All the attractions of Austria can be found in one province: the region of Styria. Between the unspoilt nature of the Dachstein glacier and the enchanting scenery of the wine region, there is an abundance of lovely scenic spots and many impressing cultural treasures.
Graz, the Styrian capital, is a cultural city, university city and congress town all in one. With a rich history – Graz was imperial capital of Austria twice - and its status as the single Cultural Capital of Europe 2003, Graz is traditional, avant-garde and colourful, with more than a little southern flair. The New amongst the Old in art, architecture and living guarantees excitement. No matter what you enjoy doing, Graz offers something for everyone. Schlossberg: It is a hill topped by a castle, in the centre of the city of Graz. The castle, never occupied until its partial demolition by Napoleonic forces, was once a place of refuge for Graz's residents. It was turned into a public park. On top of the hill there is much to discover: The Bell Tower, the casemate open-air stage, a cistern - the Türkenbrunnen and the Clock Tower. After a victory over the Hapsburgs in 1809, Napoleon demanded the demolition of the fortress. A huge amount of money paid to the French by the burghers of Graz could prevent the Clock Tower and the Bell Tower from being destroyed. Kunsthaus: It is the city’s modern art museum, which attract people since October 2003 with its spectacular architecture and changing exhibitions of contemporary art. Its creators peters Hook and Colin Fournies affectionately called it “ a friendly alien” and it became a symbol of the harmonious co-existence of old and new in Graz. Mur Insel: The artificial island on the river Mur, witch was meant to be a temporary project of the Cultural Capital of Europe - Graz, has turned into an attraction. The New York artist Vito Acconci designed a steel grid Structure in the shape of a half-opened shelf. The open part is an amphitheater for performances but also a resting place for sun-seeking, the cover part instead is a very trendy café. The island is also functional as a bridge between the two banks of the river Mur.
Schloss Eggenberg: It is the Styria’s most splendid palace. Erected in 1625-56, the castle can be described as a building, witch portrays time. Its 365 windows, 31 rooms on each floor, 24 state rooms with 52 doors and, in all, 60 windows and 4 corner towers are all allusions to time, to the seasons, to weeks, days, hours and minutes. The owner of the palace was Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg, the political advisor of Emperor Ferdinand II and the architect Giovanni Pietro de Pomis, who planned other wonderful buildings in Graz.
In Graz visitors can admire other sites as the Landhaus, the Opera house, the Cathedral, the Mausoleum, the Hauptplatz, the Town Hall, the Botanic Garden and a lot of other sites, that are really worth to be seen. Nature:
Because of its extensive forests, Styria is also called the „Green Province“. 56% of the province’s territory is forested. Three-quarters of Styria is mountain terrain. Sport and leisure:
The landscape offers winter sports enthusiasts as well as mountain bikers and hikers the perfect terrain for their favourite pursuits. On land and on water, sport fans will find optimal conditions for their hobbies. Mountain challenges are provided by guided tours, hikes to the summit, walks with fantastic views and themed walks as well as climbing trips. Fishing and white-water excursions add an extra element of adventure. There are 2,500 km of mountain bike tours and 3,000 km of classic bike tours along rivers, lakes, through mountain scenery and alpine meadows, criss-crossing Styria. And there are plenty of bridle paths for those who prefer a different type of saddle. In the South, there are numerous golf courses and tennis centres waiting to be discovered. Styria is also known for its famous ski resorts, 865 km of slopes for all ages, capabilities and tastes. Wellness:
There are five thermal bath centres within 90 km in the Styrian Spa Land and Eastern Styria: Bad Waltersdorf, Loipersdorf, Bad Gleichenberg, Bad Blumau and Bad Radkersburg. These form the largest spa resort in Europe and are the ideal spots for relaxation and regeneration. Culinary delights:
Styrians are well known all over the world for their pumpkin seed oil and their unrivaled wines, such as Welschriesling, Weißburgunder, Morillon, Traminer and Schilcher, all of which are in demand on the world market. Whether pumpkin in all shapes and forms, sun-ripened apples, cured ham, handmade chocolates, vinegar in barrels and elegant liqueurs: Styria is the delicatessen of Austria. |