Lyla Lindsey
Styria, also known as the Green Heart of Austria, is a southeastern Austrian state known for its diverse landscapes, from its mountainous north to its rolling hills in the south. It is bordered by the Austrian states of Carinthia, Salzburg, Upper Austria, Lower Austria, and Burgenland, and by Slovenia to the south. The capital of Styria is Graz, which is Austria's second-largest city and is known for its well-preserved old town, innovative culinary scene, and cultural events. The state offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and castle tours, as well as natural attractions such as the Gesäuse National Park and the Green Lake in Tragöß.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Austria |
| State | Styria |
| Bordering Countries | Slovenia |
| Bordering Austrian States | Carinthia, Salzburg, Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Burgenland |
| Capital | Graz |
| Population of Graz | 280,000 |
| Area | 16,399 km2 (6,332 sq mi) |
| GDP (2018) | 49.6 billion € |
| Economic Output (2018) | 12.9% of Austria's total |
| Economic Growth Rate (2004) | 3.8% |
| Clean Technology Companies | 150+ |
| Number of Mountains over 2000m | 788 |
| Highest Mountain | Dachstein |
| Height of Dachstein | 2,995m |
| Longest River | River Mur |
| Length of River Mur | 300km |
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What You'll Learn
Styria's neighbours in Austria
Styria, also known as the "Green Heart of Austria", is a federal state in southeastern Austria. It is the country's second-largest state, covering an area of approximately 16,399 square kilometres.
Neighbours of Styria in Austria
Styria shares borders with several other Austrian states. To the north of Styria lie Upper Austria (German: Oberösterreich) and Lower Austria (German: Niederösterreich). To the west is Salzburg, and to the east is Burgenland. In the south, Styria borders the state of Carinthia (German: Kärnten).
In addition to these Austrian neighbours, Styria also shares a border with Slovenia to the south. This border with Slovenia was established after World War I when the southern, Slovene-speaking region of Styria was incorporated into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. The remaining two-thirds of Styria, north of the Mur River, became the Austrian federal state of Styria, with Graz as its capital.
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Styria's history
Styria, or "Steiermark" in German, is a state in southeastern Austria. It is Austria's second-largest state, with an area of approximately 16,399 square kilometres. The state is bordered by Slovenia to the south and the Austrian states of Carinthia, Salzburg, Upper Austria, Lower Austria, and Burgenland. Styria's capital, Graz, is Austria's second-largest city.
The history of Styria dates back to the Dark Ages when the region was settled by Germans and Slavs. The area was inhabited by Celtic tribes and later conquered by the Romans, becoming part of Noricum and Pannonia. During the Barbarian invasions, it was conquered or crossed by the Visigoths, the Huns, the Ostrogoths, the Rugii, and the Lombards. Around 600, Slavs under the domination of the Avars settled in the valleys, while Bavarians under Frankish domination expanded their area to the south and east, eventually absorbing the Slavic population.
In the late 10th century, the March of Styria was created in the Duchy of Carinthia as a defence against the Magyars. The region was soon ruled by the Otakar dynasty, which originated from Steyr in Upper Austria, and Styria became a margraviate in 1056. In 1180, Styria separated from Carinthia and became its own duchy. The Austrian Duke Leopold V, of the Otakar dynasty, became the Duke of Styria per the Georgenberg Pact in 1192. After the demise of the Babenberg dynasty, Styria briefly came under Hungarian control before falling to Bohemia. During this time, Styria lost significant territory, including its former capital, Steyr.
Following the reunification of Austria by the Habsburgs in 1282, Styria's history became closely intertwined with that of the country. During the Ottoman invasions of the 16th and 17th centuries, Styria suffered severe destruction and depopulation due to repeated incursions by the Turks. In the 19th century, Styria became a centre for mountaineering, and its economic development was fostered under Archduke John of Austria between 1809 and 1859.
After World War I, the Duchy of Styria was partitioned along ethnic lines, with the southern, Slovene-speaking third becoming part of Slovenia and the remaining two-thirds forming the Austrian federal state of Styria. The German-speaking population of Lower Styria migrated or was expelled, and Styria's economic growth continued in the following decades. Today, Styria is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, vineyards, and rivers, as well as its cultural and historical attractions.
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Styria's landscape
Styria is a state in southeastern Austria, bordering Slovenia to its south and the Austrian states of Carinthia, Salzburg, Upper Austria, Lower Austria, and Burgenland in a clockwise direction from the southwest. It is the second-largest state in Austria, covering an area of approximately 16,399 square kilometres (6,332 sq mi). Styria is also known as the "'Green Heart of Austria', owing to its status as the most forested Austrian state. The state is incredibly diverse in its landscape, ranging from the mountainous north and west, where the Alps dominate, to the gently rolling hills of the south. Styria has 788 mountains higher than 2000 metres, with the tallest, Dachstein, just shy of 3000 metres. The southeastern hill country experiences a sunny and hot climate influenced by the Adriatic. The transition zone between the Alps and the flatter south is where the state capital, Graz, is located. Graz is Austria's second-largest city, with a population of 280,000 and a well-preserved old town at its heart.
The state's diverse landscapes offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors and locals to enjoy all year round. Mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers provide a backdrop for activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Styria is also known for its culinary offerings, with a variety of local food and wine productions. The region is particularly renowned for its pumpkin seed oil, which has been protected by the EU since 1996.
The Southern Styria Nature Park and Schilcherland feature hilly landscapes and fine cuisine. Admont, located in this region, is home to the world's largest monastery library and the Benedictine monastery. The town of Judenburg boasts a landmark tower with a viewing platform offering panoramic views of the Mur Valley. Bruck, also known as Kornmesserstadt, combines urban life with the surrounding mountains.
Styria has a rich history, having been conquered by the Romans and later invaded by the Visigoths, Huns, Ostrogoths, Rugii, and Lombards during the Barbarian invasions. In the early Middle Ages, the southern and eastern parts of Styria were inhabited by Slavs, who were later absorbed by the expanding Bavarians under Frankish domination. Styria was made into a margraviate in 1056 under the Otakar dynasty and became a duchy in its own right in 1180 when it separated from the Duchy of Carinthia. After the demise of the Babenberg dynasty, Styria briefly came under Hungarian and Bohemian control before being partitioned along ethnic lines after World War I.
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Styria's cuisine
Styria is known as the "delicatessen shop of Austria", and its culinary capital, Graz, is known for its award-winning restaurants. The varied landscapes of Styria, from the mountainous north to the vineyards of the south, west and east, make it one of the most agriculturally diverse regions in Europe.
The north of Styria is known for game, fish and fried foods, while the south is known for fruit, chicken and sausages. Styria's "green gold", pumpkin seed oil, is used to flavour dishes such as Grazer Krauthäuptel Salad, Fried Chicken Salad, and Runner Bean Salad. The region also produces sophisticated wines, and is home to the only hop-growing region in Austria.
Styria also has a strong soup tradition, with nettle soup being a local favourite. Other delicacies include scarlet runner beans, cheese, horseradish, meat from regional farms, and fish from local waters. The region's top cheesemakers include Obersteirische Molkerei, Almenland Stollenkäse, and Bio Hofkäserei Deutschmann.
For those with a sweet tooth, Styria offers chocolate specialities, gingerbread, and homemade doughnuts, funnel cakes, strudels, Buchteln and Bundt cakes. The region also produces spirits, such as Zirberl, made from the fruits of the pine tree, and herbal bitters.
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Styria's economy
Styria, located in the southeast of Austria, is the country's second-largest state, covering an area of approximately 16,399 square kilometres. It is known for its diverse landscapes, from the mountainous north, through the urban centre with its capital city of Graz, to the rolling hills of the south with its vineyards.
Economy
In addition to its strength in clean technology, Styria also has a thriving agricultural sector. The state's favourable climate allows for the production of a wide range of agricultural products, including wine. While Styria only produces about 10% of Austria's total wine output, it is known for its fine wines, and its vineyards contribute to the region's culinary reputation. Styria is also famous for its pumpkin seed oil, which has been protected by the EU since 1996.
Tourism is another important contributor to Styria's economy. The region's diverse landscapes, including its mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers, attract visitors year-round. Styria offers a range of leisure opportunities, from outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing to cultural experiences in its historic towns and cities. The state's capital, Graz, is a popular destination, known for its well-preserved old town, vibrant culinary scene, and dynamic cultural landscape, including festivals such as the Styriarte Music Festival and the Diagonale Film Festival.
Overall, Styria's economy is characterised by its diversity and strong growth, with a range of industries contributing to its success and making it an important contributor to Austria's economic output.
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Frequently asked questions
Styria is bordered by Slovenia to its south and the Austrian states of Carinthia, Salzburg, Upper Austria, Lower Austria, and Burgenland.
Styria is known as the "Green Heart of Austria" due to its diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. It is also famous for its culinary scene, including its wine and pumpkin seed oil.
The capital of Styria is Graz, Austria's second-largest city, with a population of 280,000.
Popular attractions in Styria include the Murinsel, a glass-and-steel artificial island, the Kunsthaus contemporary art museum, and the Schlossberg, a tree-clad hill with a historic fortress.
Styria has a rich history, with settlements dating back to the Dark Ages when it was inhabited by Germans and Slavs. It became a centre for mountaineering in the 19th century and was partitioned after World War I, with parts of southern Styria being ceded to Yugoslavia.
