Written by: Hannes Wagner, 02.06.2020
More and more students are moving to the beautiful capital of Styria, Graz. Our STUWO student residences and holiday apartments in Graz provide you with the perfect stay to get to know the state capital from its best side. But what is there to discover in and around Graz? Which sightseeing spots do you have to see? Find out here!
Address: Am Schlossberg, 8010 Graz
Opening times: all day
Best season: spring to early autumn
The Castle Mountain is not only the trademark of Graz and the most important point of orientation for all new residents, it also offers the perfect 360-degree view of the whole city. Depending on how sporty you are, you can either climb the 260 steps to the clock tower or take a leisurely stroll up the street that leads from Karmeliterplatz to the clock tower. If you don’t want to struggle with a mountain hike, both the Castle Mountain railway and the Castle Mountain lifts are available for your transportation. Once at the top, you are spoiled with a huge variety of some of the best restaurants and bars in Graz. If you are only looking for relaxation, you can pay a visit to the rose garden or simply claim a quiet bench on one of the numerous paths around the Schlossberg.
Address: Kirchplatz 9, 8044 Graz
Opening times: Daily 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., limited access from June 2nd due to restoration work
Phone: +43 316 391145
Best season: all year around
The Mariatrost Basilica is a must for architecture students, but also an ideal destination for art enthusiasts. Completed in 1779, it soon became one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Styria. Its twin towers are unmistakable from the outside, but the true beauty of this basilica is hidden inside. Extravagant decorations and enchanting frescoes run through the whole building, so that there is something to discover in every corner of the church.
Eggenberg Castle
Address: Eggenberger Allee 90, 8020 Graz
Opening hours:
Palace park and gardens: May 18 to November: 8 am-7pm; Nov to March: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
State rooms: July 1st to March 31st, guided tours from Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: +43 316 8017-9560 / -9532
Best season: spring to autumn
Eggenberg Castle is a highlight for all history enthusiasts. As the ancestral home of the Eggenberg family, it has a long and turbulent history, which still can be felt, not least because of the almost perfectly preserved original furnishings and successful restorations. In addition to the numerous state rooms of the palace, there are also extensive gardens to explore. A particular eye-catcher here is the planetary garden, which stands out due to its unconventional design.
Address: Wielandgasse 43, 8010 Graz
Opening times: all day
Best season: spring to autumn
The recently opened Murarena is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. The newly created, spacious green areas offer enough space for all kinds of leisure activities, from playing Frisbee to having a picnic with your friends. In the inviting flat bank zone, you can make yourself comfortable right on the banks of the Mur and cool off at the bay at any time. The best thing about it: The Augarten is only a leisurely 15 to 30 minute walk from our two student residences and admission is free. Therefore you only have to bring a good mood and a bath towel for a successful day!
Address: Lendkai 1, 8020 Graz
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: +43 316 8017 9200
Best season: all year around
The Grazer Kunsthaus, also called ‘Friendly Alien’, is always worth a visit with its unique architectural concept and great exhibitions. It was built in 2003 and has graced the old town of Graz with its unusual style since then. On the side of the building facing the Mur, the most remarkable aspect of the design awaits you: the BIX media facade. This is a huge screen that can be perfectly observed from the Schlossberg, for example. It shows animations created by artists, personalized messages and much more. In the Kunsthaus you get a fascinating insight into contemporary art. All exhibitions only last two to six months, so paying a visit to the Friendly Alien on a regular basis is definitely worth it. By the way, there is also an opportunity to relax after the exhibition tour, stop by at the Kunsthauscafé and let yourself be pampered within a hip ambience.
Address: Ruinsweg 50, 8051 Graz
Opening times: Tue-Sat 10.30am-6pm (Burgtaverne)
Best season: spring to autumn
The Gösting castle ruins are one of the most historically important buildings in Graz. Built in 1042, the walls of this hilltop castle have stood for almost 1,000 years. Almost 700 of them remained undamaged, and it was not until 1723 that a lightning strike triggered a major fire that transformed the castle into ruins. Today it is the ideal day trip because it provides you with wonderful views and its largely natural surroundings. Tip: When you have reached the top, you can enjoy the view from the castle tavern while enjoying refreshments and snacks!
Address: Bergl 56, 8333 Riegersburg
Opening times: Mon. to Sat. 9 am-7pm
Phone: +43 3152 5554
Best season: all year around
If you have a sweet tooth this is your destination! In the Zotter Chocolate Factory you can turn dreams of endless chocolate enjoyment into reality. In the Schoko-Laden-Theater you will be introduced to all stages of chocolate production and you will have the opportunity to experience them with all your senses. From raw cocoa to rice milk chocolate, here you can get an idea of all possible taste experiences. This of course also includes Zotter’s extensive range of flavors, chocolate bar formats and more. In the “edible zoo”, which is directly adjacent to the factory, you can stretch your legs, experience old local animal breeds and also taste chocolate-free snacks and drinks at the eco-eating bar.
Address: Lurgrottenstraße, 8102 Semriach
Opening hours: Summer operation April 15 to October 31 (daily tours at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., individual tours can be arranged)
Winter operation November 2 to April 14 (Saturdays and Sundays guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., individual tours can be arranged)
Phone: +43 3127 8319
Best season: all year around
Would you like to emerge yourself into another world? Then the Lurgrotte is just right for you. As Austria’s largest active water cave, it is of particular importance not only for cave explorers. The countless stalactites and stalagmites take on an unbelievable spectrum of shapes and dimensions, the result is an almost fabulous landscape fully made out of rock. The cave was originally known for the struggle for survival of seven cave explorers who were trapped in the Lurgrotte by heavy rains. However, you don’t need to worry: The Lurgrotte is now easily accessible, illuminated and secured so that you can enjoy its fascinating inner life without worrying.
Address: (cable car) Schöcklstraße 23, 8061 St. Radegund
Best season: spring to autumn
As the highest mountain in the area, the Schöckl, also known as Graz’s local mountain, has been of great importance for a long time. The beautiful, untouched nature on and around the Schöckl is perfect to unwind. Once you get to the base of the mountain, there are numerous roads and paths that will take you to the top in around 1½ to 2 hours. If you want to avoid the strenuous ascent, there is a cable car at the southern foot with which you can be comfortably transported to the “Stubenberghaus” refuge. Insider tip: For an incomparably quick ascent, the lift road of the cable car is recommended! No matter how you reach the summit, the view of the surrounding area will take your breath away. There are of course several mountain huts for food and drinks. If you want to enjoy a sunset from the very top, you can even stay overnight.
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