Discover Styria: Fine food, wine and nature in the Green Heart of Austria

Contents:

• Graz: Sights, hidden gems and culinary delights

• Southern Styria: Vineyards, wine taverns and culinary stops

• Western Styria: Schilcher, rolling hills and excursions with character

• Thermal Springs and Volcanic Region: wellness, Riegersburg and Styrian gourmet producers

• Experiencing nature: Grüner See, Altaussee, Gesäuse and Schladming-Dachstein

• Cuisine in Styria: special places to enjoy fine food

• Practical travel tips for Styria

• Conclusion: Styria is Austria at its best

Graz: Sights, hidden gems and culinary delights

Graz is the ideal starting point for a trip through Styria. The provincial capital combines historic alleyways, creative architecture, lively markets and a relaxed culture of indulgence. If you’d like to spend more time in the city, you’ll find plenty more tips in our blog post ‘Graz: Sights, hidden gems and culinary delights’ – from the most beautiful sights to special places off the beaten track, right through to culinary recommendations.

What’s particularly lovely is that Graz is a wonderful city to explore on foot. From the Schlossberg to the Old Town, the Murinsel and the little cafés, the city reveals itself to be diverse, charming and surprisingly Mediterranean.

Southern Styria: Vineyards, wine taverns and places to stop for a bite to eat

From Graz, Southern Styria is ideal for a day trip or a relaxing weekend. The drive along the South Styrian Wine Route, which passes through places such as Ehrenhausen, Gamlitz and Leutschach, is particularly lovely. Along the way, you’ll find rolling vineyards, small villages, viewpoints and cosy wine taverns.

A good first stop is Ehrenhausen, home to the Vinofaktur Genussregal Südsteiermark, where you’ll find Styrian wines, regional specialities and culinary souvenirs. The journey continues to Gamlitz, one of the region’s best-known wine villages. It’s well worth stopping off at the Adam-Schererkogl winery and wine tavern on the Sernauberg. Nestled amongst the vineyards, you can enjoy homemade snacks, Styrian specialities and the estate’s own wines – a perfect stop for a treat with a view. If you’re looking for a bit of exercise, you can visit the Motorikpark in Gamlitz or go for a walk through the Heiligengeistklamm gorge around Leutschach on the Wine Route. For particularly beautiful panoramic views, we recommend a detour to Kitzeck im Sausal, Austria’s highest wine-growing village.

To round off the day, a stop at a traditional Buschenschank is a must: with a ‘Brettljause’ platter, Käferbohnensalat, farmhouse bread, pumpkin seed oil and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Muskateller.

Western Styria: Schilcher, rolling hills and excursions with character

Western Styria is ideal for anyone who prefers a quieter, more unspoilt atmosphere. The focus here is on Schilcher – a fresh, rosé-coloured wine made from the Blauer Wildbacher grape variety, which is typical of this region. The area is particularly lovely to explore along the Schilcher Wine Route.

A good starting point is Ligist, where the Schilcher Wine Route begins. From there, it’s well worth taking the drive along narrow roads and through vineyards towards Hochgrail – a particularly picturesque area with many views across the Schilcher region. Along the way, wineries and wine taverns invite you to stop for a break. Stainz is a particularly lovely stop. It’s well worth visiting Stainz Castle whilst you’re there. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can take the Stainzer Flascherlzug – a nostalgic narrow-gauge railway that winds its way through the West Styrian countryside and is a wonderful experience, especially for families.

Further south lies Deutschlandsberg, where Deutschlandsberg Castle awaits with panoramic views and a medieval atmosphere. Those seeking even more nature can plan a detour towards Eibiswald or the Sobother Reservoir – perfect for a peaceful break by the water. A trip to the Piber Lipizzaner Stud also fits perfectly into a tour of Western Styria. This is where the famous Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School are bred – a lovely destination if you’re looking to combine culture, nature and regional tradition.

Western Styria is therefore less well known than Southern Styria, but that is precisely what makes it so appealing: authentic wine taverns, rolling vineyards, charming villages and a wine that you can experience almost exclusively here.

Thermal Springs and Volcanic Region: Wellness, Riegersburg and Styrian gourmet specialities

In the south-east of Styria, the region reveals its particularly relaxing side. The Thermal and Volcanic Region combines warm thermal springs, rolling hills, wine, fine dining and exciting places to visit – ideal for anyone wishing to combine indulgence with relaxation.

A good place to start is Bad Loipersdorf. The Loipersdorf Thermal Spa is one of the best-known spas in the region and offers various areas for relaxing, bathing and unwinding. Also worth a visit are Bad Waltersdorf, Bad Radkersburg, Bad Gleichenberg and the architecturally distinctive Rogner Bad Blumau. If you’re travelling with children, you might also want to include the H2O Therme in Bad Waltersdorf in your plans.

As well as the thermal spas, a trip to Riegersburg is particularly worthwhile. The imposing castle towers over the landscape, visible from afar, and offers a beautiful view across the Vulkanland. Inside the castle, you’ll find museums, historical insights and – depending on the season – the famous birds of prey show. Nearby is the Zotter Erlebniswelt, one of the region’s most popular attractions. Also well worth a visit is the Gölles distillery, where vinegars and fine spirits are produced. Those who enjoy savoury specialities should also make time for the Vulcano ham factory.

For wine lovers, a detour to Klöch is well worth it. The village is particularly well known for its Traminer – an aromatic wine with an intense bouquet that suits the region perfectly. The Klöch Traminer Trail is also lovely: a circular walking route through vineyards and rolling countryside. It’s a wonderful way to combine a wine tasting with a spot of exercise.

Experience nature: Grüner See, Altaussee, Gesäuse and Schladming-Dachstein

Styria is not just about wine, cuisine and thermal spas, but also a wonderful destination for nature holidays. Particularly impressive is the Grüner See near Tragöss – a seasonal lake renowned for its remarkable transformation each year. In spring, it fills with meltwater from the surrounding mountains and glows an intense emerald green. Parts of the surrounding paths, meadows and benches are then submerged, lending the lake an almost magical atmosphere. As the year progresses, the water level drops again. Where clear water once shimmered, meadows, footpaths and benches gradually reappear. 

Anyone who loves unique lakeside experiences should also include Altaussee in their plans. On Lake Altaussee, you can take a trip on a traditional ‘Plätte’ – a typical boat of the Ausseerland and Salzkammergut regions. A breakfast on the Plätte is particularly lovely, with regional delicacies served directly on board. 

For hiking enthusiasts, a trip to the Gesäuse National Park is also well worth it. White water, steep rock faces and marked hiking trails make the region one of the most spectacular natural areas in Styria. The Schladming-Dachstein region is also ideal for anyone who loves mountains and crisp Alpine air. In summer, the area offers numerous hiking trails, alpine pastures, mountain lakes and vantage points. Excursions around the Dachstein, to the Riesach Falls or up to the Reiteralm are particularly lovely. This is how Styria reveals its wild, alpine side, even away from the vineyards.

Cuisine in Styria: top dining destinations

Styria is a paradise for anyone who loves good food. As well as wine taverns, pumpkin seed oil and regional specialities, the region also boasts a thriving restaurant scene – ranging from creative gourmet cuisine to modern pub culture.

Particularly recommended venues include:

• Harald Irka am Pfarrhof in St. Andrä im Sausal – creative cuisine using regional produce
• Die Weinbank in Ehrenhausen – a restaurant, pub and wine bar all in one
• Geschwister Rauch in Trautmannsdorf – excellent cuisine in the thermal springs and volcanic region
• Saziani in Straden – fine dining amidst the wine-growing landscape
• Zur Goldenen Birn in Graz – a special fine-dining destination at the Parkhotel Graz
• Geiger Alm in Altaussee – alpine cosiness with fine dining
• Krainer in Langenwang – regional cuisine with a creative twist
• Sattlerhof in Gamlitz – a gourmet destination with its own vineyard and views over the South Styrian vineyards
• Schankkuchl am Pogusch – down-to-earth cuisine offering a unique dining experience

These venues demonstrate just how diverse Styrian cuisine is: regional, creative and always prepared with a deep love for quality produce.

Practical travel tips for Styria

• Best time to visit: Spring, late summer and autumn are particularly lovely for wine, wine taverns and walks through the vineyards. The months from May to October are ideal for hiking.
• Booking: It’s worth booking well in advance at popular restaurants, wineries and wine taverns. Many establishments have seasonal opening hours or days when they’re closed.
• Don’t forget your cash: Although card payments are accepted in many places, having some cash to hand is handy, particularly at wine taverns, markets or smaller establishments. If you want to travel with peace of mind, you can conveniently order euros in advance via Swiss Bankers’ banknote delivery service and have them delivered to your home.
• Travel with peace of mind: Even when travelling within Europe, it’s worth checking your insurance cover. With TravelProtect from Swiss Bankers, travellers are provided with additional cover in the event of unexpected incidents such as trip cancellation, trip interruption or luggage problems.
• Accommodation recommendations: For a break close to nature, Four Elements Living by Berger near Palfau, close to the Gesäuse, is ideal. Those seeking wellness, tranquillity and alpine scenery will find the ROHO Rosenhof Murau Hotel in the Murau-Kreischberg region a perfect choice. For a stay in Southern Styria, the LOISIUM Wine & Spa Hotel Südsteiermark in Ehrenhausen is highly recommended – ideal for anyone wishing to combine wine, spa treatments and indulgence.

Conclusion: Styria is Austria at its best

Styria is perfect for anyone wishing to combine nature, fine dining and leisurely exploration. Graz offers culture and indulgence, Southern Styria delights with its vineyards and wine taverns, the Vulkanland region boasts thermal spas and unique specialities, whilst the north is home to mountains, lakes and wild landscapes. If you want to experience Austria in an authentic, green and enjoyable way, Styria is the perfect place for you.