Styrian autumn
From harvest to enjoyment
Autumn in Steiermark brings together grape harvests, cattle drives from the alpine pastures and harvest celebrations with colourful hiking trails, traditional Buschenschänken wine taverns and soothing thermal spas. From Südsteiermark to Hochsteiermark, hosts welcome visitors during harvest season with regional cuisine, wine and sweeping autumn views. The finest autumn experiences range from wine hiking in the south to traditional cattle drives in the north.
While it has long been cloudy and frosty elsewhere, the most active time of the year is beginning in the Green Heart of Austria. Farm, cellar and barn doors are open, and anyone who wants to help, experience and celebrate is welcome!
The focus is on the treasures of nature: from the grape harvest and harvest festivals in the south to regional culinary delights at the cattle drive in the north. Whether you prefer hiking through lush alpine pastures and vineyards, cycling along orchards and rivers, marvelling at cultural heritage or relaxing in soothing thermal waters – autumn guarantees moments of exquisite pleasure. Discover the most beautiful vacation destinations for autumn in Steiermark and get to know the high quality of Styrian products. Whether it's fresh apple strudel, typical seed oil or fine wine, there's a lot of heart in it.
Cycling in the Styrian Wine Country | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
1/10
Buschenschank-snack during the Styrian Wine Country Cycling tour: Adam am Schererkogl, Gamlitz | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
2/10
Vines along Glanzer Wine Tour | © Steiermark Tourismus | Gudrun Schweinzger
3/10
Morning atmosphere on the Schneealm at the Lurgbauerhütte in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park | © STG | Eva Unterhuber
4/10
Styrian sauna at the Heilthermen Resort Bad Waltersdorf | © Heilthermen Resort Bad Waltersdorf | Harald Eisenberger
5/10
Mountainbiken Wexltrails | © Oststeiermark | Michael Königshofer
6/10
Hochschwab | © STG | pixelmaker.at
7/10
At the Gstoder near Murau | © Region Murau | Michael Königshofer
8/10
Enjoy the view at Pogusch | © STG | Elena Egger
9/10
Vineyards in autumn | © Steiermark Tourismus | Gery Wolf
10/10
More informations about traveling to Styria and mobility on site
Frequently Asked Questions about an Autumn Holiday in Steiermark
Between September and November, Steiermark shows off its most colourful side. This is when the grape harvest takes place in Südsteiermark, when cattle are driven down from the alpine pastures across the mountain regions, and when the forests turn to autumn colour. If you're after mild days and clear views, September and October are your best bet, while November is better suited to quiet spa days and indoor pleasures.
Autumn is harvest season: hosts open up their farms, wine cellars and stables, inviting guests to take part in the grape harvest, harvest festivals and the traditional cattle drive down from the alps. Add to that colourful hiking trails, open Buschenschank wine taverns, and the chance to warm up in one of Steiermark's thermal spas.
For the grape harvest, Buschenschank taverns and harvest festivals, the South is the top choice. The cattle drive and mountain autumn are best experienced in the northern regions. If you prefer cycling routes past orchards and rivers, the golden centre offers suitable trails.
Yes, autumn is one of the most popular months for hiking. Temperatures are pleasant, trails through vineyards, alpine pastures and orchards are quieter than in summer, and the autumn colours add extra views along the way. From November onwards, it's worth checking the current weather at higher altitudes, as early fog or the first snowfall can occur.
The focus is on young wine from the grape harvest, pumpkin and Styrian pumpkin seed oil, fresh apples, and classic Buschenschank snacks. Many producers offer tastings and cellar tours during this time, giving visitors a chance to experience production and enjoyment first-hand.
During the cattle drive, livestock is led back down from the alpine pastures into the valley after summer, often decorated with festive headdresses. Dates usually fall between mid-September and early October and vary by region and weather conditions. The cattle drive is a fixed part of the autumn programme in Hochsteiermark and Schladming-Dachstein in particular.
Steiermark is easily accessible from any direction by train, bus, plane or car, including via Graz Airport or the new Südbahn line with the Koralm railway. Once there, options such as guest cards or the Steiermark-Card make it easy to reach excursion destinations without a car.
Yes, autumn brings dedicated travel packages, such as along the Ennsradweg or Murradweg cycle routes, as well as discovery trips like the one around the Erzberg. These packages usually include accommodation, breakfast, and in some cases luggage transfer or entry to regional attractions.