Buschenschank taverns in the Graz Region
Tasty food, wine and views around Graz
A Buschenschank, or a rural wine tavern, is a farm-based establishment that has a licence to sell and serve wine and offers regional products and wine prepared and made in-house. Around Graz, these places offer a combination of culinary delights, scenic views and tranquillity – and are often only a matter of minutes away from Graz city centre.
Typical offerings include cold homemade specialties – from platters and spreads through to pastries – accompanied by wines from the surrounding vineyards such as Schilcher, Welschriesling and Weißburgunder, or Pinot Blanc. What is served here isn’t staged in a fancy way, but reflects that which is harvested and made on-site.
The Buschenschank tavern at a glance
- Farm-based businesses with a licence to sell and serve wine and close ties to the region
- Cold dishes such as cold platters, spreads, bread and homemade specialties
- Wine, cider and fruit juice made in-house
- Locations in the western hills of the Graz Region or in areas near the city
- Seasonal opening times with individual opening periods (“ausg'steckt”)
- Focus on own products, unlike non-farm-based wine taverns (Heuriger) that offer a wider range of products
- Regional cuisine with its roots in the countryside and the local region
Visit a Buschenschank tavern
- The best time to visit: Spring to autumn, often in the afternoon or the evening
- Duration: A visit usually lasts between one and three hours
- Location: Buschenschank taverns are located around Graz, often just a few minutes from the city
- Suitable for: Couples, groups, families, and anyone who enjoys regional cuisine in a quiet setting
Find a Buschenschank tavern
Buschenschank taverns in the Graz Region range from establishments in the vicinity of the city to scenic locations to the west.
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Buschenschank taverns between city and countryside
The Buschenschank taverns around Graz combine urban proximity with the countryside.
They range from classic farm-based establishments to taverns with scenic locations in the hills, and can often be combined with walks, hikes or bike rides.
What “Buschenschank” means
The term “Buschenschank” refers to a long-standing practice that continues to shape the rhythms and opening hours of these establishments to this day.
The term Buschenschank originates from the Austrian word “Buschen” – a sign made of branches which would indicate that an establishment was open. When the Buschen was left outside, the tavern was “ausg'steckt” (open).
This form of offering food and wine to guests has been maintained to this day. Many Buschenschank taverns in the Graz Region aren’t open all the time, but only at specific times of the year. They serve food and drinks that are made and prepared on-site – simple, seasonal, and closely linked to the farm itself.
Therefore, the expression “ ausg'steckt ” not only stands for the opening hours, but for a long-standing practice which continues to shape the rhythms of the Buschenschank tavern to this day.
What makes a Buschenschank tavern special
A Buschenschank tavern follows clear principles and is closely linked to its own production and local origins.
They are situated at farms and have their own licence to sell and serve wine. They exclusively serve cold food and products made and prepared on-site – from platters and spreads through to bread and pastries.
In addition to this, wines from the surrounding vineyards are offered. The clear focus on locally prepared products continues to shape the character of the Buschenschank tavern – minimalist, seasonal, with its roots in the local region.
Buschenschank taverns and Heuriger taverns
Buschenschank taverns and Heuriger taverns mainly differ in terms of their offering and trading arrangements.
While Heuriger taverns are usually open all year round and also offer food sourced from elsewhere, Buschenschank taverns are tied to their own, in-house products, and only open on a seasonal basis.
The words Buschenschank and Heuriger to describe a wine tavern are often used interchangeably in everyday language in Austria, but refer to different types of taverns. Both serve wine.
A Heuriger tavern is usually open all year round and may offer food and drinks bought-in from other sources in addition to its own products.
A Buschenschank tavern, by contrast, is tied to its own agricultural production. It primarily serves cold dishes and products from its own farm and its opening hours are based on the times determined by its owners.
Both types of wine tavern are to be found in the Graz Region and form part of the regional wine culture.
Buschenschank taverns and what they offer
Buschenschank taverns in the Graz Region are to be found in a variety of contexts: embedded in the local countryside, associated with outdoor activities, or defined by their location. The following sections provide insights into this variety, and link themes such as hiking, cycling, or scenic views with specific locations.
The Buschenschank taverns we refer to are representative of the region. They are selected examples that highlight specific locations, routes, or access points – without claiming to be exhaustive.
Cycling and Buschenschank taverns
Numerous cycling routes around Graz wind their way through vineyards, along rivers, and through rolling hills. Many Buschenschank taverns around Graz can be easily combined with cycling tours.
Buschenschank taverns such as Buschenschank Dokter near Ligist and Buschenschank Zach in Kalsdorf as well as Heuriger Kager’s AUSZEIT can be easily combined with cycling tours, and are ideal as a stopping point along the route.
Along the Mur Cycle Path in particular, links can be forged between exercise and relaxation, making the region all the easier to explore and enjoy. A Buschenschank can become part of the route – either as a stopover for refreshments or as the end-destination of a stage.
Hiking and Buschenschank taverns
Many of the Buschenschank taverns around Graz are situated along hiking trails, combining exercise with a stop for refreshments. The routes wind their way through rolling hills, vineyards, and forests, where taking a break is part of the experience.
Some of these wine taverns are directly accessible via circular hiking trails, while others are situated on higher ground with views over the landscape. Buschenschank taverns such as Buschenschank Zach in Ligist are located in immediate proximity to the Ligist circular hiking trail, while Buschenschank Schachner is situated on the Maestoso circular hiking trail, and the Mostschenke Hörgasbauer is situated on the Grazer Bergland hiking trail.
The routes there are often short but pleasing – a change from urban space to a quieter, more open environment. This very connection characterises the Graz Region: setting off, arriving, taking a relaxing break – before setting off again. And the Buschenschank tavern isn’t the destination itself, but part of the journey.
Buschenschank taverns with views
Many of the Buschenschank taverns in the Graz Region are situated on higher ground – on slopes, hilltops, or along vineyards, and offer sweeping views across the landscape. The views aren’t just an added bonus, but form an integral part of the location.
Between the vineyards, meadows and woodland, vistas unfold, changing with the time of day. Buschenschank taverns such as Buschenschank Erart, Buschenschank Kremser-Greitbauer or Buschenschank Wastl are to be found in such locations, and come with views of the region’s hilly landscape.
Sometimes the views open up far across the valley, sometimes they remain close and tranquil, focusing on the surroundings. It is precisely this combination of location and hospitality that makes the Buschenschank taverns around Graz with their views so special – they are to be found where the landscape isn’t just a backdrop, but an integral part of the experience.
Places for refreshments around Graz
Within the city limits and in the immediate vicinity of Graz, it is possible to find Buschenschank taverns that are easily accessible yet retain their local character. Buschenschank Kos in Eggersdorf Heuriger Schögler, Buschenschank Hildebrand 1888 and Buschenschank Dorner combine proximity to the city with a charming, secluded location.
Around Ligist and the Schilcher wine trail
Ligist marks the start of the Schilcher wine trail in the Graz Region. Buschenschank taverns such as Dokter, Zach, Kremser-Greitbauer and Kleinbuschenschank Rosswindisch characterise this area, and demonstrate the close links between winegrowing and countryside.
Vegetarian and vegan options
Many of the Buschenschank taverns in the Graz Region are expanding their classic snack offerings to include vegetarian and vegan options. Alongside spreads, scarlet runner beans, and salads, they have created menus that offer a contemporary interpretation of the regional cuisine.
Buschenschank taverns such as Buschenschank Zach in Ligist or Buschenschank Dorner demonstrate how traditional products can be combined with new approaches – without changing the character of the tavern itself.
Modern interpretations of Buschenschank taverns
Some of the establishments in the Graz Region have carefully developed the concept of the Buschenschank a little further. The Heurigenschenke Haller and Kaiser Greißler combine traditional elements with new approaches to cuisine and design – minimalist yet distinctive.
Open all year round
Most Buschenschank taverns open on a seasonal basis according to their own opening times. A few establishments in the Graz Region are open year-round, however, and continue to offer dining options when others are closed.
Among others, these include Kaiser Greißler, Heuriger Schögler and Heuriger Kager’s AUSZEIT.
Ausg'steckt” isn’t a state in itself – but part of a lived culture.
Opening times and “ausg’steckt”
The “Aussteckzeiten”, or opening times, determine when a Buschenschank tavern is open and reflect the rhythm of the business to which it is attached.
Buschenschank taverns do not have continuous opening times. Many establishments only open at certain times of the year – when they are “ausg'steckt”.
These periods are based on the production, season and the working rhythms of the farms to which they are attached. Therefore, the opening times and hours of the Buschenschank taverns vary and are decided by their owners.
Those wishing to visit a Buschenschank tavern in Graz or the surrounding area are best advised to contact the establishment directly in advance. This form of restricted opening hours is an integral part of the local culture.
Frequently asked questions on Buschenschank wine taverns
Answers to frequently asked questions about Buschenschank taverns in Graz and the Graz Region
A Buschenschank is a farm-based establishment that serves its own produce and cold food. Homemade snacks and wine that has been made in-house are typical.
Buschenschank taverns are to be found throughout the Graz Region – from the city limits to the hills of western Styria and surrounding communities.
Recommended Buschenschank taverns are characterised by their quality, location, and their in-house offerings. Many are situated in scenic locations or along hiking trails.
Cold dishes such as platters, spreads, scarlet runner beans, bread, and pastries are served. These are accompanied by regional wines such as Welschriesling, Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) or Schilcher.
Buschenschank taverns usually have seasonal opening hours (these are often advertised as “ausg'steckt”). The exact times vary depending on the establishment, however, and should be checked in advance.
Buschenschank taverns usually have seasonal opening hours (these are often advertised as “ausg'steckt”). The exact times vary depending on the establishment, however, and should be checked in advance.
Many Buschenschank taverns in the Graz Region are situated on hilltops and offer sweeping views of vineyards and the surrounding countryside.
Many Buschenschank taverns are located directly on hiking trails or are the destination of circular tours, especially in the regions around Graz.
