Flowing waters and gorges

If there is something that Styria doesn’t have too little of, it is rivers, streams, wetlands and meadows. These natural treasures invite you to take in the scenery, explore the countless ravines or just listen to the flowing waters. There are opportunities to take a canoe trip on the Salza, Enns, Mur or Sulm – alternatively, one can just wade and splash around in the waters.

Speaking of water: The metropolis of Vienna is largely supplied by the high spring water from Styria. The headwater of the 1st Viennese mountain spring pipeline covers the area of Schneeberg, Rax and Schneealpe and the headwater of the 2nd Viennese mountain spring pipeline include the mountain range of Hochschwab. The sanctuaries for the protection of water resources cover a total of 675 km². They are thus larger than the area of Vienna. But that's not all: One third of Graz's drinking water comes directly from the Hochschwab. It takes two days for the water (5.4 million m³ annually) to flow through the 76.5 km long drinking water pipeline to Graz.

And another advantage: On hot summer days, just being near the flowing water offers a pleasantly cool experience. Therefore, hiking through the ravines and along streams and rivers is not a problem – even at higher temperatures. Animals also like to hang around near the water: salamanders, a wide variety of birds and even colourful butterflies can be observed here. Nimble brown hares and curious beavers can also be found around the water worlds.