the Graz clock tower | © Graz Region | studio draussen the Graz clock tower | © Graz Region | studio draussen
Head off, vacation on!

SUMMER IN THE  REGION GRAZ

Pleasure, culture and pure joie de vivre - that and much more is the Graz Region! Summer is the time to let go, recharge your batteries and relax. A time for lakes and spas, restaurants and shopping experiences, enjoyment and discovery, excursion destinations and gentle exercise in the fresh air ... and a time for colour.

Eating, drinking, strolling?

Graz - capital of delight

It is no coincidence that Graz is Austria's only capital of delight. You can simply enjoy everything here: The atmosphere in the city, Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent cuisine, restaurants of every style and inviting cafés , culture and design, shopping...
The pedestrianised old town is a wonderful place to stroll and discover winding alleyways and hidden squares. Unadulterated Styrian culinary delights and Styrian hospitality can be found in the many restaurants and pubs and certainly also at the popular sausage stand on the main square - a city where enjoyment is celebrated. What makes the Capital of Delight so special? Find out here: 

up to the Schlossberg

Anyone visiting the Styrian capital for the first time absolutely MUST go up the Schlossberg (castle hill). After all, not every city has such a green mountain right in the centre, which can be reached on foot, by train or by a glass lift through the middle of the rock. No wonder the people of Graz love the Schlossberg with its clock tower as a landmark visible from afar with a wonderful view of the city's rooftops.

MUST DO: the quickest way to get back down is to take the Schlossberg slide - the highest underground slide in the world. An experience that is guaranteed to stay in your memory. But stop! Before you go down, it's worth taking a 10-minute flight over the city in the 4-D adventure cinema - surprises and completely new perspectives included - right at the entrance to the slide!

relax on the Murinsel

A holiday feeling in the middle of Graz - the Murinsel is located directly on the Mur and is the link between the river and the city. The best way to listen to the sound of the water is with a cocktail, coffee or relaxing in a deckchair. The Murinsel is also a hotspot for the local creative scene: immerse yourself in the world of design and discover unusual (handmade) products from Graz.

By the way: In summer, the Murinsel open-air cinemas also start with free admission. Whether early in the morning, at midday or in the evening - a visit is always worthwhile.

Summer in the city – events

Immerse yourself in the cheerful and colourful hustle and bustle of Austria's southernmost city. Why not be a shopping queen and then ‘relax’ with a drink or two in the laid-back garden? - or be enchanted by first-class international street art at La Strada - or listen to lively jazz every Wednesday evening at the Generalihof!     

enjoying the mediterranean flair while eating

Graz is pleasure! After all, it is no coincidence that Graz is Austria's only official Capital of deligt. You can feel and taste it not only in award-winning restaurants, but also in trendy trendy bars, cosy pubs, cafés, secluded guest gardens and yes, certainly also at the popular sausage stand on the main square.

Enjoy balmy evenings far away from the chaos and traffic, yet right in the centre of the city - in short, right in the middle of the Mediterranean flair of Austria's second largest city. If you want to find out more about the history, we recommend the guided culinary tours.

„Cool“ destinations to cool off

If the temperature rises above 30°, the thought of a romantic, water-bearing gorge or an underground grotto is enough to cool you down. In the Lurgrotte, Austria's largest water-bearing stalactite cave, there is a constant temperature of around 10° all year round - a great way to cool off in the hot summer, but don't forget your jacket and sturdy shoes. In Peggau and Semriach you can descend into the Lurgrotte. The Kesselfall and Rettenbachklamm gorges are real insider tips for an adventurous excursion on hot days that is also fun for children. This makes a summer holiday in Graz fun!

feel the cool wet when swimming

The romantic mountain lakes in the Graz  Region, such as Hirzmannsee or Packer reservoir, are ideal for cooling off in the hot season. Swimming, sailing, fishing, stand-up paddling or rowing - surrounded by a marvellous mountain backdrop, that's quite something! Well-maintained outdoor pools, natural swimming lakes with the best water quality and natural pools such as the beautiful natural pool in Eggersdorf offer water fun and relaxation in all directions in the Graz Region. Lake Thalersee just outside the city centre is a particular favourite. Although it is not suitable for swimming, it is a wonderful place to relax, take a walk around the lake, go pedalling or rowing or take a short break in the modern Thaler See Garten with a direct view of the lake.

accommodation for every budget

Pension on the mountain or fine city hotel, flat or design hotel, farm holiday, spa hotel or low budget establishment? In the Graz Region, every dream of a perfect holiday becomes reality. There are hosts here who are looking forward to welcoming guests!

from historical landmarks to picturesque excursions

discover Graz at our own pace

Discover Graz in 24, 48 or 72 hours - each time span offers unique opportunities to experience the cultural, historical and natural treasures of the city and its surroundings. In 24 hours you can explore the central sights such as the Schlossberg and Kaiser-Josef-Platz. In 48 hours, you can delve deeper into the regional cultural and natural offerings, while the 72-hour route also includes excursions to the surrounding area, such as the Lipizzanerheimat, where tradition and nature meet.

#DiscoverGrazRegion

Personal tips by travel blogger and author Elena Paschinger

Sustainable travel in Graz and the Graz Region: What is it really like? Travel blogger and author Elena Paschinger has been to Graz many times and has written a compact eBook about it. Download it straight to your smartphone, tablet or (laptop) computer, and share it with friends and family! Sustainable accommodation, tips for foodies, experiencing nature and culture - you will find all this and more in the eBook, with lots of personal travel tips, photos and videos for your next trip to Graz.