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Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a cultural hub known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culinary scene. Located on the river Mur, Graz boasts a well-preserved medieval centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's diverse attractions range from historic landmarks like the Uhrturm clock tower and the Graz Opera House to natural wonders such as the extensive Lurgrotte cave system. With a strong focus on community and sustainability, Graz offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern creativity, making it a popular destination for those seeking a blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 306,068 (343,461 including secondary residences) as of 1 January 2025 |
| Area | 50 square miles |
| Location | Southeast Austria, on both sides of the river Mur |
| Nearby urban centres | Vienna, Übelbach, Maribor (Slovenia) |
| History | Founded by Bavarian settlers; became the city of residence of the Inner Austrian line of the Habsburgs in the 14th century; ruled by Napoleon's army in 1797; designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999; awarded European Capital of Culture in 2003 and 2023 |
| Architecture | Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles; home to the world's largest Jugendstil building complex (Graz University Hospital) |
| Education | Four colleges and four universities, including the University of Graz, founded in 1585; home to more than 60,000 students |
| Culture | Known for its culinary scene, including traditional Austrian cuisine and international flavours; home to the Graz Opera House, Kunsthaus Graz art museum, and Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus); hosts Christmas markets and outdoor markets in the summer |
| Transport | Efficient, frequent, and reliable tram and bus lines; accessible by train from Vienna |
| Attractions | Schlossberg castle, Glockenturm, Uhrturm clock tower, Graz Cathedral, Eggenberg Palace, Hauptplatz (Main Square), Kastner & Öhler department store, Lipizzaner stud at Piber |
| Notable residents | Johannes Kepler, Nikola Tesla, Friedrich Schiller, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, composer Robert Stolz |
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What You'll Learn
- Graz is home to the world's largest collection of historical weapons and armour
- The city's historic centre, Altstadt, is one of the best-preserved in Central Europe
- Graz is known for its culinary scene, including traditional Austrian cuisine and international flavours
- The city has a rich history, with buildings ranging from Gothic to contemporary
- It is recognised as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Austria
Graz is home to the world's largest collection of historical weapons and armour
Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is known for its rich history, culture, food, and wine. The city is situated on both sides of the river Mur in southeast Austria, and its name, which means 'small castle' in Slovene, reflects its historic role as a site of fortification and defence.
The armoury was built between 1642 and 1645 by Tyrolean architect Antonio Solar to store and supply the large quantities of armour and weapons needed to defend Styria during this tumultuous period. The building itself is a significant heritage site, featuring functional architecture that served as the most important centre for military equipment in the southeast of the Habsburg Empire.
The Styrian Armoury is a popular attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its vast collection of historical weapons and armour. The items on display provide a unique insight into the region's tumultuous history and the practical considerations of waging war in former times.
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The city's historic centre, Altstadt, is one of the best-preserved in Central Europe
Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is known for its well-preserved historic centre, Altstadt. The city's name first appeared in records in 1128 and is derived from the Slavic word for "small castle". Despite its Slavic roots, the city was founded by Bavarian settlers.
Graz's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised as one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe. The site encompasses over 1,000 buildings, ranging from Gothic to contemporary architecture. The city centre favours historic buildings over tall, modern ones, preserving the unique character of the old town.
The Hauptplatz, or Main Square, is the vibrant heart of Graz, dating back to the Middle Ages. It has been the central hub of the city for centuries and is surrounded by stunning examples of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture. The Town Hall (Rathaus), with its majestic clock tower, is one of the notable landmarks on the square.
Graz's rich history is also reflected in the Schlossberg castle, which was once the residence of the Inner Austrian line of the Habsburgs. The castle's fortifications were demolished after the defeat of Austria by Napoleonic forces in 1809, but the belltower (Glockenturm) and the civic clock tower (Uhrturm) were spared and remain iconic symbols of the city.
In addition to its architectural heritage, Graz is also known for its vibrant culinary scene, with influences ranging from traditional Austrian cuisine to international flavours. The city is home to daily farmers' markets, the oldest being the Kaiser-Josef-Platz Markt near the opera, where local farmers sell fresh produce, wines, and prepared dishes. Graz was designated a City of Culinary Delights in 2008, reflecting its diverse and renowned dining culture.
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Graz is known for its culinary scene, including traditional Austrian cuisine and international flavours
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is known for its culinary scene, boasting a vibrant and diverse food culture that attracts visitors from around the world. The city's culinary delights range from traditional Austrian cuisine to international flavours, reflecting its rich history and cultural influences.
Graz's culinary scene offers a unique blend of traditional and modern dishes. Visitors can indulge in classic Austrian specialties, such as Wiener Schnitzel, calf's liver with mashed potatoes and horseradish, and the famous boiled beef dish, Tafelspitz. These dishes are often served with Styrian specialities like Styrian pumpkin seed oil, which is drizzled over salads, soups, and roasted vegetables, adding a distinctive nutty aroma and flavour.
The city also hosts daily farmers' markets, the oldest being the Kaiser-Josef-Platz Markt near the opera house. These markets showcase the region's agricultural abundance, with over 350 local farmers selling fresh produce, including indigenous fruits and vegetables, wines, and prepared delicacies such as wursts, breads, pastries, and cheeses. Graz's main square, Hauptplatz, is a bustling marketplace surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and pastry shops, offering visitors a chance to dine alfresco while soaking in the ambiance of this historic city.
In addition to its traditional fare, Graz also offers a variety of international dining options. The city's restaurants serve eclectic Austrian and European cuisine, with influences from Italy and other regions. The city's culinary scene is further enhanced by its reputation as a hub for learning and research, with a significant student population contributing to its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
Graz's culinary delights extend beyond food to include a variety of beverages. The city is surrounded by wineries, and its bars and restaurants offer an extensive selection of Austrian wines. The city also has a thriving craft beer scene, with regional and international craft beers readily available. Graz truly offers a gastronomic journey that delights all the senses and reflects its diverse cultural influences and rich historical heritage.
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The city has a rich history, with buildings ranging from Gothic to contemporary
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, has a rich history. The city's name first appeared in records in 1128, and it became the city of residence of the Inner Austrian line of the Habsburgs in the 14th century. The royalty lived in the Schlossberg castle, from where they ruled Styria, Carinthia, parts of modern-day Slovenia, and parts of Italy.
Graz's historic centre (Altstadt) is one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe. The city's design and planning in the 16th century were primarily controlled by Italian Renaissance architects and artists. One of the most famous buildings from this period is the Landhaus, designed by Domenico dell'Allio and used as the governmental headquarters by the local rulers. The historic centre consists of over 1,000 buildings, ranging from Gothic to contemporary architecture. The Gothic cathedral in the old town features frescoes portraying the Landplagenbild ("plague of plagues") that invaded the city in 1480. The Town Hall (Rathaus), with its majestic clock tower, is another example of Gothic architecture in Graz.
The University of Graz, founded in 1585, is one of the oldest universities in Central Europe. The city has a reputation as a hub for learning and research, with four colleges and four universities, and a student population of over 60,000.
Graz has also been home to several famous personalities, including Johannes Kepler, Nikola Tesla, the poet Friedrich Schiller, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and composer Robert Stolz.
The city's cultural status was recognised when it received the award of European Capital of Culture in 2003 and 2023. This award brought about the construction of many extraordinary structures, including two of Graz's most famous sights: the Murinsel, an island on the River Mur, and the Kunsthaus Graz, a futuristic art museum nicknamed the "Friendly Alien".
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It is recognised as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Austria
Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is recognised as one of the country's most bicycle-friendly cities. The city boasts extensive cycling paths and initiatives promoting eco-friendly transportation. With a student-heavy population, a significant focus on community and sustainability, and over 60% of the city covered in greenery, Graz is a haven for cyclists.
Graz's commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness is evident in its well-developed network of cycling paths. The city provides safe and dedicated spaces for cyclists, making it convenient and enjoyable for both residents and visitors to explore the city on two wheels. The flat topography of the city also makes cycling accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
The local government and organisations actively promote cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation. Various initiatives and programmes are in place to encourage people to choose bicycles over cars, reducing the city's carbon footprint and traffic congestion. Graz's efforts towards environmental sustainability are in line with the country's focus on eco-friendly practices.
Graz's status as a bicycle-friendly city contributes to its vibrant and active community. Cycling is a popular means of transportation for students commuting to the city's four colleges and four universities. Additionally, the city's focus on sustainability and its rich historical context, with a well-preserved historic centre recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make it an attractive destination for tourists looking to explore the city by bicycle.
The city's dedication to promoting cycling has had a positive impact on the overall well-being of its residents. Cycling has become an integral part of the local culture, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. Graz's success as a bicycle-friendly city has inspired other Austrian cities to follow suit, fostering a nationwide movement towards sustainability and eco-friendly transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
Graz is Austria's second-largest city and is known for its rich history, culture, and food. The city's historic centre, Altstadt, is one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe and was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1999.
The Hauptplatz, or Main Square, is a vibrant hub of activity in Graz and is known for its stunning examples of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture. The Town Hall (Rathaus), with its majestic clock tower, is one of the most prominent landmarks on the square. The Schlossberg castle, located on Castle Hill, is another famous landmark in Graz, offering panoramic views of the city.
Graz offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. The Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the "Friendly Alien," is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, showcasing contemporary architecture and modern art installations. The Landeszeughaus, or Styrian Armoury, houses the world's largest collection of historical weapons and armour. The Graz Opera House is renowned for its architectural grandeur and stunning performances, attracting opera enthusiasts from around the world. The city also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with traditional Austrian cuisine and international flavours. The surrounding area offers hiking trails in the Seetal Alps and nearby villages, such as Übelbach, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration.
