Lexi Webster
Graz, the capital of Styria in southeast Austria, is a charming city with a rich history, a thriving cultural scene, and stunning panoramic views. It is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities, including Vienna and Linz, which are around two and three hours away, respectively. Graz has something for everyone, from its unique architecture and historical sites to its excellent culinary scene and laid-back atmosphere. The city's walkability and efficient public transportation system make it easy to explore, and with so many attractions within walking distance, you'll never be bored!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Graz is the capital of Styria (Steiermark) in the South East of Austria, about 95 miles (155 km) to the southwest of Austria's capital, Vienna. |
| Transport | Graz is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities, with a 2-hour journey from Vienna and a 3-hour journey from Linz. |
| Best time to visit | Spring or autumn for mild temperatures, or winter for the Christmas atmosphere. |
| Getting around | Graz is a walkable city, with most landmarks within walking distance. Public transport is also good, with free Old Town trams in the city center. |
| Attractions | The Graz Town Hall, Landhaus, Schlossberg with its Clock Tower, Styrian Arsenal, Schloss Eggenberg, Universalmuseum Joanneum, Lipizzaner Stud Farm, Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum, Graz Old Town, Graz Art Museum, The Slide, and various restaurants and cafes. |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore Graz's Hauptplatz, the city's main square
- Visit the Styrian Armory, a UNESCO site with 32,000 historic objects
- Take a trip to the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum in Thal, a small village near Graz
- Wander through the Eggenberg Palace, with its Baroque interiors and magical gardens
- Stroll through the Graz Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with red-roofed Baroque homes
Explore Graz's Hauptplatz, the city's main square
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a charming city offering a unique experience for travellers seeking discovery and authenticity. The city is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities, including Vienna and Linz, which are 2 hours and 3 hours away, respectively.
Graz's Hauptplatz is the city's main square and a great place to start exploring. All the main attractions are within walking distance from this hub in the heart of the city. The square combines modernity with ancient traditional architecture, and you will find brand stores, eateries, historical churches, cafes, restaurants, and shops. The cobblestone pathways and small alleys surrounding the square are worth exploring, as they lead to hidden gems like cosy bars, cafes, and restaurants.
The Hauptplatz has been the centre of life in Graz since the Middle Ages, when it was a bustling centre of commerce and trade. Even today, the best stores are located near the square, and it remains a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. The square is also a transport hub, with convenient connections to the rest of the city, including tram services.
The impressive Town Hall, or Rathaus, dominates the southern part of the square. It features a gorgeous stucco facade from the late 17th century and is a popular wedding venue for locals and tourists. In front of the Town Hall is a wide-open area that often hosts events to promote public life in the square. At night, the colourful facades of the Hauptplatz are illuminated with warm, indirect lighting, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
A landmark of the Hauptplatz is the monumental fountain dedicated to Archduke John of Austria, also known as the "Styrian prince". The fountain, which has stood since 1878, depicts the Archduke surrounded by four female figures representing the rivers Mur, Enns, Drava, and Sann, which flowed through old Styria.
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Visit the Styrian Armory, a UNESCO site with 32,000 historic objects
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a charming city offering a unique experience for travellers seeking discovery and authenticity. With its rich historical heritage, cultural scene, and panoramic views, Graz is an essential destination when exploring Austria.
One of the must-see attractions in Graz is the Styrian Armoury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest preserved historical armoury. The armoury holds an impressive collection of 32,000 objects, including weaponry, tools, suits of armour for battle, and parade armour, dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The vast collection is arranged across four floors, providing a fascinating insight into the region's tumultuous past.
The Styrian Armoury, also known as Landeszeughaus, was built between 1642 and 1645 by the Tyrolean architect Antonio Solar. The armoury's construction was necessitated by the need to store large quantities of armour and weapons during a time of near-constant conflict with the Ottoman Empire and rebels in Hungary. The building's functional architecture is significant, featuring a narrow structure that is five storeys high and about 50 metres long. The façade is adorned with two impressive Baroque statues by Giovanni Mamolo, representing the gods Mars and Minerva.
When visiting the Styrian Armoury, you will have the opportunity to view an array of historical arms and military equipment. This includes more than 3,300 armours and helmets, over 7,800 small arms, approximately 5,400 staff weapons, and 2,400 swords and sabres. The collection also boasts gorgeous armours for the nobility and a rare, entirely preserved horse armour from the early 16th century.
The Styrian Armoury is typically open for visits during the winter months as part of a guided tour. However, on specific days, such as weekends in November and December, it is also accessible without a tour.
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Take a trip to the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum in Thal, a small village near Graz
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a charming city with a rich historical heritage, a thriving cultural scene, and panoramic views. It is easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities, including Vienna and Linz, which are 2 hours and 3 hours away, respectively. The city is also well-connected to other European cities by air.
Graz is known for its slow pace of life, with people taking their time to enjoy the numerous sites, bars, cafes, shops, and restaurants the city has to offer. The main square, Hauptplatz, is a great place to start your exploration, with the Rathaus, or town hall, as its centerpiece. From here, all the main attractions are within easy walking distance.
One unique attraction located just outside the city of Graz is the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum in Thal, a small village about 15 minutes away by car. This museum, the only official one in the world dedicated to the famous actor and bodybuilder, is housed in his former childhood home. It opened its doors in 2011, showcasing Schwarzenegger's journey from a local Austrian boy to an international superstar and politician.
The museum is not large, covering only 200 square meters, but it is filled with objects and exhibits from his extraordinary life. Visitors can see memorabilia and original items from his childhood, his career as a bodybuilder, his film career, and his time as the Governor of California. One of the most notable exhibits is a life-size bronze statue of Schwarzenegger. The museum also has an audio guide, available in multiple languages, which provides a deeper insight into the exhibits and Schwarzenegger's life.
In addition to the museum, Thal also offers the Arnold Schwarzenegger Hiking Trail, a 7.3-kilometer-long trail that takes hikers through the most important milestones in Schwarzenegger's life, marked by six large granite memorial stones with copper plaques. For those interested in a longer walk, there is the "Arnold Schwarzenegger Wanderweg," a trail around the nearby Thalersee lake, with three route options ranging from 3.5 to 13.5 kilometers.
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Wander through the Eggenberg Palace, with its Baroque interiors and magical gardens
The Eggenberg Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Graz. Located on the edge of the city centre, this 17th-century palace is a true work of art, with its unique architecture, Baroque interiors, and stunning gardens.
As you wander through the palace, you'll be struck by its grandiosity and attention to detail. The palace features 365 windows, 31 rooms on each floor, 24 state rooms entered through 52 doors, and 60 windows offering views of the universe-inspired grounds. The state rooms, with their Baroque interiors, are particularly impressive, showcasing the wealth and prestige of the Eggenberg family.
The history of the palace is just as fascinating as its architecture. It was commissioned by Prince Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg in 1625 as a symbol of his status and authority. Hans Ulrich, a cousin of General Ruprecht von Eggenberg, was a diplomat and statesman who played a key role in steering the foreign policy of Emperor Ferdinand II. The palace's architecture was inspired by El Escorial in Spain and features a unique symbolic representation of the universe, with its number symbolism based on the Gregorian calendar.
The gardens of Eggenberg Palace are just as enchanting as the palace itself. These magical gardens have been carefully designed and feature a variety of attractions, including the Planetengarten, which continues the astronomical iconography of the palace, and the Breakfast Garden, which has been meticulously reconstructed. The park is also home to majestic peacocks, adding to the overall beauty and charm of the grounds.
Today, the palace is managed by the Joanneum, the Provincial Museum of Styria, and houses important collections such as the Lapidarium, with one of the largest collections of Roman stones in Austria, the prehistory and early history departments, and the Alte Galerie, featuring art from the Romanesque period to the late Baroque.
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Stroll through the Graz Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with red-roofed Baroque homes
Graz is a charming city in the heart of Austria, offering a unique experience for travellers seeking discovery and authenticity. Its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for visitors. Here are some tips for strolling through the red-roofed Baroque homes and exploring the rich history and culture of Graz:
Start your stroll in the Hauptplatz, the main square of Graz, where you'll find the striking Rathaus, or town hall. This square is a great hub from which to explore the city, as all the main attractions are within easy walking distance. Take in the beautiful red-roofed Baroque homes that line the streets, a testament to the city's rich architectural history.
As you wander, you'll discover that Graz's old town is full of monumental buildings, with ages ranging from Gothic to contemporary. Be sure to visit the Schlossberg, a hill dominating the historic centre, where you'll find the Clock Tower (Uhrturm), a symbol of Graz. The New Gallery (Neue Galerie), a museum of art, is also located here. If you're feeling adventurous, take the Castle Hill funicular (Schlossbergbahn) up the slope for a unique perspective.
Located on the western edge of the old town is the Eggenberg Castle, a beautiful Baroque palace with state rooms and a museum. The castle's grounds include romantic landscape gardens, which you can explore at your leisure. The castle and its gardens have conserved their architectural and structural integrity, with the external authenticity of the castle well-preserved.
Graz's old town also boasts a lively food scene, with small restaurants located within the courtyards of old houses. Sample the local cuisine and enjoy the atmosphere of these hidden gems. The inner courtyards, such as the Early Renaissance courtyard of the Former House of Teutonic Knights in Sporgasse 22, offer a unique dining experience.
Finally, don't miss the world's largest preserved historical armoury, displaying 32,000 objects from the 15th to 18th centuries. Graz's old town is a treasure trove of history, culture, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination in Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many things to do in Graz, Austria, including visiting the Graz Town Hall, exploring the historic Old Town, checking out the Styrian Armory, and strolling through the Hauptplatz, the city's main square.
There are many excellent restaurants in Graz, Austria. One popular option is the Lend-Platzl Guest House, which is known for its classic Austrian comfort food and lively atmosphere.
There are several great options for day trips from Graz, including the Lipizzaner Stud Farm in Piber, the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum in Thal, and the city of Linz.
The best way to get around Graz is by walking, cycling, or using public transport. The Graz Old Town is pedestrianized and most landmarks are within walking distance. For attractions located outside the city centre, such as Eggenberg Palace, you can take a tram or bus.
