On the way to the Lahnalm | © Gesäuse | Robert Maybach On the way to the Lahnalm | © Gesäuse | Robert Maybach
A wonderful experience – no matter the season

Styria: active holidays in nature

An astounding 5,838 meters of difference in altitude lie between the highest and the lowest point of Styria – between the Dachstein's peak at 2,995 meters above sea level and the depths of the Vulkania spring in Rogner Bad Blumau at 2,843 meters below sea level. It is precisely this diversity that both guests and locals appreciate. Holiday guests are welcome to actively explore Styria's many facets year-round.

Styria has ...

  • ... an impressive (just below) 3,000-metre peak – the Dachstein (2,995 metres) and a total of 788 peaks above 2,000 metres.
  • ... one UNESCO Biosphere Park, one National Park, seven Nature Parks, with the Lassintal valley a UNESCO Wilderness Area and more than 50 Natura 2000 European protected areas.
  • ... about 1,900 alpine pastures with a total area of about 146,000 hectares.
  • ... with Südsteiermark, Weststeiermark and Vulkanland Steiermark three wine-growing regions with an area of around 5,100 hectares.
  • ... in Eastern Styria the largest apple-growing region in Austria.

And the best part? You can explore all of Styria's diverse landscapes on foot, by bike, on a golf cart, on skis or with snowshoes. What's the perfect way to discover the most beautiful places between the Dachstein and the Styrian Wine Country? The following holiday tips will help you decide. 

Styria's landscapes

Styria is incredibly multifaceted, especially from a landscape point of view. From the mountainous north to the cityscapes in the centre (with the capital Graz) all the way down to the hilly south: The green heart of Austria boasts a multitude of different landscapes. It's exactly this kind of diversity that invites and inspires holidaymakers to be active in nature. What's more, they can choose from a colourful variety of recreational activities without having to travel long distances. However, despite their diversity, all regions of Styria have one thing in common: They offer everything that makes your holiday absolutely perfect.

An active holiday in nature for ...

... hikers

Hiking is a great way to discover the many natural treasures of Styria – step by step. Two of the highlights for hikers are the northern and southern routes of the "From Glacier to Wine" hiking trail.

... cyclists and mountain bikers

The top routes for cyclists are the Styrian Wine Country Route, the Mur Cycle Path and the Enns Cycle Path. In addition, two EuroVelo routes – number 9 and 14 – are a truly special experience for biking enthusiasts.

Mountain bikers, on the other hand, will feel right at home on the many routes through steeper terrain, such as the Dachsteinrunde or the Trans Nationalpark. Those looking to practice their tricks will enjoy trail parks such as the ones on Planai, Reiteralm, Turracher Höhe, Aflenzer Bürgeralm, on the Schöckl or at Trailland Miesenbach.

... golfers and summer recreationists

In the green heart of Austria,more than 20 golf courses invite you to tee off amidst a striking scenery. Another hot tip: the cable cars and lifts open in summer, which take you to numerous attractions up in the mountains.

By the way: The summer cable cars in the Schladming-Dachstein region can be used free of charge by holders of the Sommercard.

... winter (sports) enthusiasts

From small family ski resorts to a FIS world championship-tested 4-mountain ski area: Skiers and snowboarders can explore countless kilometres of beautiful slopes in Styria.

Ramsau am Dachstein is one of the 15 cross-country ski regions that have received the official cross-country ski run seal of quality by the Styrian Ski Association. Every year in December, the FIS World Cup is held there. 

And that's not all: Winter in Styria also has a lot to offer for winter hikers, snowshoers or those wanting to go tobogganing. The icing on the cake are the many scrumptious culinary delights served at the alpine huts

In the Raabklamm, the longest gorge in Austria | © STG | Günther Steininger

Good to know

The tour portal will give you an overview of the full range of activities that you can do in Styria. A well thought-out mobility concept within Styria and beyond ensures you can reach your desired destination comfortably and without the hassle of having to drive yourself.

Go to the tour portal

Highlights at a glance

Active holidaymakers visiting Styria can look forward to ...

  • ... around 702 kilometres of slopes and 304 lifts at 66 ski resorts.
  • ... 17 cross-country skiing regions that have received the ÖSV cross-country ski run seal of quality.
  • ... more than 2,270 hiking routes on over 15,000 kilometres of signposted trails.
  • ... more than 680 cycling and mountain bike routes as well as several trail parks between the Planai in Schladming and the Schöckl in Graz.
  • ... the Dachstein with its 22 via ferratas - an eldorado for climbers.
  • ... about 350 mountain huts – close to 100 of which are owned by alpine associations.
  • ... 20 lifts and cable cars open in summer which boast a variety of great offers. 
  • ... 26 golf courses near the Dachstein, near thermal springs or vineyards.