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Graz
Coat of arms	Location
Administration
Country	Austria
State	Styria
District	Statutory city
Mayor	Siegfried Nagl (ÖVP)
Basic statistics
Area	127.56 km2 (49.3 sq mi)
Elevation	353 m  (1158 ft)
Population	255,354  (1 January 2009)
- Density	2,002 /km² (5,185 /sq mi)
Other information
Time zone	CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Postal codes	A-801x, A-802x, A-803x, A-804x, A-805x
Area codes	+43 316
Website	www.graz.at Coordinates: 47°04′13″N 15°26′20″E / 47.07028°N 15.43889°E / 47.07028; 15.43889

City of Graz - Historic Centre*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
State Party	Austria
Type	Cultural
Criteria	ii, iv
Reference	931
Region**	Europe and North America
Inscription history
Inscription	1999  (23rd Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. ** Region as classified by UNESCO.

Graz (German pronunciation: [ɡraːts]; Slovene: Gradec, Hungarian: Grác,) is the second-largest city in Austria after Vienna and the capital of the federal state of Styria. It has a population of 291,574 as of 2009 (of which 255,354 have principal residence status).

Graz has a long tradition as a student city: its six universities have more than 44,000 students. Graz's "Old Town" is one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe. In 1999, it was added to the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage Sites. Graz was sole Cultural Capital of Europe for 2003.

Geography

The city is situated on the Mur river, in the southeast of Austria. It is approximately 200 km (120 mi) southwest of Vienna or 2.5 hours by train / 2 hours by car. The nearest larger urban center is Maribor in Slovenia which is about 50 km (31 mi) away. Graz is the capital and largest city in Styria, a green and heavily forested area.

Climate

Due to its position southeast of the Alps, Graz is shielded from the prevailing westerly winds that bring weather fronts in from the North Atlantic to northwestern and central Europe. Due to this factor the weather in Graz is Mediterranean influenced. Graz therefore has more hours of sunshine per year than Vienna or Salzburg and also less wind or rain. Graz lies in a basin that only opens to the south, causing the climate to be warmer than would be expected at that latitude. Plants are found in Graz that normally grow much further south. However, this milder, less windy climate is detrimental to the air quality in Graz as it makes the city prone to smog in winter. The exhaust fumes of the around 120,000 cars driven into Graz every weekday by people living in the surrounding areas, together with the car journeys made by the inhabitants of Graz itself, are the most significant source of air pollution.

• average temperatures: Graz Airport 8.7 °C (48 °F) / Karl-Franzens University 9.4 °C (49 °F)
• average rainfall: 818 mm with on average 92 days of rain (Karl Franzens University)
• average hours of sunshine: 1,890 (Karl Franzens University)

Neighbouring municipalities

The following towns and villages border Graz:

• to the North: Gratkorn, Stattegg, Weinitzen
• to the East: Kainbach bei Graz, Hart bei Graz, Raaba
• to the South: Gössendorf, Feldkirchen bei Graz, Seiersberg
• to the West: Attendorf, Thal, Judendorf-Straßengel

Districts

Graz is divided into 17 districts. They are:

I. Innere Stadt (3,302)

II. St. Leonhard (12,377)

III. Geidorf (19,119)

IV. Lend (22,369)

V. Gries (22,658)

VI. Jakomini (25,808)

VII. Liebenau (11,556)

VIII. St. Peter (12,809)

IX. Waltendorf (10,782)

X. Ries (5,789)

XI. Mariatrost (7,403)

XII. Andritz (16,316)

XIII. Gösting (9,227)

XIV. Eggenberg (16,467)

XV. Wetzelsdorf (12,225)

XVI. Straßgang (12,212)

XVII. Puntigam (6,248)

Population development

The more recent population figures do not give the whole picture as only people with principal residence status are counted and people with secondary residence status are not. Most of the people with secondary residence status in Graz are students. At the end of 2006 there were 37,624 people with secondary residence status in Graz.^[1][2]

Population (with principal residence status) in the agglomeration was approximately 320,000 at the end of 2006.

History

Landhaus

Landhaus

The oldest settlement on the ground of the modern city of Graz dates back to the Copper Age. However, there is no historical continuity of a settlement before the Middle Ages.

The name of the city, Graz ( see the Slavic settlement Grad), and some archaeological finds point to the erection of a small castle by South Slavic people^{[citation needed]}, which in time became a heavily defended fortification. In literary Slovene, gradec literally means "small castle", which is etymologically a hypocoristic derivative of Proto-West-South Slavic *gradьcъ, itself by means of liquid metathesis descending from Common Slavic *gardьcъ, by Slavic third palatalisation from Proto-Slavic *gardiku (cf. Ancient Greek toponym Γαρδίκι) originally denoting "small town, settlement". The name thus follows the common South Slavic pattern for naming settlements as grad. The German name 'Graz' was first used in 1128, and during this time dukes under Babenberg rule made the town into an important commercial center. Later Graz came under the rule of the Habsburgs, and in 1281 gained special privileges from King Rudolph I.

In the 14th century Graz became the city of residence of the Inner Austrian line of the Habsburgs. The royalty lived in the Schloßberg castle and from there ruled Styria, Carinthia, and parts of today's Italy and Slovenia (Carniola, Gorizia and Gradisca). In the 16th century, the city's design and planning were primarily controlled by Italian Renaissance architects and artists. One of the most famous buildings built in this style is the Landhaus. It was designed by Domenico dell'Allio, and was used by the local rulers as a governmental headquarters.

Graz was also a city that famous astronomer Johannes Kepler lived in for a short part of his life. There, he worked as a math teacher, but found time to study astronomy. He left Graz to go to Prague when Lutheran people were banned from the city.

Karl-Franzens Universität, also referred to as the University of Graz, is the city's oldest university, founded in 1585 by Archduke Charles II. For most of its existence it was controlled by the Catholic church, and was closed in 1782 by Joseph II in an attempt to gain state control over educational institutions. Joseph II transformed it into a lyceum where civil servants and medical personnel were trained. In 1827 it was re-instituted as a university by Emperor Franz I, thus gaining the name 'Karl-Franzens Universität,' meaning 'Charles-Francis University.' Over 30,000 students currently study at this university.

University of Graz

Nikola Tesla studied electrical engineering at the Polytechnic in Graz in 1875. Nobel Laureate Otto Loewi taught at the University of Graz from 1909 until 1938. Johannes Kepler was a professor of mathematics at the University of Graz. Erwin Schrödinger was briefly chancellor of the University of Graz in 1936.

Adolf Hitler was given a warm welcome when he visited in 1938, the year Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany. The thriving Jewish community was destroyed by the Nazis and their grand synagogue was burnt. A small group of Graz Jews returned despite everything after the war. In 2000, on the anniversary of the Reichskristallnacht, Graz city council presented the Jewish community with a new synagogue as a gesture of reconciliation. Hitler promised the people of Graz 1,000 years of prosperity and an end to mass unemployment: only 7 years later the Graz resistance surrendered the city to Soviet troops sparing Graz any further destruction. By then about 16% of buildings had been destroyed by Allied bombing - luckily the Old Town was not seriously hit.

Graz lies in Styria, or Steiermark in German. Mark is an old German word indicating a large area of land used as a defensive border, in which the peasantry are taught how to organize and fight in the case of an invasion. With a strategic location at the head of the open and fertile Mur valley, Graz was often assaulted (unsuccessfully), e.g. by the Hungarians under Matthias Corvinus in 1481, and by the Ottoman Turks in 1529 and 1532. Apart from the Riegersburg, the Schloßberg was the only fortification in the region that never fell to the Ottoman Turks. Graz is home to the region's provincial armory, which is the world's largest historical collection of Baroque weaponry. It has been preserved since 1551, and displays over 30,000 items.

From the earlier part of the 15th century Graz was the residence of the younger branch of the Habsburgs, which succeeded to the imperial throne in 1619 in the person of Emperor Ferdinand II, who moved the capital to Vienna. New fortifications were constructed on the Schlossberg at the end of the 16th century. Napoleon's army occupied Graz in 1797. In 1809 the city had to withstand another assault by the French army. During the course of this attack, the commanding officer in the fortress was ordered to defend it with his men against Napoleon's army, which numbered about 900 and 3,000 respectively. He successfully defended the Schloßberg against 8 attacks, but they were forced to give up since the Grande Armee conquered Vienna and the Emperor ordered to surrender. Following the defeat of Austria by Napoleonic forces at the Battle of Wagram in 1809, the fortifications were demolished using explosives, as stipulated in the Peace of Schönbrunn of the same year. The belltower and the civic clock tower, often used as the symbol of Graz, were allowed to survive this fate after the people of Graz paid a ransom for their preservation.

Archduke Charles II of Inner Austria had 20,000 Protestant books burned in the square of what is now a mental hospital, and succeeded in returning Styria to the authority of the Holy See. Archduke Franz Ferdinand was born in Graz, in what is now the Stadtmuseum (city museum).

Main sights

A panoramic view of the old town from the Grazer Schloßberg

In the last few years some groundbreakingly modern new public buildings have been erected in the city. The most famous of these include the Kunsthaus (house of modern art) designed by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, a museum constructed right next to the river Mur, and the "Murinsel" (island in the Mur), an island made of steel, situated in the river. It was designed by the American architect Vito Acconci and contains a café, an open-air theatre and a playground.

Old Town

View of the Rathaus or City Hall at dusk. Grazer Schloßberg (Castle mountain) with clock tower The old town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999 due to the harmonious co-existence of typical buildings from different epochs and in different architectural styles. Being situated in a cultural borderland between Central Europe, Italy and the Balkan States, Graz absorbed various influences from the neighbouring regions and thus received its exceptional townscape. Today the old town consists of over 1000 buildings, their age ranging from Gothic to Contemporary. The most important sights in the old town are: Rathaus (Town Hall). Schloßberg, hill dominating the old town (475 m (1,558.40 ft) high), site of demolished fortress, with views over Graz. Uhrturm clocktower, symbol of Graz, on the top of Schloßberg. Neue Galerie . Museum of art. Schloßbergbahn, a funicular railway up the Schloßberg. The Landhaus, the building where the federal state parliament of Styria resides, a palace in Lombardic style. It belongs to the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Austria and was built by the Italian architect Domenico dell'Allio between 1557 and 1565. The Landeszeughaus, armoury, the largest of its kind in the world [1],[2]. The Schauspielhaus is the principal theatre[3][4],[5]. Dom (cathedral), a rare monument of Gothic architecture. Once, there had been many frescos on the outer walls, today, there are only few remains, like the Landplagenbild ("picture of plagues") painted in 1485, presumably by Thomas von Villach. The three plagues it depicts are locusts, pestilence and the invasion of the Turks, all of them striking the town in 1480. It features the oldest painted view of Graz. Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II next to the cathedral, the most important building of Mannerism in Graz. It includes both the grave, where Ferdinand II and his wife are buried, and a church dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria. Burg (castle complex), with Gothic double staircase, built between 1438 and 1453 by Emperor Frederick III because the old castle on the Schloßberg was too small and uncomfortable. The Burg remained the residence of the Inner Austrian Court until 1619. Today, it serves as residence of the government of Styria. Gemaltes Haus ("painted house"), in Herrengasse 3. It is completely covered with frescos (painted in 1742 by Johann Mayer). Kunsthaus (museum of modern art). Murinsel, an artificial island in the Mur. Buildings, courtyards (e. g. Early Renaissance courtyard of the Former House of Teutonic Knights in Sporgasse 22) and roofscape of the old town. Outside the Old Town Schloss Eggenberg Schloss Eggenberg (Graz) a Baroque palace on the western edge of Graz with State rooms and museum [6],[7],[8]. Basilika Mariatrost a late Baroque church, on the eastern edge of Graz [9],[10],[11]. The Herz Jesu Kirche is the largest church in Graz with the 3rd highest spire in Austria, built in Gothic Revival style [12]. Calvary Hill in the Gösting area of Graz with a 17th century calvary and church. The LKH-Universitätsklinikum, is the biggest hospital of Graz, it is the largest Art Nouveau building complex in Austria. It was built between 1904 and 1912. It is run by the state. Best viewpoints for vistas of the city are Ruine Gösting, hilltop castle ruins on northwestern edge of city, and Plabutsch/Fürstenstand, behind Schloss Eggenberg with a hilltop restaurant and viewing tower. The site of the former brewery Graz Reininghaus is currently the biggest privately financed city development project in Austria. Within the greater Graz area Österreichisches Freilichtmuseum Stübing, an open-air museum containing old farmhouses/farm buildings from all over Austria reassembled in historic setting. Lurgrotte, the most extensive cave system in Austria. Lipizzanergestüt Piber, Lipizzaner stud where the famous white horses are bred. The Steirische Weinstraße is a wine growing region south of Graz, also known as the "Styrian Tuscany". Thermenregion, spa region east of Graz. Riegersburg, a mighty fortress that was never taken. It was a bastion against historical Turkish invasions [13],[14]. Culture During 2003 Graz held the title of "European Capital of Culture". Museums Kunsthaus Graz The most important museums in Graz are: Schloss Eggenberg (Graz) with Alte Galerie (paintings and sculptures from the Romanesque to the end of the Baroque period), Coin Collection, Archeological Museum (featuring the Cult Wagon of Strettweg) a special exhibitions area and the 90,000 m2 romantic landscape gardens. Neue Galerie visual arts from the 19th and 20th century. Natural History Museum exhibition of botany, mineralogy and zoology. Stadtmuseum Graz city museum. Grazer Kunsthaus museum of contemporary art. Camera Austria museum of contemporary photography. Landeszeughaus medieval armory comprising of 32,000 pieces of armour and weaponry, largest of its kind in the world. Volkskundemuseum museum of folklore. Diözesanmuseum museum of the Roman Catholic Church. Künstlerhaus museum of contemporary visual arts. Literaturhaus museum of contemporary German literature. Museum der Wahrnehmung museum of the senses, samadhi bath. Kindermuseum Frida&Fred museum for children. Tramwaymuseum 40 historic trams, the oldest dating from 1873. Kriminalmuseum museum of criminology. Luftfahrtmuseum (Graz airport) aviation museum. Hanns Schell Collection key and lock museum, largest of its kind in the world. Architecture Highest Buildings Herz-Jesu-Kirche There are currently 228 buildings in Graz that are classified as highrise buildings. In Graz a building is classified as being highrise if the floor of at least one room is 22 metres above ground level. Buildings that are classified as highrise have to adhere to much more stringent fire safety regulations because the ladders of the majority of fire appliances used by Graz Fire Brigade cannot reach higher than 22 metres. Name or Address Completion Usage Height (m) floors 1. Herz-Jesu-Kirche 1887 church 109 2. Elisabeth Hochhaus 1964 residential 75 25 3. Kärntner Straße 212, Liebenauer Hauptstraße 309 1968 and 1955 residential 69 21 4. Franziskanerkirche 1240 church 69 5. Telekom Austria Tower 1960s office 65 15 6. Basilica Mariatrost 1724 church 61 7. Hafnerriegel 1960 residential 61 19 8. St. Peter Pfarrweg, Kindermanngasse, Hanuschgasse 1970s residential 55 17 9. Vinzenz Muchitschstraße, Ungergasse, Kärntner Straße 216, Eggenberger Gürtel 1970s residential 52 16 In Graz there are some new high rise buildings in the pipeline, the only ones that currently (June 2009) are looking certain to be built are a 15 storey officeblock opposite the "Stadthalle" on the southern edge of the city centre and a 21 storey officeblock next to the urban motorway leading from the Graz Ost Interchange (road) into town. Transportation Tram at Jakominiplatz An extensive public transportation network makes Graz an easy city to navigate without a car. The city has a comprehensive bus network, complementing a tram network consisting of six lines, two of which run from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) to the old town before branching out. Furthermore, there are seven night-time bus routes, although these operate only at weekends and on evenings preceding public holidays. The tram is also called "Bim". From the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), regional trains link to most of Styria. Direct trains also run to most major cities nearby including Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Maribor and Ljubljana in Slovenia, Zagreb in Croatia, Prague in the Czech Republic, Budapest in Hungary and Zurich in Switzerland. Trains for Vienna leave every hour. Graz Airport is about 10 kilometres south of the city centre and has a railway station within walking distance (east of the airport). International relations See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Austria Twin towns and sister cities Graz is twinned with:[3] Coventry, England (1948)[3] Darmstadt, Germany (1968)[3][4] Dubrovnik, Croatia[3] Groningen, Netherlands (1964)[3][5] Maribor, Slovenia (1987)[3] Montclair, New Jersey, United States (1950)[3] Pécs, Hungary (1989)[3] Pula, Croatia (1972)[3] Saint Petersburg, Russia[3][6] Trieste, Italy (1973)[3] Trondheim, Norway (1968)[3][7] Zababdeh, West Bank, Palestine Other forms of cooperation and city friendship similar to the twin city programmes: Niš, Serbia Notable people Arnold Schwarzenegger, former bodybuilding champion, actor and current governor of California. Born and raised in the farming village Thal, 2 km from Graz. In 2005, the Graz football stadium named after Schwarzenegger was renamed Stadion Graz-Liebenau after controversy over the use of the death penalty in California, now it is called UPC-Arena. Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, architect of the Baroque period. Johann Puch, Slovenian inventor, mechanic and significant vehicle producer. Ludwig Boltzmann, Austrian physicist, Professor of Mathematical Physics at the University of Graz (1869), chair of Experimental Physics at the University of Graz (1876–1890). Robert Stolz, Austrian composer and conductor. Friedrich St. Florian, Austrian-American architect. Olga Neuwirth, one of the most important contemporary Austrian composers. Nicolaus Harnoncourt,born in Berlin raised in Graz, a conductor known throughout the world for his performances of classical works on period instruments. Jochen Rindt, the first Austrian Formula One champion raised in Graz by his grandmother. Otto Wanz, former professional wrestler who held the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. Wolfgang Bauer, Austrian writer. Werner Schwab, playwright and visual artist. Bernd Brückler, professional ice hockey player Thomas Tebbich, decathlete and pole vaulter Thomas Vanek, professional hockey player, born in Baden bei Wien, raised in Graz. Helmut Marko, former racing driver Markus Schopp, midfielder for MLS side Red Bull New York August Musger, inventor of the slow motion technique in cinema. Karl Böhm, an Austrian conductor. Lili Novy, Slovenian poet. Otto Loewi Nobel prize-winning physiologist. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, Archduke of Austria-Este and heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Soo-Young Lee, a clarinetist in the Youtube Symphony Orchestra Nikola Tesla studied electrical engineering in Graz. Gert Schnider, Abalone-champion Baron Roman Ungern von Sternberg, enemy of the Soviet State and dictacor of Mongolia in 1921. Anton Rintelen, Cabinet Minister and Nazi conspirator. Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg, Austrian statesman and early "prime minister" during the Thirty Years' War References ^ http://www.graz.at/cms/ziel/606066/EN/ ^ http://www.statistik.at/blickgem/blick1/g60101.pdf ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Twin Towns - Graz Online - English Version". www.graz.at. http://www.graz.at/cms/beitrag/10045157/606819/. Retrieved 2010-01-05.  ^ Town Twinnings and international relations (from the official city website. Accessed 2008-08-11.) ^ "Groningen - Partner Cities". © 2008 Gemeente Groningen, Kreupelstraat 1,9712 HW Groningen. http://www.groningen.nl/functies/pagfunctie.cfm?parameter=1285. Retrieved 2008-12-08.  ^ "Stadt Graz: Sister Cities". http://www.graz.at/cms/beitrag/10099866/606819. Retrieved 2008-12-01.  ^ Trondheims offisielle nettsted - Vennskapsbyer "Graz: Stadtplanung und Stadtentwicklung (Rechnungshofbericht, 2006) in German" (PDF). 2006. http://www.rechnungshof.gv.at/fileadmin/downloads/Teilberichte/Steiermark/Steiermark_2006_02/Steiermark_2006_02_1.pdf. Retrieved 2008-04-08.  External links Official websites Graz travel guide from Wikitravel City website (German) (English) Searchable map of Graz Graz Tourism Office KulturServerGraz Town's cultural portal tramway in Graz History Jews in Graz. Expelled 1439 - returned 1447 - expelled 1496 - returned 1783 - holocaust (from Encyclopaedia Judaica 1971) Further Information Various Graz Information Sorted by Categories. Choose from 5 languages. Cities and districts (Bezirke) of Styria Cities Graz Districts Bruck an der Mur • Deutschlandsberg • Feldbach • Fürstenfeld • Graz-Umgebung • Hartberg • Judenburg • Knittelfeld • Leibnitz • Leoben • Liezen • Mürzzuschlag • Murau • Radkersburg • Voitsberg • Weiz Administrative seats of Austrian states Bregenz • Eisenstadt • Graz • Innsbruck • Klagenfurt • Linz • Salzburg • Sankt Pölten • Vienna European Capitals of Culture 1985 Athens · 1986 Florence · 1987 Amsterdam · 1988 West Berlin · 1989 Paris · 1990 Glasgow · 1991 Dublin · 1992 Madrid · 1993 Antwerp · 1994 Lisbon · 1995 Luxembourg City · 1996 Copenhagen · 1997 Thessaloniki · 1998 Stockholm · 1999 Weimar · 2000 Reykjavík · Bergen · Helsinki · Brussels · Prague · Kraków · Santiago de Compostela · Avignon · Bologna · 2001 Rotterdam · Porto · 2002 Bruges · Salamanca · 2003 Graz · 2004 Genoa · Lille · 2005 Cork · 2006 Patras · 2007 Luxembourg City and Greater Region · Sibiu · 2008 Liverpool · Stavanger · 2009 Linz · Vilnius · 2010 Essen · Istanbul · Pécs · 2011 Turku · Tallinn · 2012 Maribor · Guimarães · 2013 Košice  · Marseille World Heritage Sites in Austria East Cultural Landscape of Fertö / Neusiedlersee1 · Cultural Landscape of Wachau  · Historic Centre of Vienna · Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn · Semmering railway2 South Cultural Landscape of Hallstatt-Dachstein Salzkammergut2 · Historic Centre of the City of Graz · Semmering railway2 West Cultural Landscape of Hallstatt-Dachstein Salzkammergut2 · Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg 1 Shared with Hungary · 2 Shared with other region/s

From Wikitravel

The landmark of Graz: The clock tower

Graz [1] is the capital of Styria (Steiermark) and the 2nd largest city of Austria.

Understand

Graz is the second-largest city in Austria, with a population of about 285,000. Some 40,000 of this population is made up of students, as Graz is home to no less than six universities (four "standard" universities and two dedicated solely to applied sciences), and is associated with names as illustrious as Johannes Kepler, Erwin Schrödinger and Nikola Tesla.

The roots of Graz can be traced back to Roman times, when a small fort was built where the city centre is today; Slovenians later built a larger fortress in the same place. The Slovenian name of the castle is Gradec, which means castle; the name Graz is derived from this. Graz was first mentioned with its German name in 1128 when the dukes of Babenberg turned the place into a commercial centre. During 15th century Graz became the capital of inner Austria (refering to Styria, Carinthia and Carniola) under the Habsburgs.

Graz has a rich history in education manifested by the number of universities in the city. The first university was founded in 1585 (Karl-Franzens-Universität).

Due to its importance as a strategic position, Graz was often assaulted by Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. The fortress located on the Schlossberg (the picture to the right shows the clock tower, which is located on top of the hill) never fell to the Turks (the only place in this region).

During WWII Graz was part of Nazi Germany (along with rest of Austria). At the end of the war Graz was surrendered to Soviet troops largely intact; the historic old town was not seriously hit during Allied bombing raids on the city. In 2003 Graz was the Cultural Capital of Europe.

Graz is also known for the Magna Steyr (formerly called Steyr-Daimler-Puch) automobile and truck manufacturing plant located there. It is also the birthplace (in nearby Thal) of actor and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Its UPC-Arena was renamed in Schwarzenegger's honor in 1997, but was renamed again in 2005 following controversy over the governor's support of California's death penalty.

Phone: The local area code is (0)316. The country code for Austria is +43.

Get in

By plane

Graz airport (IATA: GRZ), (Flughafen Graz - Thalerhof) [2], less than 6 miles south of the city center.

Scheduled flights operate to Graz from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Vienna, Linz, Innsbruck, Zurich, London, Hannover, Gothenburg, Kristiansand, Friedrichshafen, Girona. It is possible to fly from Britain from London Stansted with Ryanair, and within Europe low-cost airlines serving Graz-Thalerhof are Interfly and Lufthansa, amongst others.

Getting to the City is easy and inexpensive. The train station is located 300 meters from the passenger terminal. Trains leave to Graz Hauptbahnhof (main station) roughly every hour (fare: €1.70). As an alternative buses leave right in front of the passenger terminal. The Bus will take you first to Jakominiplatz and then further to Hauptbahnhof. (fare: €1.70). You can also take a taxi (which is about €20 to the centre of the city) or rent a car.

Nearby airports are in Maribor, Klagenfurt and a little further away in Ljubljana, Zagreb and Vienna.

By train

The main station (Hauptbahnhof) is on the western edge of the city center, at the end of the Annenstrasse. Graz has frequent connections to Vienna with direct trains every hour. Connections to Salzburg and most other Austrian Cities and Munich are also reasonably frequent. Night trains serve destinations as far as Zurich, and there are two direct day services each day to Zagreb. See ÖBB - Austrian Railways [3] for timetables. There are also less frequent services to Slovenia and Hungary. To reach the old town, take tram line 3 or 6 (1 or 7 evenings and Sundays), or simply walk down Annenstraße for about 20 minutes and cross the bridge. You can obtain a map from the Tourist Information in the Hauptbahnhof.

It is worth noting that the direct services from Vienna to Graz pass through the Semmering Railway, a rail line listed in the UNESCO World Heritage due to its unique construction involving 14 tunnels and 16 viaducts. Keep your eyes open! From Vienna to Graz, sit on the left; from Graz to Vienna, sit on the right.

By car

The A9, runs north-south through Graz, mostly via the 6 mile long Plabutsch tunnel. The A2, just south of the city, runs east-west. Vienna (Wien) is 127 miles (2hrs) up the A2 to the east. A just as fast but much more scenic alternative route to Vienna is via Bruck/Mur taking the S6. (Beware: The dual carriage way is unfinished for a few miles between Graz and Bruck and there are lots of tunnels on the S6!!!) Some might also find the 5-mile-long (single carriageway) Gleinalm (Toll) tunnel on the A9, 15 miles to the north of Graz, unnerving. Toll charge: Gleinalm Tunnel: cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t: EUR 7.95 | with caravans/trailers: EUR 9.95 | Motorhomes over 3.5 t: EUR 11.50. It is possible to avoid the tunnel by travelling on the rather longer route via Bruck an der Mur.

By bus

Graz does not have a dedicated bus terminal. Private and public operators all operate from separate terminals:

• Eurolines [4] operates from Hautpbahnhof [5]. They offer reasonable cheap tickets to many destinations throughout Europe.
• Regional Busses [6] run frequent services from terminals at Andreas-Hofer-Platz [7] (City Bus 40, 67 or three minutes walk from Hauptplatz), Hauptbahnhof [8] (Tram 3, 6 as well as 1, 7 evenings and sundays, City Buses 50, 52, 53, 58, 63, 85) and some others, with many destinations throughout Styria. Many Busses also pass Jakominiplatz.

For travels to Austrian or Slovenian destinations check out [9], they will find you routes with public buses, trains, and trams to your desired destination. (Although in Carinthia and Tyrol it is limited to trains.)

Get around

The old town of Graz is easily explored on foot, and is reachable with a 20 minute walk from the main train station. Stop at the Tourist Information at the train station, or any hotel lobby that you come across to pick up a brochure on attractions in Graz. This brochure also contains a map with most of the sights marked, as well as recommended self-guided walking routes through the town.

For other needs, public transportation options exist:

• Tram - Graz has an excellent tram service running through the Jakominiplatz where the different routes meet and you can change trams and buy tickets at the tobacco kiosk (Tabak). Make sure you punch your ticket inside the tram (If you get caught without a valid/punched ticket you will have to pay a fine of 60 Euros). You can buy hourly, daily, weekly or monthly tickets (also available at the driver). They are valid on all modes of public transport throughout Zone 101 (Graz plus immediate surroundings including the airport!)

• Bus - Graz also has an excellent city bus network taking in the parts of Graz not serviced by trams. Many buses go through Jakominiplatz, Hauptbahnhof and Geidorfplatz. The tickets are the same as for the tram. Be sure to get yourself a map (at Jakominiplatz) of the network if you plan to use it frequently. Also check out [10].

Tram and Bus Ticket prices: Single ticket (available from the driver) € 1.90 (valid for one hour) Day ticket (available from the driver) € 4.10 (valid for 24 hours) Week ticket € 10.60, Monthly ticket € 36.10 available from the Office of Transportation at the Jakominiplatz and a 10-single-ride ticket (valid for 10 single rides) € 16,70 available at most of the tobacco kiosk (Tabak).

Keep in mind that bus and tram services operate from 5am to midnight during the week. Last Trams usually leave around 23:30 from Jakominiplatz in all directions. Nightbuses operate only at weekends (Friday & Saturday) and before public holidays. They leave from Jakominiplatz in all directions at 00:30, 01:30 and 02:30.

• Bike - Graz has an excellent network of cyclepaths. Due to this using a bike to get around (at least the central areas of Graz) is one of the best choices. It also helps that it does not rain a lot in Graz. Bikes may be rented, although if you are staying a bit longer buying a used one (and maybe reselling it) from one of the many bike stores may be cheaper. Bike theft is a common problem in Graz, so take care that your bike is properly locked (if possible against a bar) when you are not using it. Also, if you are inexperienced bicycling around trams, take extra caution (especially noting that getting your wheel stuck in a tram rail could knock you down -- with trams potentially coming right behind and beside you!).

• Taxi - Taxis are available 24h a day. You can hail one on the street, go to a taxi- rank or simply order one by phone. The taxi ranks with the best chances of getting a taxi day or night are "Hauptplatz" (Right side of City Hall) or "Hauptbahnhof". There is a base rate of €3-4 for all rides. Avoid taxis in the early morning and early evening when traffic congestion can make a taxi ride very expensive. A ten-minute Taxi-ride usually costs about €10. Taxis can be booked by calling 0316-878, 0316-889, 0316-222, 0316-2801. There is no price difference if you book your cab or stop a taxi on the street.

• Car - If you can avoid it, just avoid it. Graz has areas with an inscrutable one-way system which makes it easy to get lost. Parking space in central areas are rare and subject to a fee from Monday to Friday (9.00am to 8.00pm, in front of Hauptbahnhof to 9pm) and on Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Tickets can be bought from ticket machines placed in every street. A ticket for half an hour costs €0.60 ("blue zones", "green zones" are a bit cheaper). The maximum parking duration in blue zones is three hours and in green zones one day. Be aware that there is a lot of 'ticket-police' around so don't even try to park without a valid ticket (Fine € 25). There are a number of underground car parks in the city centre for example under the Kameliterplatz which is called Pfauengarten Parkgarage which is open 24h a day. A ticket for one hour costs €2, a 24h ticket costs €12.

• The historic old town. It has been designated a World Heritage site.

• The Glockenspiel, which comes to life with song and rotating dance figures every day at precisely 11:00, 15:00 and 18:00.

• The mannerist-Baroque Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II., with impressive interior decor by famous Styrian artist Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Its elliptical dome is the oldest of its kind outside Italy. Next to the Mausoleum is the Cathedral of Graz with an exceptional exterior fresco, the so-called Gottesplagenbild (picture of plagues), which is the oldest remained painting depicting Graz.

• Don't miss the double spiral staircase in the Burg!

• The Schlossberg (Schloßberg), the castle perched upon a hill in the middle of the city around which Graz sprang up. The funicular (Schloßbergbahn) and elevator (Schloßberglift) will take the effort out of the walk to the top, although to use them would be to miss the wooded paths and some spectacular views.
• Clock Tower (Uhrturm) on the top of the Schloßberg, the symbol of Graz.

• Eggenberg Castle (Schloss Eggenberg). Early Baroque architecture with lavish state rooms. There is a small (€ 1.00) fee for entering the park surrounding the castle, which they likely will not charge if you say you intend to take the castle tour. The castle tour is highly recommended though, as it contains dramatic wall and ceiling paintings, elaborate ceramic stoves, and inlaid wood floors. (Tram 1 direction Eggenberg/UKH) Tel: 583264-0 (free entry to the museum with euro<26 card)

• Kunsthaus, [11] is Graz's newest exhibition place. It's worth a visit, even if you only look at its design from the outside. It's right across the river from Hauptplatz at the Suedtirolerplatz (Tram 1,3,6,7,14 direction Hauptbahnhof). (You will definitely notice the blue bubble) (free entry with euro<26 card)
• Murinsel, [12]. Originally a temporary project during 2003 for the Cultural Capital of Europe (Graz 2003) celebrations , people liked it enough so it stayed. Designed by the New York artist Vito Acconci, this accessible artificial island in the river, contains a stage for performances and a coffeehouse.

• Joanneum Museum of Styria (Steiermärkische Landesmuseum Joanneum), Raubergasse 10. Tel: 8017-9716, [13]. (free entry with euro<26 card)

• Armory Zeughaus, in the Herrengasse Tel: 8017 9810, [14]. Open April 1 - October 31: M-Su 10AM-6PM; November 1 - March 31: M-Sa 10AM-3PM, Su 10AM-4PM; Adults €7, Groups €5.50, Students €3. Contains an amazing collection of arms and armor, from large two-handed swords and maces to the more modern pistols. Originally the local armory was built to readily equip the people in the event of an attack, and so the weapons you'll see here were made for use, not show. English tours are available; enquire early in the day to see what time one will be offered. If you are incredibly enthusiastic about weapons and ask nicely, your guide might treat you to further description of the use and care of the weapons after your tour is completed. Pictures are not allowed, but postcards with pictures of the main pieces can be bought in the gift shop. Be warned, this building gets extremely warm in the summer (especially on the upper floors). Weapons enthusiasts may wish to go early in the day, or you may find your interest waning rapidly as the puddles form around your feet.

• There are some more remarkable churches in Graz: The oldest one is the romanesque Leechkirche with its tympanon Madonna. The highest building of Graz is the Herz-Jesu-Kirche, designed down into the last detail by architect Georg Hauberrisser in Gothic Revival style. Except the altar area, which had to be re-modeled after the liturgical renewals of the Second Vatican Council, everything still retains the original conception. On the other side of Mur river there are some beautiful Baroque churches like Mariahilf or Welsche Kirche. In St. Andrä, Baroque and modern elements combine, whereas St. Lukas, situated at one of the largest traffic routes of Graz, is a great example of contemporary sacred art.

• See an Opera at the Opera House Opernhaus [15]. Prices: [16].

• On the Kaiser-Josef-Platz, right opposite the Opernhaus, is a fruit and vegetable open-air market where small farmers from the countryside around Graz bring their produce for sale (or rather their wives do). Morning only. The other main farmers market in Graz is located on the "Lendplatz". Morning only.
• During the summer months, in the city centre between the Jakominiplatz and the Hauptplatz, along the Herrengasse, you may be fortunate enough to come across musicians of all sorts. Perhaps a small quartet playing Mozart. Perhaps a barrel-organ.
• Football at the UPC-Arena, the home of SK Sturm Graz in the district of Liebenau, south of the city centre. Ticket prices from 22 to 36.50 Euros.

• Walk or climb up the Schloßberg and have a meal in the open-air at the top whilst admiring the views. The easiest way is to walk up the Sporgasse from the Hauptplatz to the "Karmeliterplatz" where you walk under a archway on the left where a road meaders up the gentler eastern side of the Schloßberg. From the west and north you have a choice of zig-zag paths or to climb the steps from "Schlossbergplatz". There is also a lift going up at Schlossbergplatz. You also might see some of the tame red squirrels (Eichkätzchen) at the top. Use the Schloßbergbahn, a cable car, which can be found at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai, to go up or down if you don't feel like walking.
• Take the number 1 tram to the terminus at the bottom of the Plabutsch, a hill on the western edge of Graz, and take a stroll up it. Perhaps I should say climb, because it's quite strenuous, and you really need walking boots and perhaps a map.
• Take Bus number 40 to the terminus and walk up (very steep) to the ruins of "Gösting" castle and enjoy the view over the city.
• Swimming. Normally after May, the water in the outdoor swimming pools very quickly warms-up enough to enjoy swimming:
  • Eggenberger Bad, Janzgasse 21
  • Augartenbad, Schönaugürtel 1, right next to the river Mur and the Schönaubrücke bridge.
  • Bad Strassgang, Martinhofstraße 3.
  • Margarethenbad, Grillparzerstraße 10.
  • Ragnitzbad, Pesendorferweg 7.
  • Stukitzbad, Andritzer Reichsstraße 25a.
• Boating or skating on the Hilmteich or Thalersee(just outside Graz), depending on the season.
• KIZ RoyalKino, Conrad-von-Hötzendorf-Straße 10, Tel. 826133 has Hollywood films in English language and alternative with German subtitles. Take tram number 4,5 or 13 and get out at Finanzamt. If you are at Jakominiplatz it's a five-minute walk there. Alternative films can also be found at the the Rechbauerkino, Rechbauerstraße.

American Institute of Music Studies

Every summer, the AIMS, the leading European summer vocal program and the most comprehensive course of its kind, brings future opera and concert performers together with an eminent faculty and the outstanding AIMS Festival Orchestra in a stimulating, one-of-a-kind experience.

Locals and visitors alike enjoythe AIMS Recital and Concert Series features opera and operetta concerts, song recitals and other musical programs in concert halls, castles, courtyards, churches and other venues. The AIMS Festival in Graz features operatic and symphonic works and culminates with the annual Meistersinger Vocal Competition presented with full orchestra.

Buy

Be sure to buy a bottle of "Kernöl" (pumpkin seed oil). This oil is typical for Styria and has a very unique and wonderful taste. Ideally buy it at a (farmer)market (like Kaiser-Josef-Platz, Lendplatz,...). But you can also buy good quality oil at the normal supermarkets.

There are many possibilities to go shopping in Graz. Good places to shop are:

• Herrengasse - the most important shopping street in Graz. It connects the main square (Hauptplatz) with Jakominiplatz.
• numerous lanes in the old town like "Schmiedgasse" or "Sporgasse".
• in Kastner+Öhler Graz's big department store, right in the center, next to the main square. There is an underground car-park right underneath.
• Steirerhof, Jakominplatz 12. Named after the demolished hotel that occupied the site until recently. Tel: 83 55 70
• Mariahilferstraße Just stroll around from "Suedtirolerplatz" behind the Kunsthaus, have a coffee in the "Cafe Central" and advance to Mariahilferstraße with little designshops, 70ies retro furniture and custum made t-shirts and many more to discover
• City Park shopping mall situated on south-western edge of central Graz. "Lazarettgürtel 55"

Bigger shopping complexes located outside the city center are:

• Shopping City Seiersberg - A new build shopping complex just outside the city limits. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and from there take bus 78. Although the center lies outside of Graz it's still Zone 101, meaning that you will not have to buy an additional public transport ticket.
• Shopping Center West - Being already quite a few years old it's a lot smaller than the Shopping City Seiersberg, but it's also nearer to the center. Take tram 5 to Puntigam and then bus number 64.
• Murpark - Only mayor shopping center in the east of Graz. Only shopping center in Graz to have direct access by tram. Take tram 4 to end of line in Liebenau.

• There are Döner Kebap sellers in the Hauptplatz next to the Rathaus, as well as elsewhere.
• The supermarket in the Hauptbahnhof is the only major one open on Sunday. There are various Turkish markets around town, but their selection is limited.
• Sägewerk, Schlögelgasse 1 (between Dietrichsteinplatz and Kaiserjosef-Platz), Tel: 0316-820258 - they serve excellent and cheap pizza (€4,80).
• Posaune, Zinzendorfgasse (at roundabout next to KF University) - Same Company like Sägewerk.
• Grammophon, Maiffredygasse (near Music University) - Same Company like Sägewerk.
• 3 Goldene Kugeln, 6 restaurants in Graz, Griesplatz (next to the telekom tower), Heinrichstrasse (near K.F.University), Riesplatz, Bahnhofgürtel(near Hauptbahnhof),Leonhardstrasse(Near University of Music and Dramatic Arts), Citypark and Murpark. Fast cuisine of anything breaded chicken like. Large portions, very reasonable prices.

• Traminer Weinstube, Klosterwiesgasse 2 (for all practical purposes, located directly on a corner of Jakominiplatz) - good south-tyrolean wines and fine (almost exclusively organic) food for reasonable prices. The 'Tramina', as it is called, offers a laid-back atmosphere without neglecting its long tradition and features art exhibitions and live jazz once a week.
• Braun de Praun, Morellenfeldgasse 32, Tel: 0316/322093 - Has an incredible huge menu and reasonable prices.
• Brot & Spiele, Mariahilferstrasse 17, Tel: 0316/715081. They offer American and Asian style food for reasonable prices (go for the steaks)
• Gloeckl Braeu, Glockenspielplatz 2-3, Tel: 0316/814781, [17]. It is possible to sit outdoors and the food is reasonable priced but very tasty! Try the fillet steak or the styrian seasonal specialties!
• Malaga, Glaciestrasse 43a, Tel. 319678, open Mo-Do 6pm-1am, Fr and Sa until 2am - A nice restaurant which offers a huge menu including mainly Spanish and Mexican dishes.
• Pension Gasthof Zur Steirerstubn, Lendplatz 8, Tel: 0316/716855 - offers Styrian specialties and reasonable prices. Nice traditional furniture.
• Schloßberg-Restaurant, Schloßberg 7/8. Tel: 823050
• Take the number 5 tram to Puntigam and eat in the Puntigamer Brewery restaurant, Triesterstraße 361, Tel: 297100, open 10AM-12AM, or outside in the Gastgarten, when the weather permits.
• Römerstube, Liebenauer Hauptstraße 103, Tel. +43 (0) 316 472066, http://www.roemerstube.at/

• Landhaus Keller, Schmiedgasse 9, tel: 0316/830276, [18] - It is an upscale restaurant which features Styrian traditional dishes, which is heavy on the pumpkin and pumpkin seed. White tablecloths and nice lighting complement the excellently prepared food.

Drink

Due to its importance as a university city, Graz has a vibrant night life. Bars are concentrated around the old town as well as the Karl-Franzens-University to the west of the old town. The old town has a mixed audience while the bars around university are mostly attended by students. In the old town you'll also find a few Irish pubs. Whereas the most Irish of them is O'Carolan's right next to the main square (Hauptplatz) others include Flann O'Briens and Molly Malone's. The Office is a very laidback and unique new addition to the Irish/British pub scene in Graz. The Office features regular live music and jam sessions, as well as the odd bit of Karaoke, and darts (steel - you know, the real ones from England) every Sunday.

• Molly Malone Irish Pub , Färbergasse 15, 8010 Graz, Tel. 0043 316 833080 [19] [20]. Popular Irish Pub located in the Bermuda Triangle part of the city. Open 6 nights with live music. Live English Premier League, Champions League, 6 Nations Rugby. Serves Guinness, Kilkenny & Fish & Chips and much more. Irish Staff.
• The Office Pub, Trauttmansdorffgasse 3, Tel. 890838, E-mail: office@theofficepub.at, [21]. Bus stop: Line 30 at Palais Trauttmansdorff. Open every day from 5.00pm to 2.00am (or later) Where the ex-pats get together in Graz! An authentic style English pub, right in the center of Graz, cozy atmosphere and affordable prices. Premiership football - all the big matches live. English speaking staff. Pub Quiz every Tuesday, live music. Serves home made chili, curry, soup or toasted sandwiches. Free Internet and Darts!
• Parkhouse, Stadtpark 2, Tel. 827434. Located in the center of the municipal park, this is a popular place with students and a lovely outside seating area. Has laid-back electronic music, concerts and live-DJs in summer. Open daily from 11am to 4am.

• Babenbergerhof, Babenbergerstrasse 39. Further out of town, towards the station (just off Keplerstrasse) is a legendary old style "Gasthaus". Complete with local art, old wooden decor and a rambunctious landlady one cannot fail to like, they also feature excellent jazz bands and sessions every Wednesday. Serves basic cold, local dishes and Schilcher wine. This place probably pulls the best pint of Gösser Spezial in the city. The crowd is mixed - anyone from about 20-85 years, from roadsweepers to university professors - you will find all sorts in this place. The two common languages are drink and music.

• NIÚ Cafe-Bar, Graz, Harrachgasse 2, Tel.: +43 316 327804, mobil: +43 650 2726333, E-Mail: home@niu-cafe.at, [22]. Hours: Mo-Fr 8.00am to 12.00am, Sa 8.30am to 12.00am, Su 8.30am to 10.00pm. Free WiFi-access.
• Verein FORUM STADTPARK, Stadtpark 1, 8010 Graz, Tel: +43 316 827734, Fax: +43 316 827734-21, E-Mail: forum@mur.at, Tue-Fr 10.00am to 6.00pm, Sa,Su, 2.00 to 6.00 pm
• Café Tribeka, Grieskai 2, Tel. +43 316 72 34 69, Fax: +43 316 723669, E-Mail: office@tribeka.at, [23]. Coffee-to-Go, free WLAN access.
• Bierbaron, Heinrichstr. 56, Tel. 321510. An old, classic student pub.
• Theatercafe, Mandellstr. 11, Tel. 825365. very famous, old (it opened back in 1885) cafe. Popular with people who have a late-nite drink after being in the opera. There is a piano in the cafe offering anyone the opportunity to play if he/she wants to. Famous for its excellent scrambled eggs. Open until the early morning hours. Except during the summer months, cabaret and small stage performances organised by the theater promotion group Hin und Wider [24]
• Eschenlaube, Glacisstrasse 63, Tel. 810457 - nice cosy, pub offering Asian, Moroccan, Italian and Styrian food. Open from 11.30am to 1.00am.
• Brot und Spiele, Mariahilferstraße 17, Tel. 0043/316/715081, [25]. Open from 10.00am to 2.00am. Very relaxed pub offering different kind of steaks and burgers and a small variety of Mexican/Asian food both in a smokers and non-smokers area. Offers at least 20 pool tabels, and several snooker tables.

Jazz Clubs

• Miles Jazz Bar, Mariahilferstraße 24
• Stockwerk, Jakominiplatz
• Royal Garden, Bürgergasse 5

• Stern, Sporgasse/Karmeliterplatz. Excellent cocktails with excellent outside seating area on Karmeliterplatz. Cocktail Happy-Hour (€4 all Cocktails) every day from 17-20h.
• Continuum, Sporgasse/Karmeliterplatz. Just on the opposite of Stern. Good cocktails with excellent outside seating area and chilled inside seating. Cocktail Happy-Hour (€4 all Cocktails) every day from 17-20h.
• M1, Färberplatz 1, Tel. 8112330. A fancy lounge bar on the third floor of the building. The bar is divided into two stories and an outside deck on top. Wide range of cocktails and drinks, also serves snacks. Opening times are 9.00am to 2.00am. Closed on Sundays.
• Cohibar, Leonhardstr. 3, Tel. 337470, Cuba-style cocktail bar. Serves tapas and has latin-live music on Sunday. Offers free salsa dancing classes every Monday. Cocktails are around €6, opening times are 5.00pm to 2.00pm during work days, 5.00pm to 3.00pm on Friday and Saturdays.
• Buddhabar, Hartiggasse 4, Tel. 820630. Asian-style cocktail bar. Open Mo-Fr 4pm to 2am. Offers barkeeper classes. Pricy.
• Echkhaus, Rechbauerstr. 15, Tel. 0664 4602934, close to the technical university (TU). Serves pizza. Has free wireless access. Open Mo-Fr 9am to 2pm, Sa-So 6pm to 2pm. Cocktails are around €5. Especially popular with students.
• pharmacy bar-lounge, Leonhardstrasse 35, tel. 225074. lots of self-created cocktails as well as all classics, large choice of spirits, beers and wines. Serves finger food. enclosed garden lounge in the yard with a real mediterranean feel and another outside seating area (street lounge) in front of the bar. bbq every thursday from June to October. fresh oysters every day from October to May. open mo-th 5pm to 2am, fr-sa 5pm to 3am. closed on sundays.

• Postgarage, Dreihackengasse 42, close to Griesplatz. A popular dance & alternative live music club with two floors. Entrance fees are around €8; often free entrance till 23h. (usually €1 student discount) http://www.postgarage.at
• PPC, Neubaugasse 6, Tel. 0664 4515038, close to Lendplatz. A club with two floors. Has Live-DJs, Rock, Hip-Hop, Drum & Bass, Techno depending on the event. Usually open between We and So. Also popular with younger people. http://www.popculture.at
• Arcadium, Griesgasse 25, Tel. 722098 (close to Südtirolerplatz) Alternative rock/pop music. Has a cosy bar with deck on the top floor. Open Th-Su from 6PM. Popular with younger people. Seemed to be closed down in 2009.
• Generalmusikdirektion (GMD), Grieskai 74a, Tel. 717710 (close to Griesplatz) A popular dance & live music club. Entrance fees are around €8. Opening times are depending on the weekly program. http://www.generalmusikdirektion.at

• No(ch)tbier, Tel: 0664-913-6966, [26]. Thu 9PM-1AM, F,Sa 9PM-3AM. Weekend home delivery service for beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to drink beer (Bier) or wine (Wein) but perhaps the best one would be sitting, on a sunny day, in one of the many open-air bars.

The local beer brands are Murauer, Gösser, Reininghaus and Puntigamer. The latter 2 are brewed in Graz itself. Gösser makes a strong dark brown beer reminiscent of Guinness (Stiftsbräu). But you'll also find lots of possibilities to drink other Austrian and international beers. Heineken merged in 2003 with the biggest beer group in Austria, therefore you'll often find bars that will only serve beers from the Heineken group. (Gösser, Puntigamer, Zipfer, Wieselburger, Starobrno, Heineken, etc) If you visit Graz in winter try a Bockbier. But beware they are a lot stronger than the usual Austrian beers.

Styrian wine is one of best wines in the world. Especially the white wine. Try a glass of Welschriesling if you get the chance.

Sleep

Budget

All budget-choices are quite far out of the city center.

• Jugendhotel & Jugendgästehaus Graz (Youthhostel Graz), Idlhofgasse 74 (Busstop Lissagasse / Jugendhotel - Route 31,32,33) 22 Euro. Close to Hauptbahnhof; 30min walk to the city center, safe but not very nice neighbourhood.

• Vital Pension Teuschler, Mariatrosterstraße 12, 321448

• Centralbackpackers, Rösselmühlgasse 13, 0650-7221070. Situated about 10min away from the city center. Very close to Postgarage - a famous dance club.

• Ibis Graz, Europaplatz 12 (in front of the main railway station), 7780 (fax: 778300), [27]. 62/77 Euro (single/double).

• Hotel Europa, Bahnhofgürtel 89 (opposite the main railway station), 7076 (fax: 7076606), [28]. 71/94 Euro (single/double).

• Best Western Hotel Daniel, Europaplatz 1 (next to main railway station), 711080 (fax: 711085), [29]. 86/106 Euro (single/double).

• Best Western Hotel Pfeifer Kirchenwirt, Kirchplatz 9 on the eastern edge of Graz, (take Tramway 1 to the final stop at Mariatrost) , 3911120 (fax: 39111249), [30]. Quite a distance from the city center but has semi rural surroundings.

• Römerstube, Liebenauer Hauptstraße 103, Tel. +43 (0) 316 472066, http://www.roemerstube.at/

• Hotel Gollner, Schlögelgasse 14 (take tram 3 or 6 to Dietrichsteinplatz), [31]. 120/200 Euro (single/double).

• Erzherzog Johann Hotel, Sackstrasse 3-5 (just off the Hauptplatz), 811616 (fax: 811515, email:office@erzherzog-johann.com), [32]. 102-330 Euro.

• Grand Hotel Wiesler, Grieskai 4 - 8, 7066-0 (email: wiesler@weitzer.com), [33].

• Hotel Weitzer [34], Grieskai 12-14, 703-0. 110-405 Euro.

Has a less expensive alternative, 69 Euro per night and room.

• Marriott Courtyard, Seering 10 (Unterpremstätten), ☎ +43 (0) 316 8077-0 (cy.graz@courtyard.com), [35]. Generic but adequate Marriott hotel outside town, but close to the motorway. €74-169.  edit

• Schlossberg Hotel, on the Kaiser-Franz-Josef Kai, 8070-0 (office@schlossberg-hotel.at), [36].

• Take a trip through winding mountain passes on the 41km long Semmering Railway[37], which runs from Mürzzuschlag to Gloggnitz. A World Heritage site. Ticket information from ÖBB [38] (Österreichische Bundesbahnen - the Austrian national rail network). If you are limited in time and can't be bothered to stop at various points along the railway, just plan to take a direct train between Vienna and Graz, as it will pass through the entire stretch without stopping. From Vienna to Graz, sit on the left; from Graz to Vienna, sit on the right.

• Drive to the Schöckel, a mountain to the east of Graz. It has a funicular (gondelbahn) so you can drive to the lower station and go up in that if you do not fancy walking. There is a restaurant at the top and extensive views. You can walk down, even back to Graz, via Stattegg-Fuß der Leber and take city Bus 53 to Graz-Andritz and tram 4 or 5 to the city center, if you have a map. Take Bus 250 (Usually labeled St. Radegund) from Jakominiplatz or Andreas-Hofer-Platz to Seilbahn Talstation. Fare: 5.40 Euro. Duration: 40 min. You'll then be at the foot of the mountain, at the cable car station.

• Austrian Open Air Museum (Österreichisches Freilichtmuseum) [39] Stübing, a few miles north of Graz. Old farm buildings brought from all over Austria in a woodland setting. Tel: +43/(0)3124/53 700. mailto:service@freilichtmuseum.at Open 1st of Apr – 31st Oct, 09:00-17:00 (tickets sold till 16:00) closed on Mo (except on holidays), walk yourself or guided tours.
• Loipersdorf [40], 45 miles to the east of Graz, has a spa where you can spend a day, swimming, sun-bathing, and being pampered. Tel: +43 (0) 33 82 / 82 04 -0, info@therme.at
• Riegersburg is 45 miles to the east of Graz. An ancient castle, perched on a 482 meter high crag, that withstood the Turks. Open daily from 9:00-17:00. The lift operates from 9:00-18:00 (last descent). Various entry concessions but adult EUR 9.50 Child EUR 7. The lift is EUR 2 each way. Tel: +43-3153/8346
• Bärenschützklamm. A walk up a gorge between crags and over waterfalls starting from Mixnitz, 25 miles north of Graz, which can reached by road or rail. Or Pernegg an der Mur, Tel: +43 3867/8044.
• Kesselfall A waterfall near Semriach, about 25 kilometres north of Graz.
• Lurgrotte A cave near Semriach.
• Schwarzl Freizeitzentrum (Schwarzl Leisure Center) - a leisure center where you'll be able to do Water Skiing, swimming [41], diving [42], surfing [43], sailing, mountain biking, beach volleyball, go-karting [44], fishing [45], and ice skating in season, all at the at the Schwarzlsee, 5 miles south of Graz. Thalerhofstraße 85, Unterpremstätten. Tel: ++43/(0)3135/53577-0

Contact

An internet-cafe (Sit'n'Surf) can be found at Hans-Sachs-Gasse 10 which is close to the Jakominiplatz in the centre of the city. Tel. 316 81 45 65, one hour of internet surfing costs €4.50. As stated above, many pubs offer free WLAN access if you bring your own computer with you. An up to date list of pubs with free WLAN access can be found at http://www.wlangraz.at (german website).

From LoveToKnow 1911

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

English

Wikipedia has an article on:

Graz

Wikipedia

Etymology

From Slovene Gradec "little city/castle".

Pronunciation

• IPA: /grɑːts/

Proper noun

Graz

1. The second-largest city in Austria, and the capital of the federal state of Styria.

Translations