Hiking in Graz and the south of Graz
Graz is one of Austria’s greenest provincial capitals. Around Schlossberg hill, Plabutsch, Platte and Reinerkogel, walking and hiking trails lead through forests and parks to scenic viewpoints above the city. Buchkogel and the Rettenbach Gorge also show just how closely nature and urban life are connected in Graz. Many routes start within the city and lead straight into the countryside, without the need for a long journey.
South of Graz, the Mur river meadows, Gedersberg and Florianiberg are ideal for peaceful hikes and walks. West of the provincial capital, Thal adds further variety to the hiking options around Graz, with Lake Thalersee, St James’ Church and the starting point of the West Styrian Way of St James.
- Urban hikes in Graz
- Schlossberg, Plabutsch and Reinerkogel
- Rettenbach Gorge, Leechwald forest and Lustbühel
- The south of Graz with the Mur river meadows, Buchkogel, Gedersberg and Florianiberg
- Thal with Lake Thalersee and the West Styrian Way of St James
- Many routes are accessible by public transport
Urban hikes in Graz
Beyond its historic centre, Graz reveals a distinctly green side. Urban hikes lead from Schlossberg to Plabutsch through forests and parks and across elevated ridges with wide views. Buchkogel, Platte and Reinerkogel also offer trails overlooking the rooftops of Graz. Rettenbach Gorge, Leechwald forest and the hills in the east of Graz add further nature experiences within the city itself.
Many hikes begin directly at a tram or bus stop and combine easily with a walk through the city or a visit to Graz’s historic centre. Short walks, scenic circular routes and hidden paths reveal the many ways to explore Graz on foot.
- Schlossberg, Plabutsch and Reinerkogel
- Rettenbach Gorge, Leechwald forest and Lustbühel
- Platte with the Stefanienwarte observation tower
- Walks and circular hikes within the city
- Many routes are accessible by public transport
The south of Graz and Thal
The south of Graz reveals a quieter side of the Graz Region. Mur river meadows, gentle hills and scenic trails invite relaxed walks and leisurely hikes. Around Buchkogel, Gedersberg and Florianiberg, routes lead through forests, meadows and natural recreation areas. The Premstätten nature trail also offers insights into the local flora and fauna.
West of Graz, Thal adds another dimension to the region’s hiking options. Lake Thalersee, St James’ Church designed by Ernst Fuchs, and the starting point of the West Styrian Way of St James make the village a popular base for walks and hikes.
- Mur river meadows, Buchkogel, Gedersberg and Florianiberg
- Premstätten nature trail
- Lake Thalersee, St James’ Church and the West Styrian Way of St James
- Walks and family-friendly hikes
- Nature experiences close to the city
- Many starting points are easy to reach
Lakes, river meadows and a gorge
Water features along many hiking routes in the south of Graz and around the city. Walking trails follow the River Mur and lead through the Mur river meadows, around Lake Schwarzlsee and Lake Thalersee, and through Rettenbach Gorge. As the only gorge with a flowing stream within Graz’s city limits, it offers a distinctive nature experience. Forests, streams and quiet lakeside paths add variety to hikes close to the city.
Walks by the lake, hikes through the gorge and peaceful trails in the Mur river meadows combine well with a stop at a local inn or a visit to other sights in the Graz Region.
Between Rettenbach Gorge and Mariatrost, nature and culture are close neighbours.
Discover culture
Hikes around Graz can easily be combined with visits to cultural sights. Mariatrost Basilica is one of Styria’s best-known pilgrimage destinations and a popular point on many hikes in the east of Graz. St James’ Church in Thal, designed by Ernst Fuchs, the Austrian Sculpture Park in Premstätten and the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum can all be combined with walks and hikes in the surrounding area.
Graz’s historic centre, with its many sights, is also within easy reach of numerous urban hiking routes.
