Last Updated on April 17, 2023 by gregor
In this blog post, we’ll be sharing the best things to do in Styria, Austria, including where to go, what to see, and how to get the most out of your trip.
Styria is one of the most picturesque regions in Austria, located in the southeastern part of the country. It’s known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and culinary delights. If you’re planning a trip to Austria, Styria should definitely be on your list of places to visit.
Best Things to Do and See in Styria, Top Attractions in Styria
Why visit Styria in Austria?
- Styria is known for its stunning scenery, with rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages.
- The region is famous for its culinary traditions, including pumpkin seed oil, Styrian apples, and delicious wine.
- Styria has a rich cultural heritage, with many historic landmarks and museums to explore.
- The region is home to some of Austria’s best thermal spas and wellness centers, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Styria is a great place to visit year-round, with plenty of activities to enjoy in every season.
Where is Styria?
Styria is located in southeastern Austria, bordering Slovenia to the south and Hungary to the east. The region is divided into three main areas: Upper Styria, Lower Styria, and East Styria.
How to get to Styria in Austria?
Styria is easily accessible by car, train, or plane. If you’re coming from Vienna, it’s just a two-hour drive or train ride. Graz, the capital of Styria, has its own airport with connections to major European cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Vienna or Salzburg and take a train or drive to Styria.
When is the best time to visit Styria in Austria?
The best time to visit Styria depends on your interests and what you want to see and do. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and what you can expect:
- Spring (March-May): This is a great time to visit if you want to see the countryside in bloom and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
- Summer (June-August): The summer months are the busiest time in Styria, with warm weather and plenty of events and festivals. It’s a great time to explore the region’s cultural heritage and culinary traditions.
- Fall (September-November): This is harvest season in Styria, with plenty of food and wine festivals to enjoy. It’s also a great time to visit the region’s thermal spas and wellness centers.
- Winter (December-February): Styria is a popular destination for skiing and winter sports, with several ski resorts in the region. It’s also a great time to visit Christmas markets and enjoy festive activities.
Things to do in Styria – Best Destinations
Visit Graz, the Capital of Styria
Graz, the capital of Styria is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage, including a stunning old town, museums, and galleries. Don’t miss the Graz Cathedral and the Schlossberg, a hill overlooking the city with panoramic views.
See also these Blog Post about Graz:
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Explore the countryside
Styria is known for its natural beauty, with rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages. Take a drive or bike ride through the countryside and explore the region’s small towns and villages.
Visit a thermal spa
Styria is home to several thermal spas and wellness centers, including the famous Loipersdorf Thermal Spa. Relax in the warm waters and indulge in a spa treatment for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Taste the local cuisine
Styria is known for its culinary traditions, including pumpkin seed oil, Styrian apples, and delicious wine. Visit a local restaurant or wine cellar to sample the region’s specialties.
Visit a castle or palace
Styria is home to several impressive castles and palaces, including Schloss Eggenberg
Take a wine tour
Styria is famous for its wine, especially its white wines. Take a wine tour and sample some of the region’s best vintages while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Go skiing
Styria is a popular destination for winter sports, with several ski resorts in the region. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, there are plenty of options for all levels.
Visit the Riegersburg Castle
This medieval castle is perched on a volcanic hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Explore the castle’s history and enjoy a wine tasting in the castle’s cellar.
More Information: Official Riegersburg Castle Website (Click)
Visit the Zotter Chocolate Factory
This award-winning chocolate factory is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. Take a tour and learn about the chocolate-making process, then indulge in some delicious chocolate treats.
Read more on the Zotter Official Website (Click)
Visit the Admont Abbey
This stunning Admont Abbey is home to the largest monastic library in the world, with over 200,000 volumes. Explore the abbey’s impressive architecture and beautiful grounds.
Visit the Schloss Eggenberg Castle
Schloss Eggenberg Castle is a Baroque palace located in Graz, Austria. It was built in the 17th century for the Eggenberg family, who was one of the most powerful aristocratic families in Styria. The palace is now a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The palace has 24 staterooms, which are lavishly decorated with frescoes, stucco work, and tapestries. The rooms are arranged around a central oval-shaped hall, which is one of the most impressive features of the palace. The hall is decorated with a ceiling fresco that depicts the four known continents at the time: Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.
The palace also has a large park, which is home to several ponds, fountains, and sculptures. The park is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
If you’re interested in history and architecture, Schloss Eggenberg Castle is definitely worth a visit.
Visit the Dachstein Mountain
The Dachstein is a mountain massif located in the Northern Limestone Alps, near the border of Austria and Germany. It is the highest peak in the range and stands at an elevation of 2,995 meters (9,826 feet). The mountain is known for its breathtaking views, diverse landscape, and challenging climbing routes.
One of the most popular attractions on the Dachstein is the Dachstein Skywalk, a viewing platform that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Skywalk is located on the south face of the mountain and is accessible by cable car.
Another popular attraction on the Dachstein is the Dachstein Ice Cave, a natural wonder that features a network of ice tunnels, stalactites, and frozen waterfalls. The cave is open to visitors from May to October and can be reached by a cable car that takes visitors up to the mountain’s summit.
The Dachstein is also a popular destination for hikers and climbers, with a variety of trails and climbing routes that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. During the winter months, the Dachstein becomes a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
Visit the Charming Bad Aussee Village
Bad Aussee is a small village located in the Styria region of Austria. It is situated in the heart of the Austrian Alps and is known for its stunning natural beauty, charming architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
The village is situated on the banks of the River Traun and is surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing in the surrounding areas.
Bad Aussee is also known for its traditional Austrian architecture, with many buildings featuring ornate facades and colorful frescoes. The village has a number of cultural attractions, including the Kammerhof Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region, and the Narzissenfest, an annual festival that celebrates the blooming of the local daffodils.
Another popular attraction in Bad Aussee is the Salzwelten Salt Mine, which is one of the oldest salt mines in the world. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about the history of salt mining in the region.
Overall, Bad Aussee is a charming and picturesque village that is well worth a visit for anyone interested in exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Austria.
What are the Top Attractions to visit in Styria, Austria?
Schloss Eggenberg: This beautiful Baroque palace is one of Graz’s top attractions, with impressive architecture and stunning gardens.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and career of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was born in Styria.
Hochosterwitz Castle: This medieval castle is one of Austria’s most impressive, with a winding road leading up to the castle gates.
Lake Toplitz: This stunning mountain lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is a popular destination for hiking and swimming.
Graz Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is one of Graz’s most iconic landmarks, with stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
What are the Best Styria tours?
Wine tours: Styria is famous for its wine, and there are plenty of wine tours available to explore the region’s vineyards and taste its best vintages.
Castle tours: Styria is home to several impressive castles and palaces, and there are plenty of tours available to explore these historic landmarks.
Cycling tours: Styria is a great place for cycling, with plenty of bike paths and scenic routes to explore.
Spa tours: Styria is home to several thermal spas and wellness centers, and there are plenty of tours available to indulge in the region’s relaxation and rejuvenation experiences.
What are the best Day trips from Styria?
Vienna: Austria’s capital is just a two-hour drive or train ride from Styria, and is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Hallstatt: This picturesque lakeside village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its stunning scenery and traditional Austrian charm.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HALLSTATT IN 2023, AUSTRIA
Salzburg: This beautiful city is known for its rich musical heritage, including being the birthplace of Mozart. Explore the old town and visit the famous Hohensalzburg Fortress.
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What are the most popular things to do in Styria with kids?
Visit the Graz Children’s Museum: This interactive museum is designed for kids and offers plenty of fun activities and exhibits to explore.
Visit the Zotter Chocolate Factory: Kids will love learning about chocolate-making and indulging in some delicious treats.
Herberstein Animal World This beautiful zoo is home to over 1000 animals from around the world and offers plenty of fun activities for kids.
What can you do in Styria for free?
- Explore the countryside: Styria is known for its beautiful scenery, and there are plenty of free walking and hiking trails to explore.
- Visit the Graz Old Town: Graz’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a beautiful place to explore on foot. Wander the streets and admire the beautiful architecture and historic landmarks.
- Visit the Schlossberg: This hill overlooking Graz offers stunning views of the city and is a popular place for picnics and walks.
- Visit the Murinsel: This unique floating platform in the middle of the Mur river is a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the views.
What are the Best Styria Sightseeing Tours?
Graz City Walking Tour: This guided tour takes you through Graz’s old town, exploring its historic landmarks and beautiful architecture.
Wine Tasting Tour: This tour takes you to some of Styria’s best vineyards, where you can taste its best wines and learn about the wine-making process.
Castle Tour: This tour takes you to some of Styria’s most impressive castles and palaces, exploring their history and architecture.
Segway Tour: This fun tour takes you through Graz’s old town on a segway, allowing you to cover more ground and see more of the city’s sights.
Is Styria worth visiting?
Absolutely! Styria is a beautiful region of Austria with plenty to offer visitors. From its stunning countryside and vineyards to its historic landmarks and beautiful cities, Styria is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Austria.
What is Styria famous for?
Styria is known for its wine, especially its white wines, as well as its thermal spas and wellness centers. It is also known for its beautiful countryside, historic landmarks, and traditional Austrian charm.
How do you spend a day in Styria?
There are plenty of ways to spend a day in Styria, depending on your interests. You could explore Graz’s old town and visit its historic landmarks, or take a wine tour and taste some of the region’s best vintages. You could also indulge in some relaxation and rejuvenation at one of Styria’s thermal spas, or go hiking or cycling in its beautiful countryside.
How many days in Styria is enough?
It really depends on what you want to see and do in Styria. To fully explore the region’s cities, countryside, and landmarks, we recommend spending at least five to seven days in Styria.
What are the best places for shopping in Styria?
Graz is the best place for shopping in Styria, with plenty of shops, boutiques, and markets to explore. The city’s old town is especially popular for its unique and traditional Austrian souvenirs.
What are the famous Cities in Styria?
Graz is the largest city in Styria and is known for its beautiful architecture and historic landmarks. Other famous cities in Styria include Leoben, Bruck an der Mur, and Kapfenberg.
Is Styria better than Vienna?
Styria and Vienna are both beautiful regions of Austria with their own unique charm and attractions. Styria is known for its beautiful countryside, wine, and thermal spas, while Vienna is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. Which one is better really depends on your interests and what you want to experience in Austria.
Is Styria a walkable city?
Styria is not a city, but rather a region of Austria. Graz, the largest city in Styria, is a walkable city and is best explored on foot. The city’s old town is especially pedestrian-friendly and is a great place to explore on foot.
Getting around Styria
The best way to get around Styria is by car, as it allows you to explore the region’s countryside and attractions at your own pace. There are also buses and trains available, which are convenient for getting around the cities and towns
Where to stay in Styria?
Styria offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and spa resorts to charming bed and breakfasts and guesthouses. In Graz, the best place to stay is the old town, where you’ll be close to the city’s top attractions and restaurants. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, consider staying at one of Styria’s thermal spas or wellness centers.
Book your Accommodation in Styria via Booking.com here:
Tips for planning a Trip to Styria
Plan your trip in advance to make the most of your time in Styria.
- Consider renting a car to explore the region’s countryside and attractions.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes, as there are plenty of opportunities for walking and hiking in Styria.
- Bring a jacket or sweater, as the weather in Styria can be unpredictable.
- Try the local cuisine, especially the region’s famous white wines and traditional Austrian dishes.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera, as Styria is a beautiful region with plenty of photo opportunities.
Best Events in Styria
- Graz Open Air: This music festival takes place in the summer and features a lineup of local and international artists.
- Styriarte: This annual music festival takes place in Graz and features classical and contemporary music performances.
- Steiermark Frühling: This spring festival celebrates the region’s food, wine, and culture with plenty of tastings and activities.
- Murinsel Summer Stage: This outdoor event takes place on the Murinsel and features live music and performances.
Some additional tips for planning a trip to Styria include:
Check the local weather forecast before you go, as the region can experience sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.
- Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the region’s history and culture.
- Research the local customs and etiquette, such as tipping practices and dress codes for certain events or attractions.
- If you’re traveling with kids, look for family-friendly activities and accommodations.
- Check the opening hours and admission fees for attractions you want to visit, as some may have limited hours or require advance reservations.
- Take advantage of the region’s public transportation options, such as buses and trains, to get around.
- Consider purchasing a Styria Card, which offers discounts on attractions and activities throughout the region.
- Look for opportunities to try local products and specialties, such as pumpkin seed oil and Styrian apple cider.
Some other popular attractions and activities to consider when visiting Styria include:
Visiting the Schlossberg in Graz, which offers panoramic views of the city and a historic clock tower.
Exploring the wine region of South Styria, which is known for its delicious white wines and picturesque vineyards.
Taking a trip to the Eisriesenwelt ice caves, which are located in the Dachstein Mountains and offer stunning views of frozen waterfalls and ice formations.
Relaxing at one of the region’s many thermal spas, such as the Loipersdorf or Bad Radkersburg spas.
Taking a hike or bike ride along one of Styria’s many scenic trails, such as the Rennsteig or Murradweg.
Checking out the local art scene, such as the modern art museum in Graz or the historic Eggenberg Palace.
Overall, Styria is a diverse and vibrant region with plenty to offer visitors of all ages and interests. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people, Styria is a destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.
Charming small towns and villages worth visiting in Styria
In addition to the main cities and attractions, there are many charming small towns and villages worth visiting in Styria. These towns offer a glimpse into traditional Austrian life and culture, with picturesque streets, local festivals, and delicious regional cuisine.
Schladming /Dachstein
One such town is Schladming, which is located in the Enns Valley and is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. In the summer, visitors can take a cable car up to the Dachstein Glacier and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The town also hosts several cultural events throughout the year, such as the annual Schladming-Dachstein Music Festival.
Bad Aussee
Another must-visit town in Styria is Bad Aussee, which is located in the Salzkammergut region and is known for its scenic beauty and traditional architecture. Visitors can take a boat ride on the nearby Lake Altaussee, hike in the surrounding mountains, or explore the town’s many art galleries and museums.
Judenburg
For those interested in history and architecture, the town of Judenburg is a must-visit destination. The town’s historic center features well-preserved medieval buildings and narrow streets, and visitors can explore the town’s castle, churches, and museums. The town also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the annual Styrian Armoury Festival.
Leibnitz
Finally, the town of Leibnitz is a great destination for wine lovers, as it is located in the heart of Styria’s wine region. Visitors can take a tour of the town’s many wineries, sample local wines and cuisine, and learn about the region’s long history of winemaking.
What to eat in Styria, Culinary Highlights
Styria is also known for its culinary delights, with a wide range of traditional and modern dishes to suit all tastes. Some must-try local specialties include:
- Styrian pumpkin seed oil: This dark green oil is made from roasted pumpkin seeds and has a nutty flavor. It is commonly used as a dressing for salads, soups, and roasted vegetables.
- Styrian apples: These crisp, juicy apples are grown in the region’s orchards and are used in many local dishes and desserts.
- Styrian fried chicken: This dish features tender, breaded chicken that is fried to perfection and served with a variety of side dishes.
- Styrian beef: This high-quality beef is raised on the region’s lush pastures and is used in many traditional dishes, such as goulash and beef stews.
- Styrian wine: The region is known for its white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Welschriesling, which pair well with many of the local dishes.
To experience the best of Styrian cuisine, consider visiting one of the region’s many traditional restaurants or Gasthofs. These establishments often serve hearty portions of local dishes, along with homemade bread, cheeses, and other specialties.
Styria Festivals and Celebrations
In addition to its food and drink, Styria is also known for its traditional festivals and celebrations. Some of the most popular events include:
- The Graz cultural festival takes place every summer and features music, theater, and dance performances from around the world.
- The Styrian pumpkin festival is held each fall and celebrates the region’s famous pumpkin seed oil and other pumpkin-based dishes.
- The Styrian harvest festival, which takes place in September and features traditional folk music, dancing, and food.
- The Styrian wine festival, which is held in the fall and allows visitors to sample wines from the region’s many wineries.
These festivals and events offer a great way to experience the local culture and traditions of Styria and are sure to leave you with lasting memories of your trip to this beautiful region of Austria.
My Conclusion
Overall, Styria is a diverse and fascinating region with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting, Styria is sure to exceed your expectations. So why not start planning your next trip to this enchanting region of Austria today?
