Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria is a beautiful country with plenty of attractions for nature, sports, and art lovers. If you're looking for places to visit in Southern Austria, the picturesque state of Styria is a great option. Known for its wines and castles, Styria offers a dramatic landscape of snow-capped mountains, forests, and Baroque architecture. The capital, Graz, is a charming city with a lively atmosphere, set on the banks of the Mur River. It boasts a well-preserved historic centre, with Baroque palaces and Renaissance courtyards alongside modern cafes and restaurants. For outdoor enthusiasts, the southern Austrian towns of St Anton am Arlberg and Bad Gastein offer alpine resorts and ski areas. The Karwendel Nature Park and the High Tauern Mountains provide breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. In addition, the southern state of Carinthia is home to the Worthersee Lake, a popular tourist destination surrounded by lush forests, offering swimming, hiking, and watersports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cities | Vienna, Graz, Klagenfurt, Villach, Innsbruck, Salzburg |
| Towns | Baden, Gumpoldskirchen, Ehrenhausen, St Anton am Arlberg, Mayrhofen |
| Regions | Styria, Carinthia, Tyrol, Wachau |
| Natural Features | High Tauern Mountains, Bad Gasteiner Waterfall, Wörthersee, Gurktal Alps, Karawanks mountain range, Lechtal Alps, Valluga Mountain, Vallugabahns, Wolfsklamm Gorge, Isar River, Risstal Valley, Gamsjoch Peak, Absamer Klettersteig, Innsbrucker Klettersteig, Hundskopf, Lake Achensee, Rofan Mountains, Bärenkopf Peak, Alps, Danube River |
| Man-made Features | Baroque palaces, Renaissance courtyards, Churches, Modern museums, Grand de l’Europe Hotel, Schlossberg Hill, Clocktower, Stephansdom, Melk Abbey, Schönbühel Castle, Aggstein, Dürnstein Castle Ruins |
| Activities | Skiing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, golf, watersports, wine tasting, visiting thermal spas, sightseeing |
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What You'll Learn
- Graz: A historic city with a youthful vibe, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant nightlife scene
- Carinthia: Home to Lake Worthersee, a popular tourist destination for swimming, hiking, and outdoor activities
- Bad Gastein: A picturesque spa town known for its thermal spring waters and spectacular landscape
- St Anton am Arlberg: A popular ski resort town in the Tyrolean Alps, offering outdoor activities year-round
- Wachau Valley: A stretch of the Danube River Valley, featuring historic landmarks and wine-growing regions
Graz: A historic city with a youthful vibe, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant nightlife scene
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a fascinating place to visit, boasting a unique blend of history, youthful energy, stunning architecture, and a vibrant nightlife. Located in the southern province of Styria, Graz offers a wealth of cultural and culinary experiences.
Historic Charm and Architectural Gems
Graz's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to the city's rich historical fabric. Well-preserved historic buildings, charming alleyways, and architectural highlights from different eras grace the cityscape. The Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II showcases the transition from Renaissance to Baroque styles in the 17th century. The city's main square and town hall are vibrant hubs, showcasing impressive architecture and a lively atmosphere. Graz also boasts gorgeous 16th-century Italian Renaissance architecture, adding a Mediterranean flair to the city.
A City of Design
Graz has earned the title of UNESCO "City of Design," celebrated for its creative scene and innovative architectural endeavours. The Kunsthaus and Mur Island are notable examples of Graz's commitment to design, showcasing contemporary architectural marvels. The city seamlessly blends old and new, making it a delight for architecture enthusiasts.
Culinary Delights and Vibrant Nightlife
Graz is renowned as the "culinary capital" of Austria, tantalising visitors with its diverse gastronomic offerings. From alfresco cafés and bustling markets to hip coffee shops and gourmet restaurants, the city caters to all tastes. The lively student scene, thanks to its several universities, infuses the city with a youthful vibe and a thriving nightlife. Graz also boasts a vibrant cultural calendar, with events like the Austrian Grand Prix at the nearby Red Bull Ring attracting visitors worldwide.
Surrounding Attractions
Graz is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside and attractions. The scenic Schloss Eggenberg, on the outskirts of the city, is a must-visit, along with the baroque Eggenberg Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens. The Styrian wine region, with its storybook towns like Ehrenhausen, is a short distance away, offering gorgeous scenery and renowned wines.
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Carinthia: Home to Lake Worthersee, a popular tourist destination for swimming, hiking, and outdoor activities
Carinthia, a land of lakes in Austria, is home to the popular tourist destination of Lake Worthersee. This lake is one of the larger lakes in Europe and is known for its clean, warm waters and Mediterranean climate. It is located just across the Austrian border, a 45-50 minute drive from Apartments Fine Stay Zavrsnica and Apartments Fine Stay Bled. The lake is a popular destination for swimming, with water temperatures reaching up to 28 degrees Celsius in summer, and is also a great spot for hiking and outdoor activities.
The region around Lake Worthersee has been termed "Austria's Monte Carlo", and the lake itself is the southernmost lake in Austria, earning it the nickname the 'sun lake'. The lake offers a variety of water activities, including canoeing and water sports. The clean, warm waters and comfortable temperatures of above 25 degrees Celsius make it a popular spot for swimming. The lake is also surrounded by scenic hiking trails, such as the Southern Alps panoramic trail, which offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
In addition to its natural attractions, Lake Worthersee has a rich history. The lake was first mentioned as Werdse in an 1143 deed, and the name originates from the islands in the lake, most notably Maria Worth, a peninsula since the building of the Glanfurt outlet in 1770. The opening of the Austrian Southern Railway line (Südbahn) to Klagenfurt in 1863 turned the lake into an exclusive summer retreat for Vienna's nobility and wealthy bourgeoisie. Today, the lake continues to be a popular destination for tourists, with most visitors coming from Vienna, northern Germany, and the Netherlands.
The state capital of Klagenfurt am Worthersee is located on the shores of the lake and is known for its picturesque city centre and its location by the lake. The city offers easy access to the lake and its attractions, making it a convenient base for visitors. The town of Villach, located along the northern shore of the lake, is also a popular tourist destination, with a direct coach service from Venice.
Lake Worthersee is a must-visit destination in southern Austria, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a rich cultural and historical heritage. The lake's clean, warm waters and surrounding scenic trails make it an ideal spot for swimming, hiking, and exploring the diverse landscape of Carinthia.
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Bad Gastein: A picturesque spa town known for its thermal spring waters and spectacular landscape
Bad Gastein is a picturesque spa town nestled in the stunning Gastein Valley of Austria. With its thermal spring waters and breathtaking landscape, it offers the perfect opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation in the heart of nature.
The town's thermal springs were discovered in the 7th century, and to this day, they remain a focal point for visitors seeking healing and relaxation. The thermal water, which emerges from 17 springs in the valley, is slightly mineralized and contains radon, with temperatures ranging from 44°C to 47°C. This natural therapy is believed to provide relief from ailments and promote overall health and well-being.
One of the highlights of Bad Gastein is the Felsentherme, a thermal bath set amidst the rocks. Here, you can find an outdoor sports pool with warm thermal water, as well as a resting pool surrounded by rocks, maintaining a comfortable temperature of 32°C. For those seeking a more comprehensive spa experience, the Panorama Wellness area offers eight different steam baths and saunas, providing the ultimate relaxation and detoxification.
The Gastein Valley also boasts stunning natural scenery, with majestic mountains and alpine landscapes. The Alpentherme spa resort in Bad Hofgastein, just a few minutes' walk from the Hotel Römerhof, spans an impressive 32,000m² and offers a range of activities for both adults and children. Here, you can enjoy the thermal spring waters, take a plunge into the adventure area with a 70-metre slide, or explore the Sauna-World with its mountain lake.
With its combination of therapeutic thermal waters and spectacular natural surroundings, Bad Gastein is a must-visit destination in Southern Austria for anyone seeking a revitalizing and memorable experience.
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St Anton am Arlberg: A popular ski resort town in the Tyrolean Alps, offering outdoor activities year-round
St Anton am Arlberg, commonly referred to as St Anton, is a popular ski resort town nestled in the breathtaking Tyrolean Alps in Austria. With a rich history in winter sports, it is a favourite among skiers and snowboarders alike. The resort boasts an impressive network of pistes, modern cable cars, and lifts, offering a seamless experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels. The Galzigbahn cable car, for instance, takes riders directly from the village to the heart of the ski area, while the Vallugabahn cable car ascends to a breathtaking height of 2,811 meters.
St Anton's reputation as a premier ski destination is well-deserved, with its world-class infrastructure and excellent snow conditions. The resort features an extensive area at the Rendl mountain station, catering to diverse skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. For those seeking a challenge, the Kapall, Valluga, and Schindler peaks offer an exhilarating vertical drop of nearly 1,500 meters. And when the snow melts, St Anton transforms into a popular summer resort, attracting trekkers and mountaineers eager to explore the majestic Alpine landscape.
The town of St Anton is easily accessible by train, with railway stations in the town centre and nearby villages. A well-connected network of bus routes and gondola lifts ensures smooth transportation within the resort and to surrounding areas. The town also offers a range of après-ski entertainment, including slope-side bars, cafes, and restaurants, ensuring that visitors can unwind and socialise after a day on the slopes.
Beyond its winter sports allure, St Anton has left an indelible mark on the world of skiing. Ski pioneer Hannes Schneider laid the foundations for the resort's illustrious history when he served as a ski instructor in the early 20th century, developing the revolutionary Arlberg technique. This rich heritage, combined with its stunning natural setting, makes St Anton am Arlberg a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable Alpine adventure.
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Wachau Valley: A stretch of the Danube River Valley, featuring historic landmarks and wine-growing regions
The Wachau Valley, a stretch of the Danube River Valley in Lower Austria, is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its historic landmarks and wine-growing regions, with picturesque villages, monasteries, castles, and ruins. The valley offers a unique combination of architectural elegance and agricultural produce, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
The Wachau Valley is approximately 22 miles long, stretching between the historic towns of Melk and Krems. The river valley is characterised by crystalline rocks, with deposits from the Tertiary and Quaternary periods. The origin of the wine-growing tradition in this region dates back to the medieval period of Roman settlements.
The Benedictine abbeys of Melk and Göttweig, at the beginning and end of the scenic Wachau section, offer breathtaking views of the city of Melk. The architectural highlights of the Wachau Valley include the Renaissance-style Schallaburg Castle, the Steiner Tor in Krems, and the Dürnstein Castle, where King Richard I of England was held captive.
The Wachau wine region is renowned for its top winemakers and highly rated dry white wines, with the traditional Wachau grape being the white Wachau Grüner Veltliner. The unique microclimates, influenced by the western Atlantic and eastern Pannonian climate zones, contribute to the distinct aromatics of the grapes. The temperature variation between hot days and cold nights also plays a crucial role in the ripening process, resulting in sophisticated wines.
The Wachau Valley is not just about wine; it also boasts charming villages like Dürnstein, with its castle ruins and the blue Baroque tower of Dürnstein Abbey. The nearby 'Loiben' wine villages of Oberloiben and Unterloiben offer a glimpse into the heart of the Wachau vineyards and some of the top wineries in the region. The village of Rossatz, across the Danube from Dürnstein, and the beautiful village of Weissenkirchen, the largest wine-growing community in the Wachau, are also worth visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
South Styria is a picturesque, forested mountain region in Southern Austria, known for its wine and castles.
Lake Worthersee, the largest lake in Carinthia, is a popular destination for tourists, who enjoy the warm waters and Mediterranean climate in the summer. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, making it ideal for hiking, and there is also a scenic bike path along the lakeside. The town of Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is also a popular destination, with its beautiful architecture, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife scene.
The Karwendel High Trail is a 6-stage hut-to-hut hiking route across the Karwendel mountain range. The Bad Gasteiner Waterfall is also a unique sight, as it flows directly through the middle of the town of Bad Gastein.
