture.
Kunsthaus Graz (Friendly Alien): A futuristic, biomorphic art museum that contrasts strikingly with the surrounding historical architecture.
Murinsel (Mur Island): A floating, shell-shaped platform and café built in the middle of the Mur River, connecting both city banks.
Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg): A magnificent Baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site on the outskirts of Graz, built with symbolic planetary geometry.
Graz Cathedral (Grazer Dom): The principal church of the city, noted for its impressive Gothic architecture and original exterior frescoes.
Alpine Peaks & Natural Wonders:
Dachstein Glacier: Home to the Skywalk, Suspension Bridge, and Ice Palace, offering high-alpine views and year-round snow experiences.
Gesäuse National Park: Known for its dramatic limestone gorges, white-water rivers, and deep forests, ideal for hiking and climbing adventures.
Grüner See (Green Lake): A beautiful lake famous for its shifting emerald-green color, reaching its peak depth and beauty after the spring snowmelt.
Abenteuer Erzberg: The massive former open-pit iron ore mine, offering adventurous tours in huge haulage trucks and underground mining experiences.
Planai-Hochwurzen: A major ski and mountain biking resort area near Schladming, offering a wide range of slopes and mountain trails.
Lake Altaussee: A picturesque, crystal-clear lake located in the Salzkammergut region, famed for its serene beauty and clear waters.
Ramsau am Dachstein: A scenic plateau known for cross-country skiing in winter and panoramic hiking in the summer months.
Castles, Abbeys & History:
Riegersburg Castle (Burg Riegersburg): A magnificent, imposing fortress built atop a volcanic rock, featuring museums on witches and weaponry.
Admont Abbey (Stift Admont): A world-renowned Benedictine monastery housing the largest and most breathtaking monastery library in the world.
Mariazell Basilica: Austria’s most important pilgrimage church, featuring a stunning Baroque high altar and a revered wooden statue of the Virgin Mary.
Schloss Herberstein: A fairy-tale castle complex combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, surrounded by historical gardens and a large zoo.
Piber Lippizzaner Stud Farm: The origin and breeding center of the famous white stallions used by the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.
Österreichisches Freilichtmuseum Stübing: A large open-air museum preserving historic farmhouses, stables, and mills from across Austria.
Schloss Trautenfels: A historic castle functioning as a regional museum, focusing on the nature and culture of the surrounding landscape.
Culinary & Wellness Trails:
South Styrian Wine Road (Südsteirische Weinstraße): A scenic route through rolling hills known as “Styrian Tuscany,” famous for its white wines and Buschenschanken (wine taverns).
Rogner Bad Blumau: A unique thermal spa complex designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, known for its playful, colorful, and sustainable architecture.
Zotter Chocolate Factory (Schokoladen Manufaktur Zotter): An immersive, ethical chocolate-making experience with an extensive “edible zoo” of tasting stations.
Volcano Land (Vulkanland Steiermark): A region of dormant volcanoes famous for thermal spas, regional delicacies, and artisan products like Gölles Vinegar.
Bad Radkersburg: A historic old town and spa destination in the south, known for its thermal water and picturesque cycling trails along the Mur River.
The Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil Route: Explore farms producing the regional specialty, Kürbiskernöl, a dark green, nutty oil with protected status.
Activities & Experiences
Explore Graz’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town: Wander through the historic center, visit the Schlossberg hill via funicular or glass lift for panoramic views, and see the iconic Clock Tower and the futuristic Kunsthaus Graz (“Friendly Alien”).
Drive the South Styrian Wine Route (Südsteirische Weinstraße): Cruise through the rolling hills, stop at wineries, and taste the region’s famous white wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Schilcher.
Relax at a Thermal Spa: Visit one of Styria’s famous thermal resorts, such as the unique Rogner Bad Blumau (designed by Hundertwasser) or Therme Loipersdorf, for a day of wellness and healing waters.
Hike in Gesäuse National Park: Experience the rugged beauty of the “Ennstal Alps” with dramatic gorges, pristine rivers, and excellent trails for hiking, climbing, and white-water activities like kayaking.
Tour Riegersburg Castle: Take a lift or hike up to this impressive, well-preserved fortress perched on a volcanic rock, offering exhibitions on medieval life and a popular birds of prey show.
Indulge in a Brettljause at a Buschenschank: Visit a traditional wine tavern (Buschenschank) to sample a wooden platter (Brettljause) of local cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and homemade spreads, paired with local wine.
Discover the Dachstein Glacier: Ride the cable car up to the glacier for breathtaking alpine views. Cross the Suspension Bridge, test your courage on the Stairway to Nothingness, and visit the Ice Palace.
Visit the Zotter Chocolate Factory: Take an interactive, “all-you-can-eat” tour of this famous organic, bean-to-bar chocolate factory near Riegersburg, tasting countless varieties along the way.
Follow a Scenic Route: Drive one of the themed routes like the Styrian Castle Road (connecting over 40 castles and palaces) or the Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil Route to see how the region’s culinary specialties are made.
Experience the Red Bull Ring: Visit the renowned motorsport racetrack in Spielberg, offering a variety of driving experiences, tours, or the chance to attend major events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Austria.
Immerse Yourself in Culture at an Abbey: Explore the magnificent Admont Abbey with its world-famous Baroque library, or visit the historic pilgrimage site of Basilika Mariazell.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Recommended (Especially for Wine Routes & Alps): A rental car provides the most flexibility to explore the diverse landscapes, including the mountains, thermal spa region, and the winding roads of the wine country (e.g., Südsteirische Weinstraße). Be aware that a toll sticker (Vignette) is required for all Austrian motorways.
Graz Public Transport: The capital city of Graz has an excellent public transport network of trams and buses.
Free Tram Zone (Altstadt-Bim): The center of Graz offers a free tram zone between Hauptplatz and Jakominiplatz (plus one stop in both directions), which covers most of the main sights in the old town.
Graz Card: If you plan on using public transport frequently in Graz and visiting multiple attractions, consider purchasing the Graz Card for unlimited travel and free or reduced admission to many sights.
Schlossberg Access: You can reach the top of the Schlossberg by the Schlossberg funicular (Schlossbergbahn), the glass Schlossberg lift, or on foot via scenic steps.
Regional Rail & Bus:
ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways): The national rail network connects major towns (e.g., Graz, Leoben, Schladming). The S-Bahn Styria network provides frequent commuter train services in the Graz central region.
Shared Taxis (Sammeltaxi): In some rural areas, particularly the wine and thermal regions (e.g., WEINmobil in Southern Styria, SAM in Eastern Styria), shared taxi systems supplement public transport and are excellent for hop-on/hop-off visits to wineries without driving.
The Green Heart & Local Produce: Styria is known as the “Green Heart of Austria” due to its lush forests and fertile land. Its cuisine is heavily focused on fresh, regional, and seasonal produce. Look for local delicacies like:
Kürbiskernöl (Pumpkin Seed Oil): This dark green, nutty-flavored oil is a Styrian specialty and is used on everything from salads to ice cream. Visit a local oil mill (Ölmühle) for a tasting and to see how it’s made.
Schilcher Wine: A rosé wine unique to Western Styria, known for its crisp, refreshing acidity. Don’t leave without trying it!
Woolly Pig (Mangalitza Schwein): A type of woolly pig raised for its quality meat, often found in local cold cuts and specialty restaurants.
Buschenschank Culture: The Buschenschank is a traditional, rustic wine tavern run by the winemakers themselves. By law, they can only serve their own wine and cold food platters (no hot meals). They are identified by a simple bush (Buschen) tied above the entrance. This is the ultimate local experience and should not be missed.
Tracht (Traditional Dress): You will see locals wearing Tracht (traditional regional clothing), especially at festivals and celebrations. The Styrian Tracht for men is a grey-green wool suit, often with a subtle red lining, showcasing a strong sense of regional pride and tradition.
Events & Festivals: Styria hosts many significant events:
Graz’s Styriarte Festival: A prestigious summer festival for classical and early music.
Erzbergrodeo: One of the toughest and largest off-road motorcycle races in the world, held annually at the Erzberg mine.
F1 Grand Prix of Austria: Held at the Red Bull Ring, it’s a major event for motorsport fans.
Hidden Gems:
Piber Lipizzaner Stud Farm: The home of the famous white stallions of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Visitors can see the mares and foals and learn about the breeding of these iconic horses.
Österreichisches Freilichtmuseum Stübing (Open-Air Museum): Located near Graz, this museum showcases historic farmhouses, rural buildings, and villages from all over Austria, giving a fantastic insight into the country’s rural history.
Murinsel (Mur Island): A unique, shell-shaped floating steel platform in the Mur River in Graz, housing a café and amphitheater—a modern architectural landmark.
Salzwelten Altaussee (Salt Mine): Explore the history of salt mining in the Salzkammergut region of Styria on an underground tour.
Top Restaurants
Gösser Bräu [$15-$30] – A large, classic brewery pub in Graz famous for its local beer and hearty, traditional Styrian and Austrian cuisine, including a large beer garden.
Der Steirer [$20-$35] – A trendy and modern take on a classic Austrian “Wirtshaus” in Graz, offering contemporary Styrian cuisine and an excellent selection of local wines.
Geschwister Rauch Wirtshaus [$25-$40] – Located in Bad Gleichenberg, this is the more down-to-earth version of the fine-dining restaurant, serving refined classic Styrian dishes using exceptional regional ingredients.
Wirtshaus Steirereck am Pogusch [$30-$50] – While a destination, this renowned inn outside of Graz is worth the drive for its rustic charm, sophisticated regional cuisine, and ingredients often sourced from their own farm.
Gasthaus Haberl [$25-$40] – A long-standing inn in Ilz that focuses on regional and seasonal culinary traditions, known for high-quality, straightforward cooking and a fine wine list.
Kehlberghof [$25-$45] – A traditional Austrian restaurant in Graz with a view over the city, offering a mix of classic dishes like Schnitzel and seasonal specialties.
Die Weinbank – Wirtshaus [$30-$50] – The casual side of the critically acclaimed Die Weinbank in Ehrenhausen, serving regional cuisine at its very best, including Styrian char and refined traditional dishes.
Lilli Wirtshaus [$20-$35] – A popular inn in Fehring offering elevated traditional pub cuisine with a charming garden and a welcoming atmosphere.
Buschenschank Reingruber [$15-$25] – A traditional Buschenschank (seasonal wine tavern) in the South Styrian Wine Road, offering a classic Brettljause (cold platter) and homemade wine in a rustic, authentic setting.
Buschenschank Kraus-Ledinegg vlg. Gritsch [$15-$25] – Located in Großklein, this traditional Buschenschank is known for its genuine hospitality, homemade wines, and classic cold snacks.
Zur alten Post Stainz [$20-$35] – A historic and charming inn in Stainz, famous for traditional Schilcher wine region cuisine.
Wirtshaus Kogel 3 [$20-$35] – A farm-to-table inn near Leibnitz, focusing on high-quality regional products and a genuine Styrian experience.
Wirtshaus Lilli & Jojo [$25-$40] – A pretty inn in the vineyards of Gamlitz, known for its focus on light, seasonal, and regional cuisine, with a fabulous view.
Gasthaus zum Göller [$15-$30] – A museum restaurant at the Austrian Open Air Museum in Stübing, perfect for traditional, hearty Austrian food in an authentic, rural setting.
Alpengasthof Eichtbauer [$15-$30] – Located directly on the ski slope in Spital am Semmering, offering all-day hot cuisine with regional specialties and an alpine atmosphere.
Johanns Living [$40-$70] – An intimate fine-dining spot in Bruck an der Mur, offering a dynamic, new and modern interpretation of down-to-earth traditional dishes.
Restaurant Artis [$60-$90] – A highly-regarded, modern restaurant in Graz known for its creative, surprise multi-course menus focusing on excellent international ingredients.
Die Weinbank – Restaurant [$80-$130] – A top-tier restaurant in Ehrenhausen where Chef Gerhard Fuchs excels at regional cuisine, incorporating elements from Friuli and Istria, with a focus on wine pairing.
Schlosskeller Südsteiermark [$80-$120] – A premier destination for creative and meticulously crafted, locally sourced new Styrian cuisine, offering a surprise menu in a stunning setting near Leibnitz.
La Pura [$30-$50] – A stylish and popular restaurant in Graz offering a modern, creative menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a lively atmosphere.
Restaurant Caylend [$40-$70] – Located in Graz, this restaurant offers a delightful fusion of exotic and Styrian cuisine, known for its high-quality fish and creative presentation.
Dreizehn by Gauster [$50-$80] – A modern and stylish restaurant in Graz offering a diverse and high-quality dining experience with a creative menu.
Restaurant Wörgötter – Fine Dining [$70-$100] – The fine-dining area of the restaurant in Ligist, blending modern culinary techniques with local ingredients.
Lilli Fine Dining [$80-$120] – The more sophisticated part of Lilli in Fehring, offering an elegant, contemporary dining experience with a focus on local produce.
Restaurant broadmoar [$80-$120] – Located in Sankt Josef, this modern spot offers plated meals, including a regional fine-dining approach with dishes served in different sizes.
ZeitRAUM by Stefan Eder [$90-$140] – Located in Sankt Kathrein am Offenegg, this fine-dining experience is known for its modern and elegant furnishings and complex, multi-layered dishes.
Harald Irka am Pfarrhof [$90-$150] – Located in Sankt Andrä im Sausal, Harald Irka is a master of clear, high-quality, and deeply conceptual creative cuisine, often featuring unique dishes.
Geschwister Rauch Restaurant [$100-$160] – Located in Bad Gleichenberg, Richard Rauch is a top Austrian chef who offers constantly experimenting, highly-refined cuisine rooted in the Styrian region.
Zur Goldenen Birn [$80-$120] – A fine dining restaurant at the Parkhotel Graz, where the kitchen team presents a multi-course menu with great finesse and attention to detail.
Sattlerhof Genießerrestaurant [$90-$140] – Located in Gamlitz, this restaurant offers sophisticated fine dining with a Styrian twist, influenced by Scandinavian gastronomy, and boasts an impressive wine cellar.
Hotel Steirerschlössl [$80-$120] – Set in a stunning Art Nouveau ambience in Zeltweg, this restaurant serves contemporary takes on Styrian classics with international accents and a focus on regional ingredients.
Terra [$90-$140] – Located below ground in Stainz, this restaurant celebrates refined regional cuisine, away from the usual, with a focus on magnificent, high-quality ingredients.
Saziani Stub’n [$80-$130] – Located in Straden, Chef Christoph Mandl surprises with unpretentious, straightforward, feel-good dishes using regional products and wines from his own estate.
Geiger Alm [$90-$140] – A cozy, rustic mountain hut in Altaussee where Chef Dominik Utassy delivers a cosmopolitan, high-class, multi-course menu with tradition and charm.
Lieperts [$100-$150] – Located in Leutschach an der Weinstraße, this restaurant by Manuel Liepert offers a high-end, innovative surprise menu that connects culinary playfulness with aromatic refinement.
Restaurant Krainer [$100-$160] – Located in Langenwang, this high-end restaurant focuses on new Styrian cuisine, rooted in rural farming, and serves creative, meticulously crafted dishes.
Buschenschank Tscheppe auf der Weinstraße [$15-$25] – A very popular and scenic Buschenschank right on the South Styrian Wine Road, perfect for a traditional cold snack and local wine with a fantastic view.
Delikatessen Frankowitsch [$15-$30] – A Graz institution famous for its traditional, open-faced sandwiches and gourmet delicatessen, perfect for a casual lunch or snack.
Restaurant SCHLOSSBERG [$25-$45] – Offers stunning panoramic views of Graz from atop the Schlossberg, with a seasonal regional cuisine menu and a popular self-service Biergarten.
Fischerhütte [$20-$40] – Located right by the legendary Toplitzsee, this restaurant is the place to go for fresh trout and char from the local waters, in a classic, rustic setting.
El Gaucho im Landhaus [$35-$60] – A renowned steakhouse in Graz, located within historic walls, offering perfectly prepared steaks from locally raised beef and a great atmosphere.
Mohrenwirt [$20-$40] – Located near Graz, this restaurant emphasizes organic ingredients, blending tradition with culinary curiosity in a welcoming setting.
El Pescador [$30-$50] – A fish restaurant in Graz reflecting the open-minded attitude of a harbor inn, specializing in high-quality seafood.
Restaurante Lurgbauer [$40-$70] – Located in Mariazell, this restaurant is focused on high-quality seasonal cuisine, with an emphasis on game and traditional dishes.
Contine [$40-$70] – A unique dining experience in Graz with a focus on high-quality, seasonal dishes and an elegant, modern setting.
Ostrea am Pfarrhof [$60-$100] – Harald Irka’s second line in Sankt Andrä im Sausal, dedicated entirely to exquisite, high-level seafood with skillful plays on consistencies and flavors.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Ernst Fuchs Bar (Graz): Located in the city center (Sackstraße), this American Bar is a refined establishment appreciated for its special ambiance with dark walls and gold accents, offering a selection of classic and innovative cocktails like the “Sunshine Basil Smash.”
Kalte Ente (Graz): An American Bar in Graz (Sparbersbachgasse) known for its mixology, creativity in its rotating “Freak of the week” cocktails, and a hidden insider-tip guest garden in the inner courtyard.
The Churchill Bar (Graz): Found in the city’s university quarter (Heinrichstraße), this bar cultivates the art of mixing original cocktails like the Espresso Martini but also embraces trends with fancy names. It offers a cozy, living-room atmosphere.
Bar Amouro (Graz): An opulently stylish bar in the city center (Schmiedgasse) where the focus is on light enjoyment, featuring a mix of classic and exciting new cocktails, often paired with oysters.
O bar (Graz): A pioneer of “cocktails on tap” in the state capital, located near Mariahilferplatz. The bartender is known for his craft, with house-produced brandy being a specialty, including the popular “Porn Star Martini.”
Cohibar (Graz): Situated in the university district (Leonhardstraße), this lounge bar offers an authentic Cuban-Caribbean flair, complete with hot rhythms, classic cocktails, and a selection of premium cigars.
Katze Katze (Graz): Known for its American Bar style in the city center (Schmiedgasse), the themed menu is constantly changing, currently transforming the drinks into a colorful garden with tropical and fruity creations.
Up25 Cocktail Bar (Graz): A stylish spot near Glockenspielplatz, known for its relaxing music and sophisticated cocktail menu, often catering to a slightly older crowd.
SKYBAR Graz (Graz): Perched high above the city, this rooftop bar offers breathtaking views of Graz and an elegant setting for enjoying exquisite, often classic, cocktails.
Salon Marie im Grand Hotel Wiesler (Graz): Located near the Mur River (Grieskai), this hotel bar offers a stylish atmosphere for enjoying classic cocktails like the Cosmopolitan and various gin and spritz variations.
Bar 8020 (Graz): A cozy cocktail and festival bar on Mariahilfstraße, popular for its passion for mixing homemade cocktails, offering a great selection of spirits and freshly tapped craft beer.
RANGOON Relax Cafe – Cocktail (Graz): Situated in the city, this bar is celebrated for its creative cocktail menu, welcoming atmosphere, and strong reputation on the local nightlife scene.
Ginger (Graz): A highly recommended bar in Graz known for its fantastic cocktails, massive selection of gin, and super friendly staff.
Sunny Bar (Loipersdorf bei Fürstenfeld): Found within a spa complex in the thermal region (Schaffelbadstraße), this spot offers a relaxed end to the day with soft blues and jazz, fine wines, and cheeky, fruity cocktail creations (including non-alcoholic options).
Bar im Hotel Liebmann (Laßnitzhöhe): Located outside Graz, this intimate and stylish hotel bar (Liebmannweg) is famous for being the largest gin bar in Styria, with over 270 varieties and regular tastings.
Postgarage (Graz): A major venue in Graz (Dreihackengasse) known for its eclectic music scene, cutting-edge events, and unique ambiance. It boasts two floors and multiple dancefloors, often featuring electronic music and techno.
PPC (Graz): Located centrally in Graz (Neubaugasse), this is a vibrant nightclub and music venue spanning two floors, founded by Radio Soundportal. It is known for its diverse music (rock, pop, electronic, alternative) and concerts.
Kottulinsky – Der Club (Graz): A popular and well-established club in Graz (near the University quarter), often hosting themed nights and known for its vibrant atmosphere and central location for club hopping.
Three Monkeys (Graz): A centrally located club (Elisabethstraße) popular in the university district with a dancefloor and different theme nights, including live music and karaoke. Registration is necessary.
Kulturhauskeller (KULTUS) (Graz): Situated near the university area (Elisabethstraße), this club hosts parties with pop music and a dancefloor, often attracting a younger crowd.
Revolution (Graz): A centrally located club (Beethovenstraße) known for its dancefloor and pop music, catering to an 18-25 age group. It includes a smaller bar called “Murphys.”
gecco cafe – bar – lounge (Graz): Located near the University quarter (Elisabethstraße), this spot is a café/bar during the day that transforms into a club/lounge at night with a focus on pop music.
Matrix (Graz): Found centrally in Graz (Mondscheingasse), this club focuses on rock music, featuring a dancefloor and attracting an 18-25 age group.
Q Club (Graz): A club in Graz (Luthergasse) known for its Hard Rock and Metal music, with a dedicated dancefloor and a specific “scene.”
Nachtexpress (Graz): A small, centrally located bar (Färberplatz) that transitions into a club, often featuring Rock, Punk, and Metal music, a great spot for an alternative crowd.
EVENT FABRIK Niklasdorf (Niklasdorf): Located outside Graz towards Bruck an der Mur, this is a larger event and club location that hosts diverse, often high-energy, themed parties and music events.