Visit Graz
Welcome to the city of red rooftops. Graz is a place where Italian style meets Austrian charm in the most beautiful way. The Schlossberg hill sits in the middle with a clock tower that watches over everyone in the valley. You can climb the stairs or take the lift for a view of the whole city stretching out to the horizon. It is a city of courtyards and hidden gardens that stay cool in the summer heat. The old streets wind through gates that lead to peaceful backyards filled with flowers and vines.
Visit the Kunsthaus which looks like a blue alien landed in the center of town. The old armory is world famous and full of thousands of suits of armor from the middle ages. You can walk through the main square to find fresh food and local pumpkin seed oil that the region is known for. The vibe is young and lively because of the many students who live here. It is a city that knows how to enjoy life and never seems to be in too much of a hurry. You will find that the people here love their outdoor coffee culture.
Graz is a highlight for anyone heading south toward the border. It is the gateway to the famous South Styrian Wine Road that winds through the hills. You can follow rolling landscapes and stop at small farm taverns for a local snack. The landscape is soft and green with views that look like a painting. It is a perfect place to slow down and enjoy a long meal before your next drive. You can see the vineyards stretching across the hills right from the edge of the city.
Top sights to visit
- Schlossberg and Clock Tower Take the glass lift or the steep stairs up to this hill in the city center. You will see the famous clock tower and a 360 degree view of the red rooftops. It is the best place to plan your drive toward the southern hills.
- The Kunsthaus Graz Visit this modern art museum that looks like a giant blue bubble among the old buildings. The locals call it the friendly alien because of its unique shape and glowing skin. It is a must see for fans of bold architecture.
- Landeszeughaus Armory This is the largest historic armory in the world with over 32,000 pieces of shiny armor. You can see the heavy gear used by knights to protect the region long ago. It is located in a beautiful building with a quiet courtyard.
- Murinsel Floating Bridge Walk onto this steel island that looks like a giant seashell floating in the middle of the river. It has a small cafe and a play area for kids to enjoy the water. It connects the two sides of the city with a very cool design.
- Eggenberg Palace Drive to the edge of town to see this grand palace surrounded by a park full of peacocks. The building is designed to match the calendar with 365 windows and 24 state rooms. The gardens are perfect for a long and peaceful walk.
- The Grazer Dom This cathedral looks simple on the outside but hides amazing frescoes and gold art inside. You can see a rare mural that shows the city during a difficult time in the 1400s. It is a quiet and cool spot for history lovers.
- Styrian Pumpkin Oil Tasting Stop at a local market to try the dark green gold of the region. This pumpkin seed oil is famous for its nutty taste and is great on fresh salads. You can buy a bottle to take on your road trip.
- The Old Town Courtyards Explore the hidden gates of the city to find secret gardens and Italian style balconies. The Landhaushof is the most famous with its grand arches and stone carvings. Every turn leads to a new and quiet discovery.
- Glockenspiel Square At three times during the day wooden figures dance to music in the gable of an old house. It is a charming local tradition that draws a small crowd of happy travelers. The square is surrounded by great local coffee shops.
- Herz-Jesu-Kirche This is the largest church in the city and features a massive brick tower and colorful glass. It is a masterpiece of gothic style and sits in a very leafy and green neighborhood. It is a great spot for quiet reflection.
- Austrian Sculpture Park Drive south to find over 70 massive works of art in a wide open field near the highway. You can walk among the giant shapes and take unique photos with the mountains in the back. It is a perfect outdoor art break.
- South Styrian Wine Road This scenic route starts just outside the city and leads through steep hills of vines. You can stop at family farms to try local snacks and enjoy the green landscape. It is one of the most beautiful drives in the country.
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History of Graz
Graz has always been a strategic guardian of the south, sitting at the foot of the Schlossberg hill. For centuries, its massive fortress was so strong that even Napoleon could not capture it. The city grew as a favorite home for the Habsburg royalty, who built grand palaces and hidden courtyards with Italian style. This mix of Austrian strength and Mediterranean beauty earned the entire city center a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
During the Renaissance, Graz became a center of science and thought, hosting the famous astronomer Johannes Kepler. The city’s historic Landeszeughaus was built to protect the region from invasions, eventually becoming the largest collection of armor in the world. As you walk through the Old Town, you see how the red-tiled roofs and narrow alleys have been perfectly preserved for hundreds of years.
Today, Graz is a city that loves to contrast its royal past with bold modern art. You can see the Kunsthaus (the "Friendly Alien") museum sitting right across the river from the medieval clock tower. It is a major stop for road trippers heading toward the wine roads of the south. The city is friendly, lively, and full of hidden gardens that make you want to park the car and explore every stone corner.