The holiday regions of Styria

The different regions of Styria couldn’t be more varied: impressive alpine mountain ranges such as the Dachstein, Gesäuse, Hochschwab and Rax in the north.

Castles and fortresses steeped in history and a charming, colourful mixture of vineyards, apple orchards and pumpkin fields in the south and east. In the middle of it all, there is the provincial capital of Graz, UNESCO City of Design and home to the UNESCO world heritage Old Town and Eggenberg Palace.

Styria – from the Dachstein to the Wine country

Styria is blessed with an invigorating mixture of mountainous north, urban Graz and delightful south. This allows guests to savour a multitude of different experiences in only one holiday.

Across its many regions, Styria covers an altitude difference of 5,838 metres. The province’s highest elevation is the Dachstein mountain range with an altitude of 2,995 metres. The lowest point can be found at Rogner Bad Blumau, where the healing waters of the Vulkania spring originate from a depth of 2,848 meters.

In between, the holiday regions of Styria await guests with

one National Park,
seven Nature Parks,
one UNESCO Biosphere Park,
one UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness Area
and over 50 Natura 2000 Special Protection Areas

to fill their holidays with unforgettable experiences.

Murtal Region

Southern Styria

Erzberg Leoben

Ausseerland Salzkammergut

Eastern Styria

Schladming-Dachstein

Gesäuse

Hochsteiermark

Graz Region

Thermen- & Vulkanland

Murau Region

Alpine charm between the Dachstein and alpine pastures

Regions in the north

Styria’s north is shaped by mighty mountain giants such as the Dachstein, Gesäuse, Hochschwab and Rax mountains, the Lower Tauern with their many streams and lakes and the verdant Seetal and Fischbach Alps.

The mountain landscape is dotted with alpine pastures that invite hikers to rest for a little while. Countless kilometres of pistes and cross-country ski trails will win the hearts of winter sports enthusiasts. The historic towns along the way are full of cultural treasures, such as the monastery library at baroque Admont Abbey in Admont.

Mellow and fruity

Regions in the south and east

The delightful south and east around the capital Graz is characterised by castles and palaces, surrounded by apple orchards and vineyards. Along the wine route, numerous rustic wine taverns are only waiting for you to take a break.

Styria’s southeast boasts Europe’s highest density of spas, making it easy to find heavenly relaxation there. Simply pick your favourite among Rogner Bad Blumau spa, which was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, and six other great spas between Bad Waltersdorf, Bad Radkersburg and Köflach.

Styria: Austria’s delicatessen shop

The province’s sustainable and mindful approach to nature is also reflected by the many regional products such as cheeses, wine, spirits, pumpkinseed oil, apples in all variations and more. Many of the local manufactories and craft businesses have been run by the same family for many generations. Another great place to witness the production of regional delicacies (and to sample the scrumptious delights) are Styria’s mountain pastures.

The hosts and locals of Styria are known for their spontaneous, laid-back character and their eagerness to help – be it by providing recommendations for your next hike or tools for small bike repairs. The cordiality and hospitality of the people of Styria make the province the most popular holiday region among Austrians.

Pumpkin

Styrian cuisine

Culinary experiences

Apple

Mountain huts

Wine

Wine taverns

Eating out

Vineyard rooms

Experience Styrias cuisine

A warm welcome in all regions

No matter how different the individual regions of Styria may be, they all have one thing in common: the geniality and hospitality of the people living there. You can always feel the deep connection between the people and their regions.

The province’s close connection to nature can also be experienced on the numerous hiking and cycling trails. Countless photo spots and scenic outposts invite you to capture your best holiday moments.

In winter Styria offers a lot of ski resorts, cross-country skiing regions or winter tours to be activ in the nature.

After your nature walk, we recommend visiting one of the region's nine award-winning spas. Did you know that all three podium places of the last annual European "ThermenCheck Award" went to thermal spas in Styria?

On the road in Styria: connecting regions

In the alpine north, the Enns cycle path runs through the Schladming-Dachstein and the Gesäuse regions. Alternatively, you can explore the province‘s varied nature on the “From Glacier to Wine” hiking route, which takes you through the regions of Ausseerland-Salzkammergut and Upper Styria. The next stop is Eastern Styria and the Spa Country. The impressive mountain world with the province’s highest mountain, the Dachstein, and Europe’s highest free-standing mountain, the Grimming, is simply awe-inspiring. In summer, glistening mountain lakes like Lake Toplitz and refreshing swimming lakes such as Lake Altaussee or Lake Grundlsee are beckoning.

The River cycle path along the Mur connects the holiday regions of Murau and Murtal, Upper Styria and Graz with the southern regions of the province. The southern route of the “From Glacier to Wine” hiking trail spans the regions of Schladming-Dachstein, Murau, Murtal and the wine-growing area of Southern Styria.

The regions of Eastern Styria, Graz, Southern Styria and the Styrian Spa Country are all part of the Styrian Wine Country cycling tour, with numerous vineyards and famous wine routes such as the Schilcher Wine Road or the South Styrian Wine Road lining the way.