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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

The South, Austria

Iconic Landmarks

Must-See Views & Architecture

Schlossberg & Clock Tower

  • Schlossberg: Dominant hill with panoramic city and Styrian landscape views. Accessible by foot (Kriegssteig, Schlossbergstiege), Schlossbergbahn (funicular), or Schlossberg Lift (glass elevator).
  • Grazer Uhrturm (Clock Tower): The famous symbol of Graz on Schlossberg, with an unique large hour hand and smaller minute hand. Freely accessible.
  • Insider Tip: Visit Schlossberg for sunset views. Explore paths, gardens, and the Turkish Well. Early morning is less crowded.

Modern Marvels

  • Kunsthaus Graz (Friendly Alien): Contemporary art museum with distinctive, blob-like, blue-bubble architecture. Open Tue-Sun, 10 AM-5 PM (check exhibition hours).
  • Murinsel (Island in the Mur): Floating, shell-shaped structure in the Mur River, housing a cafe and amphitheater. Bridge access free.
  • Insider Tip: View Kunsthaus from different angles. The "Needle" at the top has city views. Enjoy a coffee at Murinsel for unique river perspective; it lights up beautifully at night.

Access to funicular/lift for Schlossberg and Kunsthaus entry may have fees, but they are often free with the Graz Card. Find tickets & tours

Grandeur of Eggenberg & Old Town

Eggenberg Palace

  • A magnificent Baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage site on Graz outskirts.
  • Famous for grand state rooms, elaborate frescoes, and a large peacock garden.
  • Palace tours are guided only; check English tour times. Park open daily sunrise-sunset.
  • Fees: Palace tour (~€15), park entry free. Often free with Graz Card.

Historic Old Town

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site

    One of Central Europe's best-preserved city centers. Explore entirely on foot.

  • Herrengasse & Sporgasse

    Wander through main thoroughfares. Discover hidden courtyards off these streets.

  • Architectural Details

    Observe intricate architectural details and historical frescoes on façades.

  • Old Picture Gallery & Coin Cabinet

    Located within the Eggenberg Palace complex, these collections enhance the historical visit.

  • Planning Your Visit

    Allow several hours to explore both the palace and its extensive gardens. Don't miss the "planetary" room sequence inside the palace.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Graz has a wide array of museums catering to various interests, from history and natural science to contemporary art.

Diverse Collections

  • Landesmuseum Joanneum

    Austria's oldest public museum, a network of diverse museums across Graz and Styria.

  • Landeszeughaus (Styrian Armory)

    The world's largest historical armory, with over 32,000 pieces of armor and weapons.

  • Neue Galerie Graz

    Showcases modern and contemporary art from the 19th century to today.

  • Naturkundemuseum

    A natural history museum covering the flora, fauna, and geology of Styria.

  • Graz Museum

    Explores the history of Graz, located in the impressive Palais Khuenburg.

  • CoSA - Center of Science Activities

    An interactive science museum with engaging exhibits, especially good for families.

Oper Graz

The city's opera house, presenting high-quality opera, operetta, and musical performances. Book tickets

Schauspielhaus Graz

The main theater for plays, it has a diverse program of dramatic arts. Find showtimes

Orpheum Graz

A concert venue hosting various music genres, from pop and rock to world music. See concerts

Additional Venues

Beyond major institutions, discover other spaces for art and culture.

  • Dom im Berg: An underground event venue inside the Schlossberg, used for concerts and parties.
  • Art Galleries and Exhibition Spaces: Numerous smaller galleries dot the city, notably in the Lend district, showing local and contemporary art.
  • Local Performance Spaces: Smaller theaters and cultural centers frequently host local productions, readings, and community events.

Historical Sites

Explore Graz's rich past by visiting its historical landmarks, from imperial residences to ancient churches.

Sacred & Imperial History

Uncover the stories behind Graz’s past through its significant religious and royal structures.

Historical Structures

  • Graz Cathedral (Grazer Dom): Late Gothic, former court church of Emperor Frederick III, intricate frescoes. Open daily, free entry.
  • Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II: Impressive early Baroque mausoleum next to the cathedral, final resting place of Emperor Ferdinand II. Check limited opening hours, small entry fee may apply.
  • Burg and Double Spiral Staircase (Doppelwendeltreppe): Imperial castle, now seat of provincial government. Double spiral staircase (1499) is an architectural marvel. Accessible during daytime public hours, free entry.

Civic & Military Heritage

Explore the civic and defensive aspects of Graz's history.

Significant Historic Sites

  • Landhaus: A Renaissance palace, seat of the Styrian Provincial Parliament, with a beautiful arcaded courtyard. Courtyard generally accessible.
  • Styrian Armory (Landeszeughaus): The world's largest historical armory, an unique look into military history (see Museums section for more).
  • Insider Tip: For the Double Spiral Staircase, try walking up one side and down the other without crossing paths for an unique experience.

Architectural Highlights

  • Graz Cathedral: Admire its late Gothic architecture and interior frescoes. Look for the "Gottesplagenbild" fresco on the exterior wall.
  • Mausoleum: A grand Baroque structure, significant for its imperial connections and elaborate design.
  • Double Spiral Staircase: An architectural marvel from 1499, offering a playful and historic walk.

Historical Context

  • These sites offer a tangible connection to Graz's past as an imperial city and provincial capital.
  • Many buildings in the Old Town reveal stories of emperors, nobility, and significant historical events.
  • Combine these visits with a walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town for a comprehensive historical experience.

Natural Attractions

Graz has numerous green spaces and natural beauty within and around the city, ideal for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment.

Schlossberg Park

An extensive park area covering and surrounding the Schlossberg hill. It features walking paths, well-maintained gardens, and playgrounds.

Botanical Garden Graz

The University of Graz's botanical garden, with themed sections and impressive glasshouses representing different climate zones. Open daily, free entry.

Austrian Sculpture Park

A large open-air sculpture park south of Graz, demonstrating contemporary art installations in a natural setting. Free entry, open year-round.

Urban Greenery & Beyond

Hilmteich

A small, picturesque lake in eastern Graz, popular for leisurely walks and featuring a boathouse restaurant.

Schlossberg Park

Enjoy diverse walking paths and well-maintained gardens atop the city's iconic hill.

Botanical Garden Graz

Wander through various themed sections and impressive glasshouses demonstrating different climate zones.

Austrian Sculpture Park

A unique open-air park south of Graz, blending contemporary art with natural landscapes.

Piber Federal Stud

While a day trip from Graz, this zoo (Herberstein) provides a diverse animal collection in a spacious setting.

Urban Green Escapes

Within the city limits, these spots offer peaceful retreats from urban bustle.

Rest & Recreation

  • Schlossberg Park: Ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying elevated city views.
  • Hilmteich: A charming lake area for relaxed strolls and quiet moments.
  • Botanical Garden: A calming space to explore diverse plant collections under glasshouses or open air.

Beyond the City Limits

For those seeking more extensive natural experiences, these locations are a short trip away.

Day Trips & Exploration

  • Austrian Sculpture Park: Combine art and nature in an expansive outdoor setting.
  • Herberstein Zoo & Castle: A worthwhile day trip for families, blending history with wildlife.
  • Schöckl Mountain: Graz’s local mountain, offering hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.
  • Bärenschützklamm (Bear Gorge): A demanding but rewarding hike through a scenic gorge with waterfalls (seasonal).

Exploring Tips

Many attractions are walkable from the city center, but for outer sites, public transport or car rental is needed.

Hidden Gems

Discover less-known but equally rewarding spots in Graz that offer unique perspectives away from the main tourist paths.

Unique City Spots

These less-traveled locales offer a charming glimpse into local life and architecture.

Discover Charm

  • Staircase of Contemplation (Seelig & Co. Hof): A small, unassuming staircase in a quiet courtyard off Herrengasse, leading to a tranquil upper-level cafe.
  • Kaisertor (Emperor's Gate): A hidden passage connecting Hofgasse to the Burg, serving as a shortcut and a delightful discovery.
  • Franziskanerviertel (Franciscan Quarter): Charming, narrow alleys around the Franciscan Church. Less bustling than Herrengasse, a quieter atmosphere.

Day Trip Gems

While outside the immediate city, these spots offer rewarding excursions for a fuller experience of Styria.

Beyond the City Center

  • Hasnerplatz: A local square in the Geidorf district with a lovely fountain and inviting cafes. Has a glimpse of local life.
  • Herberstein Zoo & Castle: A bit further out (requiring a day trip), this destination has a rewarding combination of a historic castle and a spacious zoo.
  • Consider Renting a Car: For Herberstein and other regional gems, a car enables more flexible exploration.

Schlossberg Secret Paths

Beyond the main funicular, explore lesser-known trails and viewpoints for tranquil moments.

Hidden Ascent Points

  • Kriegssteig: A winding path up the Schlossberg, less crowded than the main stairs.
  • Smaller side paths around the base of the hill for different perspectives.
  • Discover quiet benches and secluded spots for contemplation.

These paths showcase the hill's natural beauty away from the crowds.

Mur River's Quiet Banks

While Murinsel gathers attention, quiet stretches along the river have peaceful walks and local views.

Riverside Tranquility

  • Walk or cycle along the Murradweg (Mur Cycle Path) outside the city center.
  • Explore the smaller bridges and local access points for unique river perspectives.

Enjoy the gentle flow of the river and observe local life.

Historic Courtyards

The Old Town's main streets hide numerous beautiful, often overlooked, Renaissance courtyards.

Hidden Architectural Gems

  • Wander off Herrengasse and Sporgasse into arcaded courtyards like Landhaushof.
  • Look for charming fountains, intricate facades, and quiet cafes within these spaces.
  • Many provide excellent photo opportunities away from the crowds.

These courtyards showcase centuries of architectural beauty.

Local Insights

Local Cafes

Explore cafes in districts like Lend or Geidorf for a taste of daily Graz life away from tourist hot spots.

Art in Lend

The Lend district has many smaller art galleries and independent boutiques, ideal for unique finds.

Graffiti & Street Art

Keep an eye out for street art, especially in the Gries and Lend districts.

Maximize Your Sightseeing

Consider a guided tour through the Old Town or Schlossberg for deeper historical context and engaging stories. Many options are available via GetYourGuide.