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Styria
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Explore Styria in Austria for Graz’s heritage, alpine valleys, forested landscapes, vineyard roads, thermal towns and distinctive regional food.

Styria occupies much of south-eastern Austria, stretching from the high limestone mountains and deep valleys of the north to the wooded hills, vineyards and thermal springs near the Slovenian border. Its nickname, the Green Heart of Austria, reflects the extensive forests that cover the province, but the landscape is more varied than the phrase suggests. Northern Styria is an alpine world of gorges, climbing routes and ski resorts, while the centre is shaped by the Mur River and the historic provincial capital, Graz. In the south and east, lower hills, orchards, pumpkin fields and vineyards create a gentler countryside.
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Graz is the region's cultural and architectural centre. Its historic core rises around the Schlossberg, a fortified hill crowned by the distinctive Uhrturm clock tower, and contains medieval lanes, Baroque façades, Renaissance courtyards and modern structures such as the Kunsthaus Graz. The city's long history as a Habsburg residence and trading centre is evident in its churches, courtyards and civic buildings, while its universities and sizeable student population give the centre an active contemporary character. Graz is also a practical base for exploring the surrounding Mur and eastern Styrian landscapes, although the province is large enough that northern mountains and southern wine country deserve separate itineraries.
The northern districts offer some of Styria's most dramatic scenery. Gesäuse National Park protects a rugged section of the Enns valley, where the river passes between steep limestone walls and the surrounding mountains provide opportunities for hiking, rafting and mountaineering. The Hochschwab range, the Dachstein area on Styria's north-western edge, and the valleys around Mariazell bring a different combination of high peaks, forests, pilgrimage traditions and winter sports. Historic mining communities, mountain passes and railway routes reveal how difficult terrain was made accessible and how natural resources shaped settlement.
South-eastern Styria has a softer visual character and a strong food-and-wine identity. The South Styrian Wine Road winds through vine-covered ridges near the Slovenian frontier, with small wineries, farm restaurants and viewpoints across the densely cultivated hills. Eastern Styria is known for apples, pumpkin seed oil and thermal towns, while local menus across the province draw on freshwater fish, game, beef, bread and seasonal produce. Styrian pumpkin seed oil, with its dark green colour and nutty flavour, is a particularly recognisable regional ingredient.
Travel in Styria is rewarding because its contrasts are close in cultural terms but not always in journey time. Graz can be explored on foot and by public transport, whereas alpine valleys and rural wine districts are easier to reach by car, bicycle or carefully planned regional bus connections. Visitors can combine museums and architecture with mountain walks, vineyard visits, spa time and traditional inns, but should allow space between bases rather than treating the whole province as a day-trip circuit.

When is the best time to visit Styria?

Best: June–August · 23–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January130
February435
March940
April1450
May1960
June (best)2370
July (best)2580
August (best)2580
September2170
October1460
November750
December240

Getting to and around Styria

How to get there

Graz Airport is within Styria and provides the province's principal air gateway, with onward connections into Graz by public transport or taxi. Graz is also well connected by Austrian rail services to Vienna, Salzburg, Klagenfurt and other major cities, although routes and interchange patterns vary. Visitors heading to northern Styria can use railway stations such as Leoben, Bruck an der Mur or Liezen, depending on their destination. Vienna Airport, outside Styria, is a major international gateway with rail connections onwards to Graz. The A2 and A9 motorways provide the principal road approaches, while rural mountain and wine districts require more local planning.

Transportation

Graz has an extensive urban public-transport network, including trams and buses, and its compact centre is practical to explore on foot or by bicycle. Regional trains and buses connect the main valleys and towns, but services are generally less frequent in remote alpine districts and among the vineyard hills. A car is useful for reaching dispersed trailheads, farm restaurants, thermal resorts and wineries, especially in southern and eastern Styria. Cycling is well suited to river routes and selected wine-country roads, though alpine terrain and traffic on some rural roads require preparation. Always check the latest local service information before relying on a particular connection.

Top city travel guides in Styria

The cities of Styria, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Styria

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Styria

Styria offers an unusually broad range of attractions within one Austrian province. Graz is the main cultural centre, with museums, historic courtyards, the Schlossberg and contemporary architecture, while the open-air museum at Stübing presents traditional rural buildings from across Austria. Northern Styria is oriented towards nature and outdoor activity: Gesäuse National Park provides hiking, climbing, rafting and wildlife experiences amid steep limestone mountains, and the Hochschwab and Dachstein areas offer further alpine routes and winter landscapes. Eisenerz combines mountain scenery with the industrial heritage of the Erzberg, while Mariazell brings pilgrimage history and access to surrounding forests and mountains. South-eastern Styria changes character, with vineyard roads, farm restaurants, orchards and thermal resorts around places such as Bad Radkersburg and Bad Waltersdorf. Archaeological remains at Flavia Solva add Roman history, and the province's castles, monasteries, gardens and museums help connect its landscapes with centuries of settlement and work.

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Best landmarks in Styria

The Schlossberg and its Uhrturm are the defining landmarks of Graz, rising above the historic centre and representing the city's former defensive importance; the surviving clock tower became a civic symbol after the fortress was largely demolished in the Napoleonic period. Graz's old town and Eggenberg Palace, with its formal design and astronomical symbolism, together form the core of the city's UNESCO-listed heritage. In northern Styria, the Erzberg is a landmark on a different scale: its geometric terraces reveal centuries of iron extraction and dominate the landscape around Eisenerz. The Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady at Mariazell is one of Austria's most important pilgrimage buildings and an enduring focal point in the mountain town. The Gesäuse valley, where the Enns cuts between steep limestone ranges, is a natural landmark as well as the visual centre of the national park. In the south, the ridgeline vineyards and winding roads of the South Styrian Wine Road create a distinctive cultural landscape shaped by cultivation, settlement and the borderland geography near Slovenia.

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Explore Styria on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Styria

Styrian cooking is closely tied to farming, forests, orchards and vineyards. Pumpkin seed oil is the region's best-known speciality, used in salads, soups and spreads, while other common ingredients include beef, pork, freshwater fish, game, beans, cabbage, apples and seasonal vegetables. Rural inns and Buschenschänke, traditional wine taverns that serve local cold dishes and selected hot food, are especially characteristic of southern and eastern Styria. Graz has the province's broadest choice of restaurants, from market-led cafés and contemporary kitchens to traditional establishments, and its markets provide a useful introduction to regional produce. In wine country, menus often follow the seasons and pair local dishes with Styrian white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling and Morillon. Look also for regional cheeses, breads, apple products and desserts, while farm shops offer bottled pumpkin seed oil, honey, preserves and other produce to take home.

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Best bars in Styria

Graz has Styria's most varied evening scene, centred on the old town, university areas and streets near the Mur, with traditional pubs, wine bars, cafés, cocktail venues, live music and theatres. The city is large enough for late-night entertainment, but its nightlife remains more dispersed and locally oriented than that of Vienna. In Leoben, Kapfenberg and other larger towns, evenings commonly centre on pubs, restaurants, student venues and occasional live performances rather than a continuous club circuit. Outside the urban centres, historic inns, village pubs, brewery-related venues and wine taverns provide the main social settings, while southern wine districts are particularly suited to relaxed tastings and food-focused evenings. Alpine resorts may offer seasonal après-ski and music, but opening patterns change with the winter and summer seasons. Check local arrangements before travelling to a rural venue, especially outside the main tourism periods.

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Best nightclubs in Styria

Graz has Styria's most varied evening scene, centred on the old town, university areas and streets near the Mur, with traditional pubs, wine bars, cafés, cocktail venues, live music and theatres. The city is large enough for late-night entertainment, but its nightlife remains more dispersed and locally oriented than that of Vienna. In Leoben, Kapfenberg and other larger towns, evenings commonly centre on pubs, restaurants, student venues and occasional live performances rather than a continuous club circuit. Outside the urban centres, historic inns, village pubs, brewery-related venues and wine taverns provide the main social settings, while southern wine districts are particularly suited to relaxed tastings and food-focused evenings. Alpine resorts may offer seasonal après-ski and music, but opening patterns change with the winter and summer seasons. Check local arrangements before travelling to a rural venue, especially outside the main tourism periods.

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Best shops in Styria

Graz provides Styria's widest shopping choice, combining independent boutiques, bookshops, design stores, galleries and food retailers with the historic markets around the central city. The Kaiser-Josef-Markt and Lendplatz are useful places to encounter seasonal produce and regional specialities, although market days and individual trading arrangements should be checked locally. Outside Graz, towns such as Leoben, Bruck an der Mur, Hartberg and Bad Radkersburg offer traditional high streets, while smaller wine-country settlements have farm shops and direct sales rather than extensive retail districts. Good regional purchases include pumpkin seed oil, Styrian wine, honey, cheese, dried fruit, apple products, preserves and locally made spirits. Craft shops and galleries may carry ceramics, woodwork, textiles and jewellery, particularly in tourist centres and spa towns. When buying food to take abroad, choose sealed, labelled products and consider how fragile or liquid items will travel.

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Styria essentials

Currency and Payment
Styria uses Austria's national currency, the euro (EUR). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Graz, larger towns, hotels and established restaurants, while cash remains useful for small rural businesses, market stalls, lockers, local transport purchases and mountain huts. In villages and remote valleys, do not assume every small establishment accepts an international card, and keep some euros available. Bank cards may require a PIN for some transactions, and visitors should choose carefully between paying in euros or accepting a dynamic currency conversion offered by a terminal.
Safety
Styria is generally suitable for independent travel, but normal precautions apply in busy stations, public transport and crowded cultural areas. The main additional risks are outdoor ones: sudden mountain weather, snow and ice, steep paths, rockfall, fast rivers and changing trail conditions. Use marked routes, wear appropriate footwear and do not underestimate distances in the Gesäuse or Hochschwab areas. In winter, allow for snow and icy roads in alpine districts. Drivers should expect narrow roads, cyclists and farm traffic in rural areas, while wine-country tastings require a sober driver or an arranged alternative.
Emergency Situations
The European emergency number 112 operates in Austria; 133 reaches the police, 122 the fire service and 144 the ambulance service. In the mountains, use 140 for the Austrian mountain-rescue service, and for emergencies on the water use the appropriate national emergency channels. Give a precise location, trail or road name, nearby landmark and the number of people affected. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent in deep valleys, so download maps, tell someone your route and carry essential clothing and water on longer walks.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep to marked paths and observe signs, private-property notices and conservation rules in national-park and alpine areas. In churches, pilgrimage sites and historic buildings, dress and behave respectfully and ask before photographing services or people. Greet staff when entering smaller rural establishments, wait to be seated where appropriate and do not assume that a table is available without asking. Tipping is customary but discretionary in Austria; rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is usual. Do not drink and drive, and avoid blocking passing traffic on narrow scenic roads.
Local Tips
Graz rewards an early start for its historic centre, markets and museums, while the surrounding province is best explored with realistic travel times between valleys. In southern Styria, restaurant and winery opening days can vary, so check ahead rather than arriving between services. Look for regional products such as pumpkin seed oil, apples, cheese, bread and wines made from varieties including Sauvignon Blanc and Welschriesling. In alpine districts, cable cars, huts and seasonal attractions may operate on changing schedules, so confirm arrangements before setting out. A mixed itinerary of Graz, one mountain area and one wine or thermal district gives a more balanced picture of the province.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[haudi]
GoodbyeSee ya[si ya]
YesYep[yehp]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You’re welcomeNo problem[no prob-lem]
Thank youThanks[thangs]
Excuse me/SorrySorry 'bout that[sor-ree 'bout that]
How are you?How ya doin'?[how ya doin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. And you?[gud. and you?]
Do you speak English?You speakin' English?[yu speakin' ing-glish?]
I don't understandI ain't gettin' it[i ain't gettin' it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[can i see the men-u?]
I don't eat meatI'm a vegetarian[i'm a vege-tarian]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[can i get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Get lost![get lost]
Call the Police!Call the cops![call the cops]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a doc-tor]
I'm lostI'm turned around[i'm turned a-round]
I'm illI'm not feelin' good[i'm not feelin' good]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[i wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsin'[just browsin']
How much is it?What’s the price?[what's the price?]
That's too expensiveThat's way too pricey[that's way too pri-cey]
Can you lower the price?Can you knock down the price?[can you knock down the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[what time ya got?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[it's one]
Half past (10)Half past ten[half past ten]
MorningMornin'[mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[afternoon]
EveningEvenin'[evenin']
YesterdayYesterday[yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[to-mor-row]
1One[one]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...? [where's the...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[what’s the ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[can you point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When’s the next bus?[when's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...[a tick-et to ...]

History of Styria

Celtic Noricum and Roman Styria

Before the Roman conquest, much of present-day Styria formed part of the Celtic kingdom of Noricum, whose prosperity was linked to iron production and trade across the eastern Alps. Rome incorporated Noricum during the first century BC and developed roads, settlements and administrative links through the region. The Roman town of Flavia Solva, near present-day Wagna in southern Styria, became an important urban centre, with a forum, houses and public buildings. Its archaeological remains demonstrate that southern Styria was connected to the wider Roman provincial economy long before the medieval towns and castles that dominate many modern itineraries.

The March of Styria and Medieval State Formation

In the early medieval period, the eastern Alpine frontier was organised through border territories exposed to conflict and shifting political control. The March of Styria gradually developed into the Duchy of Styria, with its political centre at Graz and a network of castles, monasteries and market settlements. The Otokar dynasty helped consolidate the duchy before the Babenbergs acquired it in the late twelfth century. Medieval foundations, parish churches and fortified sites across the Mur and Enns valleys reflect a period when land clearance, agriculture, trade and military defence reshaped the region.

Habsburg Rule from 1282

Styria became part of the Habsburg lands in 1282, when Duke Albrecht I and his brother Rudolf received Austria and Styria. Habsburg rule connected the province to a large Central European political system and lasted, with changing constitutional arrangements, until the end of the monarchy in 1918. Graz served at times as a significant Habsburg residence, and the court's presence encouraged artistic, religious and architectural development. Renaissance courtyards, Baroque churches and aristocratic estates in Graz and elsewhere show how the region participated in the cultural life of the monarchy.

Iron Mining and the Erzberg

Iron extraction became one of Styria's defining economic forces, especially around Erzberg near Eisenerz. Mining there has ancient roots, but production expanded and became more systematically organised during the medieval and early modern periods. The ore supported smithing, trade and the growth of specialist settlements, while the wider region developed transport routes to move materials through difficult mountain terrain. The stepped appearance of the modern Erzberg is the result of large-scale open-cast mining, making the mountain both an industrial site and a powerful reminder of the relationship between Styria's landscape and its economy.

Graz, the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation

The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries brought religious and political tensions to Styria. Protestant ideas gained support among sections of the urban population and nobility, while the Habsburg authorities pursued Catholic reform with increasing determination. Graz became an important centre of Counter-Reformation activity, supported by institutions including the Jesuits and by the court. Churches, monasteries and educational foundations altered the city's religious landscape. The period also left a broader legacy in Styria through Baroque architecture, Catholic pilgrimage traditions and the strengthening of central Habsburg administration.

Industrialisation and the Mur Valley

From the nineteenth century, iron, steel, machinery, paper and other industries transformed the Mur and Mürz valleys. Mining and metalworking expanded around places such as Leoben, Bruck an der Mur and Kapfenberg, while railways improved connections between industrial towns, Graz and markets beyond the province. Industrialisation encouraged urban growth and created a working population whose lives were closely tied to factories, mines and transport infrastructure. Some plants remain active, while museums, historic works and altered industrial landscapes preserve evidence of the economic transition that helped make Styria one of Austria's major manufacturing regions.

Styria in Modern Austria

After the First World War and the end of the Habsburg monarchy, Styria became part of the Republic of Austria. The twentieth century brought political upheaval, economic restructuring and the expansion of Graz as a university, administrative and cultural centre. Post-war industry remained important, but tourism, environmental protection, food production and services gained greater weight. The opening of Gesäuse National Park in 2002 formalised a modern commitment to conserving one of the province's most rugged landscapes. Today Styria's identity combines alpine and rural traditions with industrial expertise, urban cultural life and a growing reputation for regional food and wine.

Styria in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Styria, Austria

Discover Styria with Evendo: a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more for an unforgettable journey.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities
  • High-quality images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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Explore the best of Styria, Austria with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Discover attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease.

  • Historical insights and travel essentials for Styria
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Styria, Austria with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, Evendo has everything you need to make the most of your trip. Dive deep into Styria's rich cultural heritage with detailed information on famous landmarks like the Graz Clock Tower and the stunning Riegersburg Castle. Savor the local cuisine at renowned restaurants such as Landhauskeller and Aiola Upstairs, or unwind at one of the many charming cafes dotted around the city.

Evendo also ensures you don't miss out on any must-see attractions. Discover the beauty of the Austrian outdoors with guided tours to the lush vineyards of the Styrian Wine Road and the serene lakes of Salzkammergut. For those seeking a vibrant nightlife, explore the best bars and nightclubs in Graz, all with insider tips and recommendations.

With Evendo, planning your trip has never been easier. The app offers detailed descriptions, images, maps, and contact details for a wide range of attractions, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities. Plus, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and hassle. The intuitive 'Near Me' feature allows you to discover hidden gems around your current location, ensuring you always have something exciting to explore.

Download Evendo today and transform your travel experience in Styria. With comprehensive coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, Evendo is your ultimate travel companion, offering curated local tips and seamless navigation through the city and beyond.

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