Graz's Muggy Weather: Exploring Austria's Climate

Graz, the capital of Styria in southeast Austria, is known for its Mediterranean climate, modern architecture, and culinary delights. But is it muggy?

Graz has a borderline humid continental climate, with more hours of sunshine per year than Vienna or Salzburg and less wind and rain. Its position southeast of the Alps shields it from the prevailing westerly winds, and its basin location means the climate is warmer than expected.

So, while Graz may not be muggy compared to other parts of Austria, its warm climate and proximity to the Mediterranean could make it feel muggy to visitors from cooler regions.

Graz is Austria's culinary capital

Graz, the capital of Styria, is known for its fresh and simple cuisine, earning its reputation as the "Culinary Capital." The city boasts an impressive selection of first-class restaurants, inns, and cosy cafes. Here are some notable culinary experiences and locations in Graz:

• Aiola Upstairs: This modern eatery, located at the top of Schlossberg, offers panoramic views of the city alongside a menu featuring regional and international dishes made with the best ingredients.
• Der Steirer: An inn serving Styrian cuisine with a modern twist and offering local tapas.
• Landhauskeller: A restaurant set in a stunning Renaissance courtyard, serving refined Austrian dishes such as Tafelspitz and local fillet of trout.
• Gut Schlossberg: A shop and restaurant located in a tiny Baroque castle, offering a wide selection of local products sourced directly from over 100 small-scale producers from Styria and the rest of Austria.
• Kaiser-Josef-Markt: The largest farmer's market in Graz, offering fresh produce, meat, bread, and other delicacies.
• Cafe Promenade: A cosy cafe set below an alley of chestnut trees, offering a mix of Styrian comfort food and modern international flavours.
• Kunsthaus Graz: Nicknamed the "Friendly Alien" due to its unique structure, this museum features contemporary art and innovative design. The Kunsthaus Café is a popular gathering spot.
• Gasthaus Stainzerbauer: A rustic restaurant serving traditional Austrian dishes such as veal Schnitzel and Styrian fried chicken. They also offer a variety of pumpkin seed oils, a flagship food product of Styria.

Graz's culinary delights are heavily influenced by Katharina Prato, a trailblazing woman from the 1800s. Prato, known as Austria's 19th-century Martha Stewart, taught generations of women in the Habsburg Monarchy about cooking, gardening, and homemaking. Her successful recipes can still be found on the menus of Graz's traditional restaurants, leaving a lasting impact on the city's cuisine.

Graz, with its mix of historical and modern sights, creative scene, and innovative architectural projects, is a fascinating city that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and excellent cuisine.

The city is known for its stunning old town

Graz, the capital of the Austrian state of Styria and the country's second-largest city, is known for its stunning Old Town. The historic centre, or Altstadt, is one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe. In 1999, it was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, with the designation expanded in 2010 to include the Eggenberg Palace.

Graz's Old Town is a testament to the city's rich history and boasts over 1,000 buildings, ranging from Gothic to contemporary architecture. The area is characterised by its harmonious blend of architectural styles and artistic movements from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, influenced by neighbouring regions in Central and Mediterranean Europe.

One of the most important sights in the Old Town is the Castle Hill (Schlossberg), a site of a demolished fortress that offers panoramic views of the city. At the top of the hill sits the Clock Tower (Uhrturm), a symbol of Graz. The tower has been operational since 1612, with a big hand indicating the hour and a small hand indicating the minute.

Another notable attraction is the Town Hall (Rathaus), located in the main square, Hauptplatz. The neo-Renaissance building features a statue of the ever-popular Archduke Johann, the "faithful prince" of Styria. The square itself is a bustling hub, with market stands selling fresh produce and flowers, as well as eateries offering local delicacies.

Graz's Old Town also boasts impressive examples of religious architecture, including the Cathedral (Dom), a rare Gothic monument. The cathedral features frescoes, including the "Landplagenbild" ("picture of plagues") painted in 1485, depicting locusts, pestilence, and the invasion of the Turks. Adjacent to the cathedral lies the mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, a significant example of Mannerism in Graz.

The Old Town is also home to the Landhaus, the provincial seat of government. Designed by Italian architect Domenico dell'Allio in the 16th century, the Landhaus showcases a stunning blend of Italian Renaissance architecture. Its inner courtyard features ramparts, bridges, a fountain, and intricate arcades.

Graz's Old Town is a cultural melting pot, bearing witness to the influence of the Habsburgs and the artistic and cultural role played by aristocratic families over the centuries.

Graz is a university town

The University of Graz is an international meeting place where modern architecture combines with historic buildings. With over 130,000 square metres of green space, 1,700 bicycle parking spaces, and five photovoltaic systems, the university pays great attention to sustainability. The campus features a Botanical Garden and the Graz Center of Physics, which showcases cutting-edge research.

The Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the Graz Museum of Contemporary Art, is a striking example of the city's modern architecture. Its wild, biomorphic structure was designed by British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier and has become a symbol of the university city. The building's exterior is just as noteworthy as the exhibitions inside, showcasing a combination of international contemporary art, regional topics, and local objectives.

It has a Mediterranean feel

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a hip, happening university town with a Mediterranean feel. Its location in the south of the country, about 95 miles (155 km) southwest of the capital, Vienna, contributes to its Mediterranean climate. The city is shielded from the prevailing westerly winds that bring weather fronts from the North Atlantic to northwestern and central Europe. As a result, Graz's weather is influenced by the Mediterranean, and it enjoys more hours of sunshine per year than Vienna or Salzburg.

Graz is the capital of Styria and has its own unique vibe, quite unlike any other Austrian city. The city has a strong Mediterranean vibe, making you feel more south of Austria than you are. The River Mur neatly cuts the more prominent aspects of old and new Graz in two, with the locals seeing the 'south' side of the city as more 'playful'.

Graz's Mediterranean side is particularly evident at sundown, when the streets fill with warm yellow lights and people drinking and dining outside. One of the most beautiful spots to watch the sunset is on the Murinsel (Mur Island), a floating, conch-shaped construction in the river with a sleek cafe. Grab a drink, sit back, and watch the sun go down over the river.

Graz's Mediterranean climate and feel also extend to its food scene. The city is known as Austria's culinary capital, and its restaurants, street stalls, and authentic eateries tucked away in quiet courtyards and lively squares serve up a fabulous array of excellent food.

The city is home to unique museums

The Austrian city of Graz is home to a multitude of fascinating museums, showcasing a blend of tradition and avant-garde. Here is a detailed overview of some of Graz's unique museums:

Kunsthaus Graz

The Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the "Friendly Alien," is a striking modern art gallery housed in a distinctive green building. Its unique shape and 1,066 acrylic glass elements form its skin, earning it this endearing nickname from the locals. The museum features temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year, focusing on art that questions society and explores the future of art. The building's architecture itself is a highlight, with a layout that complements the exhibitions. The Kunsthaus Graz is included in the Universalmuseum Joanneum Pass, offering access to multiple museums in the city and the province of Styria.

Styrian Armoury

The Styrian Armoury, located in the original 17th-century mansion on Herrengasse, is said to be the world's largest historical armoury. With approximately 32,000 objects, including suits of armour, chainmail, daggers, swords, cannons, and even armour for a warhorse, it offers a glimpse into the city's medieval past. The armoury is designed to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of a bygone era, with no modern signs interrupting the experience. An audioguide is available to enhance your visit. The Styrian Armoury is also included in the Universalmuseum Joanneum Pass.

Neue Galerie Graz

The Neue Galerie Graz is a spacious exhibition space showcasing artworks from the 19th century to the present. It features international works representing important art movements such as Realism and Jugendstil. However, the gallery has a particular emphasis on regional styles like classical Modernity, Viennese Actionism, and Conceptual Art. With 2,000 square meters of exhibition space, the Neue Galerie Graz offers a diverse range of temporary and permanent exhibitions. The gallery is included in the Universalmuseum Joanneum Pass.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum, located in the same complex as the Neue Galerie Graz, takes visitors on a journey through the history of the world, from hundreds of millions of years ago to the present. It showcases a well-curated collection of animals and exhibitions with a special focus on the environmental heritage of the Styrian region. While it caters mainly to school groups and local families, it can be a good option for those with young children who will enjoy the interactive and kid-friendly elements. The Natural History Museum is also included in the Universalmuseum Joanneum Pass.

Eggenberg Palace

Eggenberg Palace, a highlight of any visit to Graz, is a magnificent Baroque palace and part of the World Heritage Site that encompasses the historic centre of Graz. The State Rooms, with their original furniture, tapestries, and decorations from the 18th century, are a standout feature. The Planetary Room, with its astronomical and symbolic paintings, tells the story of the Eggenberg dynasty. The palace also houses several other museums, including the Alte Galerie, the Archaeology Museum, and the Coin Cabinet, each offering a glimpse into different aspects of the region's history through their respective collections. Eggenberg Palace and its museums are included in the Universalmuseum Joanneum Pass.

History Museum

The History Museum of Graz focuses on the story of Graz and the broader Styria region. It features a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions, showcasing thousands of local artefacts and providing information in English. While the permanent exhibitions provide depth and context, the temporary exhibitions often focus on niche topics that may be less accessible to international visitors. The History Museum is included in the Universalmuseum Joanneum Pass.

Graz truly offers a unique museum experience, providing insights into its rich history and cultural heritage. These museums, along with others in the city, showcase a diverse range of collections that will intrigue and delight visitors of all ages.

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