SOUTHERN AUSTRIA
This region is an alpine paradise known for its rolling green hills, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Southern Austria offers travelers a blend of stunning natural beauty, rich thermal spa culture, and hearty, traditional cuisine. It’s the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers and those seeking tranquil relaxation.
Why Visit Southern Austria?
A “Green Heart” for Nature: Explore the expansive Styrian Wine Route or relax by the warm, turquoise waters of Carinthia’s lakes, perfect for swimming and sailing.
Thermal Spa Culture: Styria is famous for its natural thermal springs and luxurious spa resorts, providing a perfect escape for wellness and relaxation.
Culinary Delights: Taste the regional specialties, including the iconic Styrian pumpkin seed oil and robust Carinthian pasta pockets, Kärntner Kasnudeln.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit, with warm, pleasant weather for hiking and cycling, and far fewer crowds than in mid-summer. It’s also the best time for wine tasting in Styria.
Deep Off-Season (November-April): This is the season for winter sports, particularly skiing in Carinthia, and enjoying the thermal spas. You’ll find the best value on accommodation outside of major ski holidays.
Peak Season (July-August): The weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for swimming in the lakes. Be prepared for higher prices and crowds, especially around the major Carinthian lakes like Wörthersee.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Styria (Steiermark)
Styria, often called the “Green Heart of Austria,” is known for its beautiful mix of mountains, forests, and rolling vineyards. The capital, Graz, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with vibrant architecture and a lively culinary scene. The Thermal Region in the southeast is a wellness hub.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience Styria’s culinary and scenic charm, rent a car and drive the Styrian Wine Route (Südsteirische Weinstraße) in September or October to see the harvest.
Carinthia (Kärnten)
Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost state, is defined by its abundance of warm, swimmable lakes—such as Wörthersee, Faaker See, and Ossiacher See—and its proximity to the Alps. The region is a favorite for water sports, hiking, and skiing. Its capital is the historic city of Klagenfurt.
Your Smart Tip: Avoid the summer crowds and high prices of Wörthersee by visiting the slightly more tranquil Faaker See or Weissensee, which offer equally stunning natural beauty.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is generally moderate continental. Summers are warm and can be humid, particularly around the lakes. Winters are cold, with heavy snowfall in the mountain areas of both regions, making them ideal for skiing.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: German is the official language. Carinthians often speak a distinctive dialect. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Greeting: A handshake is the standard greeting. In more rural areas, a simple “Guten Tag” (good day) or a local “Servus” is polite.
Dining: Tipping is customary in restaurants (usually rounding up to the nearest 5%–10%). It is polite to wait until you are seated by the staff.
Attire: Dress is typically casual and practical, especially for outdoor activities, but a slightly smarter look is appreciated in upmarket restaurants.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels (€30–€60), mid-range hotels (€80–€140), luxury (€160+). Lake-view rooms in Carinthia during peak season will be significantly more expensive.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu (€12–€25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant (€30–€55 per person), fine dining (€70+).
Transport: Car rental (€40/day), train ticket (inter-city).
Activities: Ski pass (€50–€70), thermal spa entrance (€25–€40).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: €70–€100 (hostels, market food, public transport).
- Mid-range: €120–€200 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: €220+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car is highly recommended for exploring the Styrian Wine Route and getting to remote hiking trails or smaller lakes in Carinthia. Roads are excellent.
By Train: An efficient rail network connects major cities (Graz, Klagenfurt) but is less practical for exploring smaller, rural towns.
By Bus: The regional bus network is reliable and connects smaller towns to the train stations.
Must-Try Food
Kärntner Kasnudeln: Carinthian pasta pockets filled with curd cheese, herbs, and mint, typically served with melted butter.
Steirisches Kürbiskernöl: The globally famous Styrian pumpkin seed oil, used on salads, soups, and even ice cream. Look for the dark green PGI-stamped bottles.
Buschenschank Jause: A platter of regional cold meats (cured ham, smoked bacon), cheeses, spreads, and coarse bread, served at traditional wine taverns.
Eierschwammerl Gulasch: A hearty stew made with chanterelle mushrooms, cream, and dumplings, a favorite in the summer and autumn.
Brettljause: A platter of cold cuts and cured meats, similar to the Buschenschank Jause, served on a wooden board.
Wurzelfleisch: A simple boiled pork dish served with root vegetables and horseradish.
Steirischer Backhendl: Deliciously crisp, deep-fried chicken, a classic Styrian specialty.
Krapfen: A large, sweet doughnut often filled with apricot jam, especially popular during carnival season.
Reindling: A yeast cake (often swirled with raisins, cinnamon, and sugar) from Carinthia, baked in a clay pot.
Apfelstrudel: A classic Austrian pastry of thin dough rolled around a spiced apple filling.
Must-Try Drinks
Steirischer Wein: Styrian wine, particularly the dry white varieties like Sauvignon Blanc (often called “Steirische Morillon”) and Welschriesling.
Schilcher: A unique, tart, rosé wine exclusive to Western Styria, made from the indigenous Blauer Wildbacher grape.
Most: A type of cider or perry (pear cider), often slightly fermented, a popular drink in rural areas.
Zirbenschnaps: A pine cone liqueur made from the cones of the Swiss stone pine, a traditional schnapps from the high mountain areas.
Obstbrand/Schnaps: A variety of clear fruit brandies distilled from pears, plums, or apples.
Almdudler: Austria’s famous non-alcoholic herbal lemonade, often described as an “alpine soft drink.”
Sturm: Partially fermented new wine, cloudy and sweet, only available in the autumn (September/October) during the harvest.
Gösser Beer: A popular, high-quality Austrian beer originally brewed in Leoben, Styria.
Holundersaft (Elderflower Juice): A refreshing, non-alcoholic drink made from the syrup of elderflowers.
Kaffee (Coffee): Austrian coffee culture is rich; try an Einspänner (black coffee with whipped cream) or a Melange (like a cappuccino).