Be Safe in Graz

Graz is one of the safest towns in Europe and shouldn’t present any problems to your safety or health.

Safety

Traditionally, Graz has long been considered a very safe city for living and visiting. However, a small level of crime does exist, and tourists are usually on the receiving end of this bad fortune. The worst thing you may encounter in Graz is having your bag or camera stolen while you weren’t paying attention. Pickpockets operate around the train station and airport, but they really aren’t much of a problem compared to other European cities. The area at the top of Leopold street has a bit of a reputation for late-night harassment, mainly by young men standing around.

In general, you can go anywhere in Graz after dark and feel completely safe. The bar and restaurant areas are well-lit and policed. As in all new environments, you should stay aware as the night gets late. Keep your valuables out of sight and your bag slung across your shoulder to deter any would-be thieves.

Another potential danger during the winter is ice dams falling from the roofs of houses onto pedestrians below. An ice dam is a sheet of frozen ice and snow which builds up on roofs during the winter. Occasionally, these ice sheets break loose and come crashing down on the sidewalk. Occasionally, someone is unlucky enough to be standing underneath one when it falls. Signs are posted at dangerous spots around the city, so be aware when you see one of these signs.
    
Police: 133
Ambulance: 144

Health

There are no health risks in Graz which merit mention. The tap water is perfectly safe to drink and the food in restaurants is always prepared to the highest of international standards. The one place you should be careful at is when you eat something from a street vendor. Although it’s rarely a problem, occasionally your homemade sausage may be slightly undercooked, resulting in a major stomach ache or worse. Simply check that the meat has been thoroughly cooked and you are good to go.

The other health concern in Graz concerns the sun, which on a clear day, can be very bright and strong. When you are in an alpine environment, such as up on the top of a mountain, you can get sunburned quickly and easily. Always wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Also, be aware that dehydration happens quickly at higher elevations. Drink plenty of water when you go hiking or if you are participating in anything else active.

If anything does happen during your visit, there are excellent medical facilities right in Graz. Many of the staff and doctors speak excellent English and can assist with any problems. Citizens of the EU are covered by reciprocal health agreements, as long as they are in possession of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but visitors from other countries should take out travel insurance to cover any unexpected hospital costs. The price of travel insurance is very small compared to an Austrian medical bill.

Krankenhaus der Elisabethinen: +43 0316 70630
Landeskrankenhaus: +43 0316 3850