Graz – A nice walkaround seeing the sights.

Graz is the capital of Styria and is a blend between the old and new. Probably of most prominence is the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger originated from this region. As the local hero that made it to the big-time abroad , there is a museum in his honour located in his birthplace Thal, 20 minutes drive from Graz.

Lets get back to Graz:

Getting here:

Graz has an airport. To get into the city center from the airport there are 2 possibilities:

By S-Bahn (S5 – Flughafen Graz-Feldkirchen Bahnhof) to direction Graz Hauptbahnhof.

By Bus 630 or 631 brings you to Griesplatz in the center. Below is the link for the train / bus to and from the airport to city center.

https://www.flughafen-graz.at/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/Bus_Zugfahrplan_Bus_Train_Timetable_01.02.2018.pdf

Tickets can be bought from the drivers on the buses or from a ticket machine. If you check the link above , there are prices stated for if you buy a one-way ticket or a 24-hour ticket.

That said: I have found Graz to be a walkable place. I normally just walk around to the places of interest.

Seeing Graz:

As with most if not all European town centers, Graz downtown looks majestic with its old buildings, however right next to it are the modern shopping areas served by the trams around.

Hauptplatz & TownHall

One of the nicer views around Graz is the main governing centre with the Rathaus.

The Archduke Johann monument in the middle of the governing centre.

The Archduke Johann Monument in front of the Town Hall in Graz

Up the hill there is Schlossberg , with nice flower gardens at the right seasons and the impressive clock tower. Just a few steps from the Hauptplatz is the staircase and lift to bring to the clock tower.

20140621_164025[1] — Steps leading up to the clock tower on the hilltop

If you don’t like the steps , you can also take the lift up for a small fee.

The ticket machines for the lift accepts credit cards as well as cash.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — The elevator up to the hilltop.

A brief walk away is also the other way up or down the hill is the funicular.

20140621_174644[1] — Funicular train to the top of the hill

Up the hill is a nice place to have a walkabout. Flowers of the season abound.

20140621_172614[1] — Open Air Theatre at the Schlossberg

The view from the top is one of the highlights!

20140621_165636[1] — The view from the top – The Kunsthaus stands out on the right.

Graz Kunsthaus

This building is hard to miss- looking at it from above from Schlossberg, it stands out and is also walking distance from the centre. Here is also the link to opening hours.