Graz Leisure
Apart from the city’s two professional football clubs, the sporting and leisure opportunities in Graz centre around outdoor activities on the Schlossberg. With a bounty of natural resources at its doorstep, you can indulge in almost any kind of outdoor recreation in Graz.
Football
Football is the most popular spectator sport in Graz and the city is home to two clubs to satisfy the demand among local fans. SK Sturm Graz and Grazer Athletik Klub are both consistently among the leading squads in the Austrian league. If you visit Graz during the season, which runs from August through May, you may be able to catch a home game.
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Hiking and walking trails
Graz is blessed with nice weather and clean air nearly all year round. The city has created a number of public parks and walking paths to provide a balance of green space within the urban limits. There are also walking trails along the river. The best hiking however is just outside the city limits on the imposing Schlossberg Mountain. Here you can find dozens of walking paths for all abilities.
The other great area to hike is the Schockel, which at 1,500 metres, is the highest mountain in the area surrounding Graz. The summit can be reached by hiking up one of the 20 clearly signed trails or by taking a modern cable car. If the weather is clear, as it often is, you will be rewarded with 360 degrees views for nearly 150kms in all directions. In winter, the Schockel’s two ski lifts are in operation, providing access to a handful of easy beginner slopes.
Outdoor recreation
If hiking is too dull for you, there are countless other outdoor sports which are actively pursued in the hills around Graz. Again, the Schlossberg provides the site for many of these activities. Its proximity and easy access to Graz make it the perfect spot to get out into nature and go as hard or relaxed as you want.
The Schockel is also an excellent place for outdoor sports. The terrain on this mountain is perfect for mountain biking and paragliding. Hang gliding and bungee jumping are also on offer for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Down in the valley, the Mur River is used for kayaking and river rafting.
One of the most memorable things you can do during your trip to Graz is get up in the air and see the stunning landscape from a bird’s eye view. Several companies in the city operate helicopter and airplane rides over the countryside. A hot air balloon ride at dawn is another fantastic experience.