Graz has been one of my favorite destinations on duty ever since. Graz is quite a large city by Austrian standards, but for me as a Berliner it is small and tranquil. Nevertheless, there is a little bit of everything: Nature (the Mur river is wonderful to stroll along), a pretty good selection of large and small stores (in case you get the shopping urge), lots of nice cafés and restaurants and even great art exhibitions!
It’s just a shame that it was Monday, and my favorite museum, the Kunsthaus Graz, was closed. It’s really a shame, because no matter what exhibition is on, I always enjoy going there and marveling at the extraordinary architecture—so organically shaped and whimsical. It doesn’t fit in at all with the traditional old town surrounding it, and yet it’s interesting precisely because of the contrast.
Up the Schlossberg in Graz
By the way, one thing you can always do is head up to the Schlossberg and take in the view of Graz from above. The view over the city and the mountains in the background is uniquely beautiful—and luckily, the weather rewarded us with a golden November day.
There are three ways to get to the top: on foot (not an option for me after several days of early shifts with little sleep), by the Schloßbergbahn, or by the Schloßberglift. The Schloßbergbahn is a funicular, and a one-way ticket costs just €2.40. Convenient: Public transit tickets are also valid here. The Schloßberglift costs just €1.60 for a one-way ride but doesn’t offer the beautiful views along the way. However, racing through the massive rock in the glass elevator does have its own appeal. Tickets from the Graz public transit system aren’t valid here.
By the way, you can find all our tips on Austria here
Once you reach the top, there are several places to stop for a bite to eat: At the very top is the Schlossberg Restaurant with its attached beer garden; right next to the Schlossberg Lift is the stylish Aiola Upstairs; and my absolute favorite, the Starcke Weinhaus, which, with its enchanting terraces on multiple levels, offers the very best view of Graz. I could have spent hours enjoying that view.
Accommodation tips for Graz
Two hotel tips for Graz at this point:
Hotel Daniel – The location next to the main train station takes some getting used to, but it’s impressive what they’ve done with this rather ugly postwar concrete block: a really cool, youthful hotel with a great design.
Grand Hôtel Wiesler – Located in the heart of the Old Town, on the banks of the Mur River, this historic hotel, steeped in tradition, has been restored to modern splendor following a complete renovation several years ago. It offers a wonderful atmosphere and a successful blend of old and new.
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