Things to do in Graz

Many of the attractions in Graz revolve around the arts, architecture and wonderful natural surroundings. There’s a vibrant art movement in this town, which is reflected in the city’s avant-garde, modernist sculptures and buildings which house the art itself. The Old Town is the centre of Graz’s historical heritage and offers some interesting opportunities for sightseeing and wandering.

Island in the Mur

This funky glass and metal structure in the middle of the Mur River was built to honour Graz’s designation as Europe’s Cultural Capital in 2003. Shaped like a shell, the ‘isle’ features an amphitheatre, playground and a café/bar which is submerged under a water roof. The ‘isle’ is linked to the riverbank by two access ramps and tubes. It’s a really interesting place to visit. Website: www.graz03.at.

Kunsthaus

Another of the city’s bizarre artistic creations is this showcase of modern art along the banks of the Mur River. Shaped like a blue-skinned blob, this very organic structure is home to an ever-changing collection of cutting edge art exhibits which cover a full range of multimedia art. There’s nothing quite like this place anywhere else in Austria. Phone: +43 0136 80179200.

Landesmuseum Joanneum

One of the major cultural attractions in Graz has its galleries at several different locations. Natural history is displayed at the old Joanneum building (tel: +43 0316 80179730). The Old Gallery, with its collection of paintings from medieval times through the 18th century, is housed in the new Joanneum building (tel: +43 0316 80179770). The New Gallery, in the Heberstein House, shows art from the 19th century to the present. The changing exhibits in this gallery are the most interesting.

Landeszeughaus

For over two centuries Graz was a bulwark against the Turks and it has always been militarily important. This armoury, built between 1642 and 1645, dates from the Turkish Wars. Today, it is a museum encapsulating three centuries of weaponry, with over 30,000 pieces of armour, weapons and other implements of war. Phone: +43 0316 80179810.

Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II

One of the most impressive buildings in Graz was built in 1638 as a tomb to house the emperor and his first wife. The church is considered the best example of Mannerism in Austria. Its vaulted tomb chapel and crossing cupola are impressive. The high alter was built by the famous JB Fischer von Erlach in 1697. Phone: +43 0136 821683.

Old Town Graz

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town district of Graz is very well preserved. Major sites include the Hauptplatz (Main Square), which is surrounded by ancient houses with narrow gables and brown-tile roofs, which are typical of the city. Also nearby is the Landhaus, a 1565 Renaissance masterpiece building and the seat of the provincial government. The Old Town is a great place to spend time wandering around and getting a feel of what Graz was like 500 years ago.

Osterreichisches Freilichtmuseum

This open air-museum is 15kms north of Graz in a pleasant wooded valley. The grounds are covered with buildings from all of the Austrian provinces, some of which are 400 years old. These 85 authentic structures include smokehouses; and circular, triangular and rectangular houses, which will appeal to any architecture buff. The regional variations of building style are very interesting and the site is well maintained by the local government. Phone: +43 03124 53700.

Piber stud farm

If you are interested in horses, you should make a trip out to the home of the famous Lipizzaner horses. This stud farm, where the horses are bred, raised and trained, is 24kms west of Graz. Tours of the grounds are given daily. Phone: +43 03144 3323.

Schloss Eggenberg (Eggenberg Palace)

This 17th century square-shaped palace, with its four imposing towers and accentuated façade over the main gate, is one of the most impressive buildings in Graz. The ground floor is home to the Landesmuseum and Joanneum’s centre of early history, which has an excellent collection of Styrian antiques and coins. Guided tours are available of the Baroque state apartments on the second floor. Phone: +43 0316 5832640.

Schlossberg
This formerly fortified hill overlooks Graz at an elevation of 473 metres and is one of the best areas in Graz to get out and enjoy nature. A cable railway runs to the restaurant on the top of the hill or you can climb the winding stairs. At the top is the old citadel and bell tower. Guided tours are given from May to October. During the summer, concerts are held on the castle’s ramparts, making for a truly unique ambiance. Phone: +43 0316 872 4902.