A popular stopover for tourists, Graz is the second-largest city of Austria and lies on the River Mur. It is considered an important cultural center today because of the abundance of historically significant buildings and is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. It is also the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger and you can find a little museum that’s dedicated to the career of the Hollywood superstar. If you want to make the most of your travel itinerary, you can check out some of the fun things to do in Graz below:
1- Schlossberg
Standing in the center of the city and one of the most recognizable features of Graz is the Schlossberg. This tree-covered hill once served as a fortress but is now a public park. Its history can be traced back to the 10th century and it was the main point of defense and fortification of the city. Only the iconic clock tower remains now and it is one of the major attractions of the city. There is a beautiful park, along with an ornate set of stairs crisscrossing up the side of the hill, giving you beautiful views of the city.
2- Schlossberg Clock Tower
Easily visible from a number of places in Graz and located on the fabled Schlossberg Hill, the Clock Tower has been standing stoically for hundreds of years and has become a symbol of history. It has a striking design that boasts bright white walls, a tiled pointed roof that dates back to the 15th century, and a large overhanging wooden balcony section. Thanks to additions, the clock’s mechanism are electric now, but the hour and minute hands have been reversed and this can be quite confusing. It is a marvel and a must-see for anyone visiting Graz.
3- Eggenberg Palace
A symbol of the influential and mighty region of Styria, this Eggenberg Palace has a major cultural and historical place in the city of Graz and Austria, as a whole. Tucked in the Eggenberg district in the western area of Graz, the palace is surrounded by breathtaking gardens and parkland. It served as a statement of the wealth and power of the Styrian rulers. The highly decorated rooms are a must-see, including the fascinating planetary room that’s full of frescos, the Pavilion, and the Planetary Garden.
4- Herz-Jesu-Kirche
This relatively new church is located in the east of Graz and it is considered highly accessible. The church was constructed in the 1800s and its beautiful exterior is a throwback to the gothic designs that were seen in earlier centuries. It also boasts a contrasting white and orange color scheme. Having a pointed green roof, the bell tower is the third tallest in all of Austria. The interior of this magnificent building is decorated lavishly and a circular stained glass window is one of its most prominent features.
5- Kunsthaus Graz
Most of Graz’s old town is characterized by tiled roof buildings and this museum stands out rather starkly in all those oranges. It has a shell-like blue canopy and is affectionately referred to as the friendly alien. A look at the Kunsthaus up close will explain exactly why this intriguing structure is called that. Not only does it have a wonderful design, but also has a fantastic modern art collection that has displays from the 1960s and onwards.
6- Rathaus and square
The Rathaus is directly in the center of Graz old town and for hundreds of years, it has served as the town hall. There have been several changes in design, starting from the Renaissance to the neoclassical building that you can see today. The beautiful façade of the impressive town hall is reminiscent of the Budapest Parliament building with an ornate dome and similar white columns. The building is at the front of one end of Graz’s ‘main square’, which features a large fountain. This is dedicated to Archduke Johann, who was a prominent figure in Styria’s development. There is a certain charm you can see in the buildings surrounding the square, whereas there are market stalls at the end where traders sell their goods.
7- The Murinsel
Graz was named the European Capital of Culture in 2003 and the Murinsel was designed and built as part of this honor. As the River Mur runs through Graz centrally, this Murinsel was constructed to celebrate this fact. Two bridge walkways suspend this magnificent glass-paneled dome over the river, giving the impression that it is floating on water. There is a seating area and a café inside for enjoying views of the river and a children’s play area has also been made.
8- Landhaus Courtyard
Finding such a building in European countries like Austria is quite unusual, but the Landhaus exists and its distinctive renaissance style may defy convention, but it doesn’t look out of place. The building was once a stately home and even though it holds the Styrian parliament now, the public can still access it. The building’s exterior has a fantastic design, but its arched courtyard is what really sets it apart. Full of small details and arches, the courtyard is similar to a Roman villa or temple and is a wonderful sight, complete with its clock tower and tiled roof.
9- Adventure Park Graz
If you are interested in something that’s different from the standard tourist sights, the Graz Adventure Park is where you need to go. It is an excellent way for you to take a break from all the sightseeing and you can escape the confines of the city for a short while. The park is located on the outskirts of the city and is easy to reach. Plus, it will give you and your family hours of fun. There are a ton of activities, such as rope climbing, rope bridges, log sawing, high ropes, walking trails, and pretty much whatever you can think of outdoors. It is a fun-filled place and day visitors can easily get tickets.
Check out these places mentioned above and you will have a fun and enjoyable visit to Graz.
