Graz in Austria: 9 must-see attractions and tips to plan a tour

 

Graz in Austria, the capital of Styria, offers history, tradition, and modernity. Plan a tour with my tips. Get inspired by the photos.

While I was in Vienna, I had the chance to go to Graz in Austria. It was a day trip. Despite my work meeting, I went a bit around the small city. It is the capital of Styria in Austria and it offers a huge number of attractions. Most of them coming from the past, others as unique examples of modern architecture. I didn't know Graz and I couldn't visit many things, but I am happy about what I see. Of course, I hope to go back there to see more.

I went there by bus in the morning, because I had the time and I wanted to try to enjoy the landscapes, then I went back to Vienna in the evening by train. The organization of both means of transport is at a high level. It didn't surprise me, because Austrians are punctual and precise. The distance between Graz in Austria and the capital of Austria, Vienna, is about 200 kilometers, so with public transports, you need more or less three hours to get there, because of the stops. What to see in Graz? I will answer this question by showing you pictures and writing about what I saw in the small city.

Graz in Austria: some information

Before going deep into the description of my little tour, I want to give you some information about the capital of Styria. There are around 330.000 inhabitants, but part of the soul and the vitality of Graz in Austria comes from the 60.000 students. The city counts six universities and it hosts young people from all over the world. Its historic center is one of the most well preserved in Central Europe and I can guarantee that it is amazing.

Graz in Austria is protected as Unesco Heritage and was Cultural Capital of Europe and City of Culinary Delights. History and culture are surely the keywords for this place. In fact, in every corner, you can read the history and discover the tradition. The soul is not only Austrian because Graz was considered by Slovenes the cultural and political center in past centuries. I highly recommend you to visit this marvelous city. Let me tell you my tour now.

The Castle of Graz in Austria

In Graz, the castle represents one of the main attractions and it is located in the center of the town on a hill. The building was rarely used and partially demolished at the beginning of the 19th century by Napoleonic forces. Italian architects built the fortress in the 16th century and that makes me proud, as you can imagine. In the 10th century, locals created the walls around the castle. Going around you can walk in a superb park and enjoy the view of Graz in Austria from the top. It is amazing. If you like to walk you can use the stairs placed on the rock to go up from the downtown.

The Clock Tower

Visiting the castle of Graz in Austria you have to see the Clock Tower. Its architecture reminds easily the Austrian style, but also the clock itself is very interesting. The advanced mechanism and the decoration are surely the reason why you should see it. But I suggest you enter the tower and enjoy the view from the top. It looks like to be in a fable. The tower is in the middle of the park, with marvelous flowers and trees all around.

Landeszeughaus

Going back to the Graz downtown you can see the museum dedicated to local historical military equipment. Don't worry if this is not the thing you like, because I am mentioning this place for the architecture. The ancient building that hosts permanent exposition is very nice. It deserves a picture, especially for the facade decorations and for the entrance. I let the pictures show why.

Hauptplatz

The main square of Graz in Austria is the real center of the city since the Medieval age. At that time-space was occupied by the market. Now you can see many ancient and prestigious buildings. I suggest when you will be in the square, to focus on the architecture of each construction. It is not only about the shape, but especially for the beautiful decorations and frescoes. The city hall is only one of the important places. In the square, they can still see the wooden porticoes under which exchanges took place. The Sportgasse building offers an impressive façade with late 17th century stuccos.

Opera

The opera of Graz in Austria is another important building. I didn't have the chance to enter, but if you have time put it on your list. The construction is nice and of course, Austria is one of the best countries where to attend classical music concerts and opera. That's why you should go to this place. I can only show you the palace from the outside with my pictures.

Graz double spiral stairs

The regional government in Graz in Austria has a unique headquarter. The Burg is a Gothic building restored and changed many times in the centuries. There are also some elements of the Renaissance and Biedermeier eras. What is curious and original is the way to go up. It looks strange, but a double spiral staircase is real. Yes, when you enter the building the staircase appears like an optical illusion.  Here you can see the pictures.

Mariahilferkirche

In Graz in Austria there are many churches, starting from the cathedral and like Italian, I am used to seeing them. The one I visited is Mariahilferkirche. It was build in the 17th century and partially rebuilt in the 18th century. Entering it looks not rich from the artistic point of view. This may be because it is small, but the altar is superb. Then I saw also a couple of more churches very quickly and I appreciated them. Also if you are not religious, I recommend you to take a look.

Kunsthaus Graz in Austria

History and tradition come out from most of the local buildings, but where is the modernity? Surely from Kunsthaus Graz in Austria. "Friendly Alien" is the name of the Modern Art Gallery. People agree with this definition because it is completely different from everything around. It looks like something came from another planet, like an invasion. It is close to the river and you can see it at the last moment walking on the street. Some buildings hide it, so you are surprised when you have it in front of you.

I am not a fan of contemporary architecture, but I am curious, so I started to go around the building in Graz in Austria, to understand how it was. Well, it is not well combined with the rest of the places there, but maybe, for this reason, you can almost fall in love with it. The gallery expresses perfectly the style of the artworks exposed.

The park

The last thing I saw before to move to the train station was the local park. Very nice, well kept and with some lovely monuments. I let "talk" the few pictures I took there.

Planning the trip to Graz in Austria

I can suggest to you some service providers that will make your trip to Graz in Austria better. Mainly it is the easiest way to organize the journey. To move inside Austria or to go to Austria, Infobus is the best partner. The company offers cheap tickets, but especially it gives you a complete platform. You can search for a plane, a train or a bus. The system finds the best option according to timing and rates. You can compare the various solution and select the best one for yourself. It's easy to surf. The process is fast and you get tickets after the payment directly to your e-mail inbox.

You won't need only a means of transport. To enjoy your trip you have to book a hotel, some excursions. I invite you to check out TEZ Tour. It offers well organized holiday packages. Also, the staff is ready to prepare tailor-made trips for the customers to give unique experiences. They are specialized in European destinations, so you will find a proper service. They take care of each detail for you. There is also assistance during the whole trip for any need. This is a good start for your visit to Graz and Austria.

Conclusions

Just one day in Graz in Austria. The last one before going back to my hotel in Vienna and the morning after going to Italy. I was sad because I couldn't see that much. Surely I will organize myself to be in Graz again on my next trip to Austria. You can easily spend there a few days because it is full of monuments, museums, and many attractive places.

Unfortunately, I can't tell you more about Graz in Austria, but next time I will share some other information, experience and also better pictures. If you plan a trip there get inspiration from my short tour. If you want to know more about the country, read my post about Vienna.