Capital of Styria
Graz is not only the provincial capital of Styria, but also the second largest city in Austria. It is therefore really not surprising that there is a lot to discover in Graz and the surrounding area. Graz was already the European Capital of Culture in 2003, the old town of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and since 2011 Graz has also been allowed to bear the title of UNESCO City of Design. Graz also has the Mediterranean flair in common with the Costa Brava and Emilia Romagna and the Mediterranean influences can also be found in the cuisine of Styria. In the following you will find tips and activities for Graz and the surrounding area.
To get an overview of Graz, you should take the Schlossbergbahn or the lift up to the Grazer Schlossberg. Or you just walk up the so-called Kriegssteig, that is also possible. The Grazer Schlossberg is a dolomite rock that forms the core of the historic old town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Graz. On the rock you will find the remains of a fortress, which is still listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the strongest fortress of all time. Even Napoleon could not conquer the fortress. But Napoleon threatened the destruction of the capital Vienna and so Graz once surrendered to save Vienna. The fortifications were then all razed. The clock tower, the landmark of Graz, as well as the remains of the former castle, the bell tower and the Schlossberg casemates are still preserved today. But above all you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and the region from up here - especially at sunset. It is also worth taking a stroll through the wonderful romantic gardens with the southern plants that grow here due to the Mediterranean climate.