
Styria, a state in southeast Austria, derives its name from the city of Steyr in Upper Austria, which was the original seat of the ruling Otakar dynasty. In German, the area is still called Steiermark, while the English name Styria comes from the Latin name. The city of Steyr is also home to Lamberg Castle, previously known as Styraburg. After World War I, the Duchy of Styria was partitioned along ethnic lines, with the southern, Slovene-speaking region becoming part of Slovenia, and the remaining two-thirds forming the Austrian federal state of Styria. Styria is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, and vineyards, and is often referred to as the Green Heart of Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name origin | Derived from the city of Steyr in Upper Austria, the original seat of the ruling Otakar dynasty |
| Location | Southeast Austria |
| Capital | Graz |
| Population | 280,000 |
| Historical events | Conquered by the Romans; Partitioned after World War I; experienced economic growth under Archduke John of Austria in the 19th century |
| Economy | Strong economic growth, particularly in the Graz area; home to over 150 clean technology companies |
| Natural features | Diverse landscapes including mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, vineyards, and ski resorts; known as the Green Heart of Austria |
| Motorsport | Host of the Formula One Styrian Grand Prix |
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What You'll Learn
- The name 'Styria' is derived from the city of Steyr in Upper Austria
- The region was partitioned after World War I, with the southern third becoming part of Slovenia
- Styria is also known as the Green Heart of Austria due to its lush, green landscapes
- It is home to the Austrian state capital, Graz, which is also its largest city
- The region has a rich history, including Roman rule and settlement by various tribes

The name 'Styria' is derived from the city of Steyr in Upper Austria
The name Styria is derived from the city of Steyr in Upper Austria. Steyr was the original seat of the ruling Otakar dynasty, which ruled over the area that became known as the March of Styria. The name "Styria" is believed to come from the city of Steyr, which itself was named after the river of Steyr that runs through it, stemming from the Celtic "Stiria" or "Stira". This ancient link between the city of Steyr and the region of Styria is also reflected in their nearly identical coats of arms, which feature a white panther on a green background.
Steyr was once the capital of Styria, but it was lost to the Duchy of Austria above the Enns, or Upper Austria, along with Pitten, which now forms the southeastern part of Lower Austria. This occurred after the fall of the Babenberg dynasty, which had ruled over Styria, when the region briefly came under the control of Hungary and later Bohemia in the 13th century. During this time, Styria suffered significant territorial losses.
The March of Styria, also known as the Carantanian or Carinthian March, was ruled by the margravial Otakar dynasty, which originated from Steyr in Upper Austria, thus giving the land its name, "Steiermark" in German. In English, the Latin name "Styria" is used. The term "Steiermark" is still used in German to refer to the region of Styria, reflecting the historical connection between the city of Steyr and the region that bears its name.
The Duchy of Styria was established in 1180 when Emperor Frederick Barbarossa raised the march to the status of a duchy. This occurred after the fall of Henry the Lion of Bavaria, marking the end of the first line of rulers of Styria. The region then passed to the Babenberg family, rulers of Austria, as stipulated in the Georgenberg Pact. The Austrian Duke Leopold V became Duke of Styria in 1192, further solidifying the historical connection between Austria and Styria.
Today, Styria is a state located in southeast Austria, known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, and vineyards. It is the second-largest state in Austria and is bordered by Slovenia and several other Austrian states. The capital of Styria is Graz, which is also the second-largest city in Austria after Vienna.
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The region was partitioned after World War I, with the southern third becoming part of Slovenia
The region of Styria was partitioned after World War I, with the southern third becoming part of Slovenia. This partition occurred in 1918, after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Duchy of Styria was divided along ethnic lines, with a northern part constituting the Austrian state of Styria and a southern part, Lower Styria, becoming part of Yugoslavia. Lower Styria does not exist as a political entity today but is a traditional term for the region. This southern third of Styria was awarded to the Yugoslav kingdom along with the Prekmurje region and southern Carinthia, while the coastal areas that had given Slovenes access to the sea were awarded to Italy.
The Slovenes in these newly partitioned regions faced discrimination and political pressure from the dominant majorities in Italy, Austria, and Hungary, with whom they were now ruled. During World War II, Slovenia was again partitioned, this time between Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Hungary. The German-speaking minority in Slovenia, amounting to 2.5% of the population before the war, was either expelled or killed in the aftermath of World War II.
The main territory of Slovenia, which was the most industrialized and westernized compared to other parts of Yugoslavia, became the main center of industrial production for the kingdom. Slovenian industrial production was four times greater than that of Serbia and 22 times greater than that of North Macedonia. This industrialization was accompanied by the construction of railroads to link cities and markets, though urbanization remained limited.
Styria, located in southeast Austria, is known as the "'Green Heart of Austria'" for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, and vineyards. The capital of Styria is Graz, which is the second-largest city in Austria after Vienna. Styria is also known as the "Green March" for being the most forested of all the Austrian states, and as the "Iron Margraviate" for its long heritage of manufacturing and engineering.
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Styria is also known as the Green Heart of Austria due to its lush, green landscapes
Styria, a state in southeast Austria, is also known as the Green Heart of Austria. This is due to its lush, green landscapes, which include mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and vineyards. The region is characterised by its diverse nature and culture, with a mix of urban centres, rolling hills, and mountainous terrain.
The state is mainly forested and has several natural parks and one national park, including the Gesuse National Park Alpine Region. The northern and western parts of Styria are dominated by the Alps, with 788 mountains higher than 2,000 metres. The tallest, Dachstein, reaches almost 3,000 metres. The southeastern region is sunny and hot, with a climate influenced by the Adriatic Sea.
The capital of Styria is Graz, Austria's second-largest city, known for its innovative culinary scene and vibrant student population. The city's well-preserved old town, with buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The diverse landscapes of Styria offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors throughout the year. In winter, the region's mountains provide opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking. The summer months are ideal for exploring hiking trails, cycling paths, and swimming in turquoise-blue lakes.
The rich soil and favourable climate of Styria's valleys contribute to its agricultural production, including wine. The South Styrian Wine Road, stretching for 44 miles, offers a picturesque route through vineyards, farmhouses, and white churches. The region is also known for its culinary specialties, such as the traditional Brettljause, an assortment of homemade meats, cheeses, and pickles.
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It is home to the Austrian state capital, Graz, which is also its largest city
Styria is home to the Austrian state capital, Graz, which is also the largest city in the federal state. It is situated on both sides of the Mur River in southeast Austria, about 150km (93-95 miles) southwest of Vienna. The name Graz is derived from the Slavic word 'gradec', which means 'small fortress' or 'small castle'. The city's name first appeared in records in 1128, and it received town rights in 1240.
Graz has a rich history, having been founded by Bavarian settlers who arrived shortly after the Slavs, with whom they intermixed. It became the centre of Styria during the Middle Ages and the residence of the Leopoldine Habsburgs after 1379. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Graz was a trade centre, and it developed rapidly in the 19th century under Archduke John of Austria. The city was designated a European Capital of Culture in 2003, which spurred the development of cutting-edge building projects and a more diverse skyline.
Graz boasts numerous cultural and historical landmarks, including the Aegidius Cathedral, the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, the Graz University Hospital (the largest Jugendstil building complex in Austria), the Gösting Ruin, and the Plabutsch/Fürstenstand. It is also home to several renowned educational institutions, such as Graz University, Graz Technical University, and the University of Music and Dramatic Arts.
The city is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the mountainous north to the gently rolling hills of the south, covered in vineyards. It offers a range of leisure activities for holidaymakers, including winter sports, hiking, and cycling. Graz also has a thriving economy, with strong growth in recent years, driven by sectors such as clean technology, automobile development, telecommunications, and medical technology.
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The region has a rich history, including Roman rule and settlement by various tribes
The region of Styria, also known as the "Green Heart of Austria", has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Located in southeast Austria, it was originally inhabited by a Romanised Celtic population known as the Taurisci. After the Romans, Styria was conquered or traversed by various tribes and groups, including the Visigoths, Huns, Ostrogoths, Rugii, and Lombards. During the Barbarian invasions, the Bavarians under Frankish domination expanded their territory to absorb the Slavic population that had settled in the valleys around 600.
The name "Styria" is derived from the city of Steyr in Upper Austria, which was the original seat of the ruling Otakar dynasty. In German, the area is still called "Steiermark", while the Latin name "Styria" is used in English. The ancient connection between Steyr and Styria is evident in their nearly identical coats of arms, featuring a white panther on a green background.
In the late 10th century, the March of Styria was established in the Duchy of Carinthia as a defence against the Magyars. It was ruled by the Otakars, a margravial dynasty, until the fall of the first line of Styrian rulers with the death of Ottokar. The region then came under the control of the Babenberg family, rulers of Austria, followed by a brief period of Hungarian rule before falling to King Ottokar of Bohemia. Eventually, in 1276, Styria came under the rule of the Habsburgs, who provided dukes for the region during various periods.
Styria has a diverse landscape, ranging from the mountainous north to the gently rolling hills of the south, which are covered in vineyards. The region is known for its natural beauty, including glaciers, lakes, forests, and thermal spas. It is also rich in minerals, soft coal, and iron, with a long heritage of manufacturing and engineering. The capital of Styria is Graz, a vibrant city with a well-preserved old town and a rich cultural scene, hosting events such as the Styriarte Music Festival and the Diagonale Film Festival.
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Frequently asked questions
Styria is a state in southeast Austria. The name Styria is derived from the city of Steyr in Upper Austria, which was the original seat of the ruling Otakar dynasty.
The capital of Styria is Graz, which is also the second-largest city in Austria.
Styria is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, and vineyards. It is also home to the Red Bull Ring, where the Styrian Grand Prix is held. Other attractions include the Dachstein Skywalks, the Walled Town of Oberwölz, and the Christmas Market in Fürstenfeld.











































