GRAZ

The name of the city originates from the Slovenian word "gradec" (little castle), describing the place's beginnings as a fortress. The name "Graz" first appeared in documents around 1128. The city's location in southern Styria, the mild climate and the Renaissance houses communicate a feeling of lightness unusual for this region. At the Hauptplatz and in the Herren-, Sack- and Sporgasse the city is very similar to Vienna. The two central parks, Schlossberg and Stadtpark, are ideal for promenades, reading and dreaming.

In 1999, the Old Town was declared world heritage by the UNESCO, in 2003 Graz was Culture Capital of Europe. The city is shaped by Baroque domes and elegant arcade houses but also by the Gothic Burgtor (castle gate), the Biedermeier and Art Nouveau. Every cultural era has left its traces here, as you can experience during a walk through small streets like the Sporgasse. The over 40 Renaissance courtyards of the Old Town are particularly interesting. These and the South Styrian landscape similar to Tuscany give a feeling of the near Italy.

Airport
The international airport Graz-Thalerhof is about 10 kilometers south of the city centre. It is about 300 m from the train station from which you get directly to the Graz Hauptbahnhof (central station). You can also take the bus lines 630 and 631 into the city centre (Jakominiplatz). A ticket costs 1,70 €. A taxi into the city centre costs about 20 €. www.flughafen-graz.at

Train
From the central station at the end of the Annenstrasse, there are regular train connections to all bigger cities in Austria as well as to the Slovenian and Hungarian cities close to the border (Maribor/Szombathely). The station is connected to both the tram and the bus system. The centre of the Old Town is about 15 minutes on foot.

Car
From Vienna and Carinthia, Graz can be reached via Südautobahn A2, otherwise take the A9 motorway. You best avoid the city centre because parking lots are hard to find. The city centre is mainly a short-time parking zone (O,60 €/30 min). There is underground parking, but it's quite expensive (about 4 €/hour). More economical is for example the garage in the Pfauengarten.

Public transport
Graz has no metro but a great tram system. All lines leave the Jakominiplatz in a star-shaped pattern towards large parts of the city. In addition, there are numerous bus lines operating -like the trams- from early morning til about 11.30 pm. Later on and at the weekend, there are nightline buses.

Schlossberg
At the top of the 473 m high Schlossberg ("castle mountain"), the Uhrturm (clocktower) from 1561, the city's symbol, is set. It is the best-preserved part of the former city fortress. For a nice walk, start at Karmeliterplatz at the foot of the Schlossberg and walk up the hill. Get faster access by taking the cable railway starting at the base station Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai or the lift from the Schlossbergplatz.

Graz Cathedral
The cathedral was built by Emperor Frederick III. In the course of time, the church has undergone many developments: In 1438, it was built as a court and parish church in late Gothic style. In the 17th century, it became a Jesuit church and was refurbished in Baroque style in the early 18th century. From 1786 onwards it served as a bishop's church and cathedral. Especially worth seeing are the reliquary caskets on the left and right side in front of the chancel.
Bürgergasse 3

Burg
The former residence of Emperor Frederick III today houses the seat of the Styria's provincial government. A must-see is the Gothic double spiral staircase of 1499.
Hofgasse 15

Open-air museum Stübing
The 60 hectare open-air museum northwest of Graz is perfect for excursions. On the site, there are over 90 farm buildings and workshops which have been reconstructed true to original. The permanent special exhibition shows the development of agricultural vehicles and equipments.
Enzenbach 32, tel. 0312/45 37 00, March-October Tue-Sun 9am–5pm, entrance 7,50 €, www.stuebing.at

Steirischer Herbst (Styrian Autumn Festival)
The international festival of contemporary art is held every autumn. It is one of the most important avant-garde events of Central Europe.
Program and information: www.steirischerherbst.at

Iohan
International high-class cuisine is served in a picturesque Renaissance courtyard. The restaurant and bar excel through their elegant and cool atmosphere.
Landhausgasse 1, t. 82 13 12, 6pm–1am (kitchen 6pm-11.30pm), www.iohan.at

Hirschenwirt
The restaurant offers top-level Styrian cuisine. It is located on the northern border of the city and also convinces with its friendly service. Especially recommendable is the Backhendl (fried chicken) with potato - corn salad.
Rupertistraße 115, Hart bei Graz, tel. 46 56 00, Tue-Sat 11.30am–2.30pm and 1.30–10pm, www.hirschen-wirt.at

Gulascheck
This restaurant is known across the borders of Austria. Traditionally prepared specialties are on the menu. In 2005, the old Beisl was renovated- modern design and classic cuisine.
Bodenfeldgasse 2/Ecke Alte Poststraße 94, tel. 58 34 66, Mon-Sat 9am–12pm (kitchen 11am–10pm), Sun 11am–9pm (goulash at 9 am), www.gulascheck.at

Hotel Mariahilf
The bourgeois house with view of the Schlossberg is located in the pedestrian area in the middle of the Old Town. Numerous sights can be reached on foot.
Mariahilfer Str. 9, tel. 71 31 63, DR starting at 34 €, www.hotelmariahilf.at

Schlossberghotel
The 4 star hotel connects tradition to modern comfort, contemporary art to selected antiquities and sincere hospitality to professional service. The 54 rooms and suites are individually decorated with noble materials. Beautiful roof gardens, a fitness centre and an outdoor pool round off the services.
Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai 30, tel. 807 00, DR starting at 93,50 €, www.schlossberg-hotel.at

Blounge
The name is a combination between business and lounge. In the morning, there's a breakfast buffet with fresh juices, at noon daily specials and in the afternoon there's coffeehouse atmosphere.
Am Sparkassenplatz 4, tel. 50 100/372 56, Mon-Fri 7am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm, www.blounge.at

aiola city
Recently opened, this trendy place is cafe, restaurant and bar in one. Design meets cosiness in an old vault.
Mehlplatz 1, tel. 89 03 35, Mon-Sat 7.30am–2am, Sun 9am–0 pm(kitchen 11.30am–11pm), breakfast Sat/Sun until 3pm, www.aiola.at

Buddha Bar - Pfauengarten
You can choose between over 150 cocktails while listening to lounge music. The two levels are equipped with leather furniture, buddha statues and chandeliers. In the front court, there is a sidewalk café.
Hartiggasse 4, tel. 82 06 30, Mon-Sat 4pm–2am,
www.buddhabar-graz.at

Postgarage
At weekends you can dance the night away on two floors.
Dreihackengasse 42, tel. 72 29 37, Fri and Sat from 10pm, Sun from 8.30pm

Shopping streets
In the heart of Graz there are numerous stores of all kinds. Popular shopping miles are for example the Murgasse, the Sporgasse and the Franziskanerplatz. A detailed overview of the many shopping facilities can be found at www.graz-hauptplatz.at

Citypark
This shopping centre unites 100 stores on three levels all under one roof.
Lazarettgürtel 55, tel. 711 58 00, Mon-Fri 9am–7.30pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Gastropark: Mon-Sat 9am–11pm, Sun 11am–9pm

Markets
Besides designer clothes, the town hall square offers a farmers' market with regional delicacies like bacon, pumpkin seed oil and Schilcher wine. At the Josef- and Lendmarkt behind the Opera you can daily buy fresh regional products.

Kunsthandwerk im Hof (handcraft)
Hans-Sachs-Gasse 6, tel. +43/(0)664/26 11 13, Mon-Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm

Souvenir shop Kölz
Sporgasse 23, tel. +43/(0)664/874 90 88, Mon-Fri 9am–12.30pm and 2.30pm–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm and 2–5pm

Kunststücke – Kunsthandwerk und Biovinothek (handcraft/organic wine)
Sackstraße 20/Schlossbergplatz, tel. 82 19 19, Mon-Fri 10am–1pm and 3pm–6pm, Sat 10am–1pm (first Sat in the month 10am–5pm)

Reiseandenken - Tabakspezialitäten (souvenirs and tobacco specialties)
Schlossberg 5a, tel. 82 30 19, February-December daily 10am–8pm