Damon Mcknight
Graz is a city in southeast Austria, situated on both sides of the River Mur. It is the country's second-largest city, with a population of around 300,000, and is the capital of the federal state of Styria. The city has a rich history, dating back to the 9th century AD, and was once the residence of the Inner Austrian line of the Habsburgs. The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts impressive architecture, including the Burg castle complex, the Uhrturm clock tower, and several notable buildings from the Renaissance period.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeast Austria, on both sides of the River Mur |
| Distance from Vienna | 93 miles (150 km) southwest |
| Nearest urban centre | Maribor (Marburg), Slovenia, 31 miles (50 km) south |
| Federal state | Capital of Styria and Bundesland Steiermark |
| Geography | Surrounded by mountains and hills to the north, east and west; city centre elevation of 1,158 ft (353 m); highest point is Plabutsch mountain at 2,474 ft (754 m) |
| Population | 306,068 (as of 1 January 2025) |
| Climate | Oceanic (Cfb) and borderline humid continental (Dfb) |
| Economy | Ironworks, steelworks, breweries, railway workshops, automobiles, telecommunications, medical technology, trade in cereal grains, fruit and wine |
| History | Became 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 |
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What You'll Learn
- Graz is the capital of Styria and the largest city in the federal state
- The city is situated on both sides of the River Mur
- Graz is a university town with approximately 61,000 students
- The city is a major automobile development and production centre
- The historic centre and Schloss Eggenberg are UNESCO World Heritage sites
Graz is the capital of Styria and the largest city in the federal state
Graz has a long and rich history, becoming the centre of Styria during the Middle Ages and the residence of the Leopoldine Habsburgs after 1379. The city was ruled by the Inner Austrian line of the Habsburgs from the 14th century onwards, with royalty residing in the Schlossberg castle. In the 16th century, Italian Renaissance architects and artists significantly influenced the city's design and planning. Notable buildings from this period include the Renaissance Landhaus, the armoury, and St. Aegidius Cathedral.
Graz played an important role as a trade centre in the 17th and 18th centuries, and its fortifications successfully withstood sieges by the Hungarians and Turks. The city was occupied by Napoleon's army in 1797 and again in 1805 and 1809 during the Napoleonic Wars. Despite the French army's assault, the fortress was successfully defended against eight attacks. However, they eventually surrendered after Vienna fell to Napoleon's forces.
Today, Graz is a thriving city with a population of around 300,000 people. It is a university town with approximately 61,000 students and several notable educational institutions, including the University of Graz, Graz Technical University, and the University of Music and Dramatic Arts. The city also boasts a strong economy, with industries such as ironworks, steelworks, breweries, and telecommunications contributing to its success.
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The city is situated on both sides of the River Mur
Graz is situated on both sides of the River Mur in southeast Austria. The river connects and divides the city, with the river running through the city centre. The River Mur is now a place for locals to gather, with the Murinsel, a shell-like floating attraction designed by American artist Vito Acconci, providing a cultural centre and event venue. The island is a ship, held by an anchor and stabilised by two footbridges connecting it to the river banks. It has a cafe and an amphitheatre, and its blue and white interior is reached through a domed glass roof cooled by water.
The River Mur has not always been a place for relaxation and entertainment, however. In the 19th century, the river was polluted by sewage water and industrial effluent. It was only in 2003, when the city was named a 'Capital of Culture', that the river was revitalised. The Murinsel project brought the river back to the people of Graz, and the river's water quality improved.
Graz's location on the River Mur has influenced the city's development over the centuries. The river provided a natural defence against invading forces, and the city withstood numerous sieges by the Hungarians and the Turks in the 15th and 16th centuries. The nearby Schlossberg (“Castle Hill”) also served as a fortress and was successfully defended against Napoleon's army in 1809.
Today, Graz is a thriving city with a diverse economy. It is a rail and industrial centre, with ironworks, steelworks, breweries, and railway workshops. The city is also a major automobile development and production hub, and telecommunications and medical technology contribute significantly to the local economy. Tourism is important, too, with the River Mur and the historic city centre, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, attracting visitors.
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Graz is a university town with approximately 61,000 students
Graz, the capital of Styria, is a university town with approximately 61,000 students. Located in southeast Austria, Graz is the country's second-largest city, after Vienna. As of 2025, Graz had a population of 306,068 (343,461 including secondary residences). The city is known for its universities and colleges, with four of each. The University of Graz, founded in 1585, is the city's oldest university and a hub for international research. It is associated with numerous Nobel Prize laureates, including Ivo Andrić, Victor Franz Hess, and Erwin Schrödinger. The university is divided into six faculties, with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Faculty of Natural Sciences being the largest.
Graz's historic centre, or Altstadt, is one of the best-preserved in Central Europe and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The city's old town features notable buildings such as the Renaissance Landhaus, the armoury, the town hall, and St. Aegidius Cathedral. The Eggenberg Palace, a baroque palace on the western edge of Graz, was added to the UNESCO site in 2010. The city also boasts the largest hospital in Graz and one of the largest in Austria—the Graz University Hospital.
Graz has a rich history, dating back to the 9th century when a fortress was likely built on the Schlossberg. The name "Graz" is derived from the Slavic word "gradec," meaning "small fortress" or "small castle." Bavarian settlers, who intermixed with the Slavs, founded the city of Graz. In the 14th century, it became the residence of the Inner Austrian line of the Habsburgs, who ruled from the Schlossberg castle. The city's design in the 16th century was influenced by Italian Renaissance architects and artists, with the Landhaus being a famous example.
Graz is easily accessible, with an efficient transportation system. The city has modernised railway stations and is part of the Styria S-Bahn commuter train service. The Graz Airport is located about 10 km south of the city centre and offers direct flights to major European destinations. With its universities, historic sites, and cultural offerings, Graz attracts tourists from around the world.
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The city is a major automobile development and production centre
Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is a major automobile development and production centre. The city is home to Magna Steyr, an automobile manufacturer and subsidiary of Canadian-based Magna International. With its primary manufacturing plant based in Graz, Magna Steyr is the world's first vehicle contract manufacturer to produce a wide range of powertrain technologies in a single plant. The company has produced over four million vehicles to date, including 34 different models for 11 different OEMs.
Magna Steyr engineers develop and assemble automobiles for other companies on a contractual basis. The company has an annual production capacity of approximately 200,000 vehicles and is the largest contract manufacturer for automobiles worldwide. In 2018, Magna Steyr developed the "4Matic" all-wheel-drive system for Mercedes-Benz, and it was the sole manufacturer of all E-Class 4Matic models between 1996 and 2006. The company has also developed cars for Audi, Fiat, and Peugeot.
In addition to its work with traditional internal combustion engines, Magna Steyr has expanded its expertise in the field of electric vehicles. In 2017, the company started producing the Jaguar I-Pace, Jaguar's first battery electric vehicle. Following this, Magna Steyr also secured a deal to assemble the Jaguar E-Pace crossover.
Graz's role as a significant automobile development and production centre is further enhanced by its contribution to the development of the Ineos Grenadier 4x4. Magna Powertrain, a subsidiary of Magna Steyr, played a crucial role in developing the chassis and suspension for this vehicle.
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The historic centre and Schloss Eggenberg are UNESCO World Heritage sites
Graz, the capital of Styria and the largest city in the federal state, is situated on both sides of the Mur River in southeast Austria. The city is known for its historic centre, which, along with Schloss Eggenberg, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The historic centre of Graz is a notable example of living cultural heritage. This central European urban complex carries the imprint of the many centuries during which the city was governed by the Habsburg dynasty. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. The inclusion of Schloss Eggenberg, located about three kilometres west of the historic centre, further strengthens the integrity of the property.
Schloss Eggenberg was constructed after 1625 to serve as the residence of Duke Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg, one of the most notable political figures of 18th-century Austria. The palace is an exceptional example of the harmonious integration of architectural styles from successive periods, showcasing influences from the late Italian Renaissance and Baroque periods. The external architecture and ornamentation of the palace exemplify these artistic movements.
The castle and its gardens have retained satisfactory architectural and structural integrity. The external authenticity of the castle is well-preserved, while the Baroque interior on the first floor is of excellent quality. The ground floor of the castle has been converted into a museum, and the garden has been partially redesigned and restored, maintaining an acceptable level of authenticity.
The historic centre and Schloss Eggenberg embody a diversified ensemble of architectural, decorative, and landscape influences from neighbouring regions of Central and Mediterranean Europe. They reflect artistic and architectural movements originating from the Germanic region, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean, for which Graz served as a cultural crossroads for centuries.
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Frequently asked questions
Graz is situated on both sides of the River Mur in southeast Austria. It is about 93-95 miles (150-155 km) southwest of Vienna.
Graz is a city rich in history and culture. The historic centre, including the Dom and Mausoleum, the opera house, and the Uhrturm clock tower, provides a rich cultural experience. The city also has many museums, including the Kunsthaus, which showcases modern art, and the Joanneum Provincial Museum, which houses historical and art collections.
If you're looking for cheaper hotel rates, consider visiting Graz between December and February, when hotel prices are generally lower.
Graz is well-connected by public transportation, including buses, trams, and trains. The Austrian Railways ÖBB website is frequently recommended for planning train journeys both within Austria and internationally.
