The Most Beautiful Sights in Styria
Introduction
Between vineyards, alpine pastures and dense forests, Styria shows how powerfully nature and culture can come together. In Graz's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Renaissance courtyards, winding lanes and contemporary architecture create a lively cityscape. Here, you can drink coffee beneath arcades, climb the Schlossberg and let your gaze wander across the red rooftops.
Further north, the Dachstein Glacier World opens up an alpine panorama of rock and ice. On the suspension bridge and the Stairway to Nothingness, you get close to the elements, with sweeping views far across the Enns Valley. In Gesäuse National Park, rivers run through narrow gorges, while striking peaks rise above them. Trails lead through varied terrain and offer fascinating insights into this landscape.
For families, Styria becomes a setting for adventures big and small. Take a cable car up to airy heights or follow family-friendly themed trails through forests and gorges - everywhere, there is something new to discover. Nature parks, swimming lakes and adventure mountains combine activity with curiosity. The result is a holiday that does not need to be loud to leave a lasting impression.
World Heritage meets contemporary art
Between historic buildings and contemporary architecture, Styria reveals its many facets. Castles, palaces, abbeys and churches are still in use – hosting concerts, exhibitions and collections. At the same time, modern buildings add clear accents to public spaces.
You move through different eras and experience culture in many forms – vibrant, diverse and constantly evolving.
Castles, monasteries and modern architecture
Glaciers, alpine pastures, wine
On the Dachstein, a glacier landscape unfolds, shaped by ice, rock and wide open skies. Crossing the suspension bridge and the 'Stairway to Nothingness', the path leads upwards to viewpoints that stretch far across the Alps.
Further south, the scenery shifts. In the Almenland, meadows carry the scent of fresh grass and baked bread, while cows move calmly across the pastures. And as the evening air turns warm, a glass of Styrian wine awaits among the vines.
This is Styria in all its facets.
Nature parks, gorges, and lakes
Attractions for Families
With children, Styria becomes a journey of discovery. At the Zotter Experience World, you can sample your way through imaginative chocolate creations, with outdoor areas featuring animals and playgrounds. At the Erzberg, a ride on the Hauly – a giant haul truck – takes you through the impressive mining landscape. On the Rittisberg, you can speed down the mountain on the summer toboggan run or by bike, or head into the forest for a high ropes course.
At the Lipizzaner Stud in Piber, you can follow the horses’ development – from dark foals to the white stallions they become.
Chocolate, mountain adventures, and white horses
FAQs
Gesäuse national park
Austria’s youngest national park lies between steep limestone peaks and river landscapes. Forests, floodplains and rocky terrain shape the area. A wide range of plant and animal species have been recorded here, including endemics such as the feather pink. Overall, the park provides habitats for a rich diversity of wildlife. The River Enns runs through a narrow gorge and defines much of the landscape.
You can explore the national park on foot along marked hiking trails and themed paths through forests, alpine pastures and rocky sections. Water-based tours are also possible, for example on the Enns. Ranger-led programmes offer guided insights into the area.