15 Gorgeous Places To Visit in Styria

Kaleidoscopic spa hotels designed by whimsical architects. Vintage trains chugging through heart-singing nature. Crag-crowning castles and award-winning wineries. Welcome to Austria’s southeastern state of Styria (Steiermark), a criminally overlooked region with the country’s second city, gorgeous, green Graz, as its centrepiece. 

For all its swoon-worthy scenery, decent public transport (be sure to scroll to the tips at the end to make significant savings on tickets), and heart-singing hamlets, Styria has somehow remained a European hidden gem. Of Austria’s 46.72 million tourists in 2024, fewer than 10% visited the state, dropping to less than 4% when excluding Austrians travelling domestically. Why? Who knows. Styria is a sublime slow-travel destination, though for those pressed for time or looking for a first taste, most highlights can be enjoyed on easy day trips from Graz. 

Sure, there’s more than enough to see in Graz’s city districts, from urban vineyards to Unesco-listed castles, but if you’ve done yourself a favour and planned an extended stay in arguably Austria’s best city, you’ll have plenty of time to tour some of the top places to visit in Seiermark. Whether you want a standalone spa day or to combine a couple of highlights into one outing, these day trips from Graz will soon have you swooning over Styria. 

Half-Day Trips In The Graz Region

If you’re looking for half-day trip options near Graz, there are plenty within the city limits and the Graz Region (Graz-Umgebung). I’ve written about those in separate articles. My guide to Graz covers the likes of Eggenberg Palace, a celestial-inspired palace on the city’s fringes and tram network. Or scan my list of favourite places to visit near Graz, which focuses on easy, shorter trips within the immediate Graz region, including Schöckl Mountain & cable car, the fantastic Stübing Open Air Museum, and the Schöcklblick Alpakas farm.

Day Trips From Graz In Styria

Grüner See & Bruck an der Mur

For a gorgeous, lazy lake afternoon before checking in 
35 minutes by train from Graz to Bruck an der Mur, followed by a 45-minute bus 175; 1:10 by car.

If you’re visiting landlocked Austria in summer, you’ll want to spend plenty of time by the lakes. Grüner See, known as the Green Lake, is one of Styria’s most splendid. Just don’t bring your swimmers; bathing is prohibited to protect the water quality. Still, this is a lovely day trip from Graz, especially if you pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon walking and relaxing by the water. Spring is the best time to enjoy the lake, when the snowmelt fills it, though the lower water levels in summer aren’t a reason to skip the lake, especially if you want an easy-going hike. 

You’ll need to transfer in Bruck an der Mur to reach Grüner See from Graz, but if you’ve arrived on the night train from Rome as I did, you’ll change here anyway, making it a good first port of call before checking in to your Graz hotel (Bruck station has luggage lockers). 

Bärenschützklamm Laddered Gorge Hike 

For a challenging but rewarding gorge climb not far from Graz
35 minutes by S-Bahn train north of Graz to Mixnitz (or 30 minutes by car), followed by a 1.5-hour walk to the entrance. 

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Austria, no matter where you land in this fairytale country. My absolute favourite trail in the Graz Region is this laddered hike in the Almenland Nature Park. You’ll need good shoes and no worries about heights to enjoy this gorge climb, which is predominantly wooden walkways and ladders that pass waterfalls and ascend a towering limestone gorge. 

The wooden ladders were initially constructed in 1901 by the Graz Alpine Club and have been renovated and opened to the public since then. As such, there is an entrance charge which goes towards upkeep. Allow a solid part of the day to both arrive and complete the trail, and bring plenty of water. At the top of the gorge is a mountain hut serving well-deserved refreshments, beers and mountain fare. Elsewhere in Almenland is the slightly less challenging Kesselfallklamm waterfall route, as well as the visitable Lurgrotte karst cave system, two more popular places to visit in Styria.  

Rogner Bad Blumau

For a luxurious yet quirky thermal spring spa day 
Approximately two hours by connecting train (S3 > REX92) on the early morning departure; 55 minutes by car.

With whimsical architecture designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, one of Austria’s most prolific and creative modern artists, and volcanic springs, Rogner Bad Blumau in the spa town of the same name, is one of the more unique wellness spa escapes in Europe. Set in Vulkanland, where the thermal springs of Austria’s Steiermark region bubble to the surface, it’s a popular place to stay in Styria. Still, it can be a day trip from Graz, and although the journey is rather long by public transport, I enjoyed the scenic route. 

Bold, block colours, kaleidoscopic tile work, and golden onion domes define the spaces, and, truly, it’s one of the most beautiful spas I’ve ever relaxed in. Most memorable is the Vulkania thermal spring, a skin-restoring outdoor pool. Come in winter, and at night, you’ll witness the model volcano spouting and showering in red. An alternative, closer to the city, is Therme Nova in Köflach, the nearest thermal spa resort to Graz. 

Bärnbach, Piber Stud & Köflach

For an unexpected church and some pretty, prized horses 
45 minutes by train on the S7 Köflach line, followed by a short walk. I suggest arriving in Köflach, walking to the stud, then walking to Bärnbach for the return journey, or vice versa; 45 minutes by car.

There’s no single theme linking these three spots, but together they make one of my favourite day trips from Graz. Given their proximity and the pleasant walk between them, it just makes sense to combine them into a full-day outing, though many would consider a standalone visit to Piber. In Köflach, you’ll find the Therme Nova spa, where you can enjoy a morning of pampering. 

Then, it’s a beautiful walk through the hills to the Piber Stud, where the beloved Lipizzan horses, famed from Vienna’s Spanish Riding School, are bred. Here, you can see the horses and visit a (quite expensive) castle. End in quirky Bärnbach, where the Hundertwasserkirche, another of Friedensreich’s genius creations with mosaics and gold onion domes, a whimsical fish-themed fountain by Ernst Fuchs, and an interesting glass museum await. You can also see Fuchs’ work closer to Graz at Thal’s fascinatingly unique and colourful church.

The Südsteiermark Wine Region (and Slovenia)

For award-winning winery tastings and vineyard scenery 
Varies depending on vineyards; can be as quick as a 45-minute S5 train to Ehrenhausen, followed by a short bus (780) or taxi to a winery; 45 minutes by car. A complimentary wine taxi service is available if you’re staying a few nights.

An easy day trip south of Graz, the Südsteiermark Wine Region is renowned for its fresh white wines. Rolling hills lined with manicured vineyards and klapotetz, a small wooden windmill-like structure, set the scene, often dubbed the “Tuscany of Austria”. Sauvignon Blanc is the most revered local grape, though Weißburgunder (Pinto Blanc) and Muskateller are two other local grapes worth sampling. 

Your best bet is to book tours and tastings in advance, though some, such as Weingut Hannes Sabathi, will accommodate last-minute or walk-in tastings. I took my folks when visiting this one, and we were expertly guided through the local grapes and wines with scenic views in the background. Usually, as long as you buy a couple of bottles, the tasting itself is complimentary. If you want a winery experience closer to Graz, Falter Ego – operated by the same maker, Hannes Sabathi – is in the city fringes. Slovenia is just across the border, so you could continue for an afternoon wander around Maribor, reportedly home to the world’s oldest grapevine.

Murau & The Murtalbahn

For a beautiful medieval riverside village and vintage mountain train
Approximately 1:30 hours by connecting train to Unzmarkt, where the Murtalbahn begins its 35-minute journey to Murau; check timetables in advance to align; 1:30 by car.

Murau is a compact cluster of cobbled streets and colourful townhouse facades backed by forested hills and perched along the river. It’s arguably Styria’s most magical medieval small town, though Frohnleiten, a shorter train ride north of Graz, offers a similar, closer experience. That said, the journey to Murau is part of its magic.

The carriages of the old Murtalbahn hug the Mur River, providing what feels like a tourist sightseeing train experience within the regular rail network. In summer, some steam trains operate, and train-geeks might want to sign up for the chance to operate the locomotive themselves. Reward yourself with a pint in the old-school beer garden behind Murauer Brewer. 

Leoben & Judenberg

For a chance to see Styrian city life beyond Graz
To Leoben, 45-1:15 (IC or regional), or 1:30 to Judenberg; it’s the same route as reaching Murau, so it’s easy to make a stop on the return journey.

If you want to add an urban stop to your Murau day trip from Graz, make a break at the underrated city of Leoben or the town of Judenburg. Both are along the river, laid-back and leafy, and with a couple of hours in either, you’ll have a good sense of place. Leoben offers more, with an impressive town square and a museum quarter.

Riegersburg Castle & Feldbach

For a dramatic, rock-crowning castle and an adorable, authentic town 
1 hour REX train to Feldbach, followed by a 15-minute bus 406 to Riegersburg Castle (get off early for crag views, or stay on the bus to reach the back of the castle for the funicular); 1 hour by car.

This day trip combines two of my favourite places to visit in Styria. While Riegersburg Castle was my main reason for traveling from Graz, I also unexpectedly fell for Feldbach, likely helped by the fact that there was a large fair with a traditional band playing when I arrived. Even without the festivities, the town is a postcard-perfect treat. The neo-Gothic Rathaus (Town Hall), fronted by a fountain and flower beds, is a looker. As is the Altstadtgasse shopping street, which feels like a long, flowery courtyard lined with family-owned boutiques.

After poking around the town and enjoying lunch at Pfeiler’s Bürgerstüberl, hop back on the bus to Riegersburg Castle. Touring Riegersburg isn’t a winter activity, as the whole grounds close from November until late March – unlike Eggenberg Palace in Graz, where only the interior closes – though you can still get some excellent views when looking up at the citadel-like edifice built atop a volcanic rock. From certain angles, it’s basically sheer. You might spot climbers or want to join them in tackling the rock face. Not keen? At the back, a funicular provides easier access to the bastions, castle, and museums, which take you back to the 17th century and stories of witches and weaponry.

Feldbach & The Gleichenberger Bahn to Bad Gleichenberg

For a weekend-only train trundle into the pass
1 hour REX train to Feldbach, from where the scenic train begins its 40-minute journey to Bad Gleichenberg (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays only from March to November)

If you’re visiting Feldbach in the summer, consider catching the Gleichenberger Bahn – yes, riding the rails is one of the top things to do in Styria. This semi-retired, steep-incline railway opened in 1931 and is a treat even if you’re not going anywhere. Pastures, vines, forests and rolling hills gently pass by the window as you take it all in from the original wooden carriages. The journey ends in the spa town of Bad Gleichenberg, where you can either take a hike, enjoy a pamper at Therme der Ruhe, or hop back on for the return, scenic journey. 

The Graz to Feldbach trains also continue to Szentgotthárd in Hungary. It’s only a 25-minute journey, so you could also add a second country to this day trip. I’ve done the trip in reverse when travelling from Budapest to Graz, and while Szentgotthárd isn’t huge, it’s a pretty enough spa town for a wander. 

Schloss Stainz & Deutschlandsberg

For some fetching scenery and a history-highlighting castle 
Approximately one hour by train and bus (S7 > 761) to Stainz, followed by a 30-minute bus to Deutschlandsberg to take the return train, the 55-minute S61 to Graz; 45 minutes by car. 

You could visit either of these destinations separately, though if you’ve got a travel pass, it makes sense to combine them – especially if adding Hollengg (next) to the same day trip. Schloss Stainz also serves as a museum dedicated to Archduke Johann, a Habsburg prince with strong ties to Styria, including founding the original Joanneum Museum. Entrance is included in the same museum card as the Universalmuseum Joanneum. If you’re slow-travelling like I was, the annual pass for all the museums is worth the investment, as it’s not even double the price of the 48-hour ticket. It includes many of Graz’s main attractions, such as Eggenberg and the Styrian Armoury in Graz. There’s also another seasonal, scenic rail journey from Stainz: the Stainzer Flascherlzug.

Afterwards, enjoy a wander around the cute-as-a-button town while you wait for the bus to Deutschlandsberg or Frauental an der Laßnitz. Here, a coffee and cake stop at Leitner Cafe-Konditorei is a must before the return journey. Deutschlandsberg is also fairly pretty, though it arguably looks its best when the train takes the next curve, continuing to Hollenegg.

Schloss Hollenegg

For a rare peek inside an artistic palace (May only) 
45 minutes by S6 train to Hollenegg, followed by a roughly 25-minute walk through the woods (look for minor signs for cut-throughs and keep in mind the palace is only open for specific events); 45 minutes by car.

One of the hardest places to visit in Styria, simply because it’s shuttered to the public for most of the year, is Schloss Hollenegg. If you’re visiting Europe in May, though, you’ll have a chance to tour inside. I visited as a day trip during Graz Design Month – after seeing Stainz in the morning – when various buildings across Graz and Styria open their doors to host exhibitions and events. It’s absolutely one of Styria’s most striking palaces, with a gorgeous Renaissance courtyard adorned with trailing vines and pretty flowers, and impressive interior frescoes. These days, it’s owned by the Liechtenstein family and hosts artistic retreats, whose works, during Design Month, provide an interesting contrast to the old-world interior. 

Gleisdorf & Schloss Herberstein

For perhaps Styria’s grandest castle 
45 minutes by car or a 40-minute S3 train to Gleisdorf, followed by bus connections; check timetables, as at certain hours it may require multiple changes. 

Graz might be a sustainable city, but Gleisdorf is Styria’s “Solar City”. You’ll spot solar panels everywhere, including on almost tree-like installations near the handsome main square and town hall, which doubles as a contemporary art museum. It’s worth a stop for this quirkiness alone, though an ice cream from oh-so-good Gelateria Reina is another win.

Still, Schloss Herberstein is the show-stealer northeast of the city. Visiting this hulking, paper-white, crag-capping castle is one of the most impressive things to do in Styria, especially if you go around the side to view it seemingly rising from the Feistritz River. Behind the walls up on the rock are family-friendly games, flower-filled manicured gardens and plenty of history to explore, from the 12th-century original structures to the magnificent Knights’ Hall.

Schloss Trautenfels, Admont Abbey and Gesäuse

For a spectacular library and some unforgettable nature 

Head northeast from Graz, towards the border with Salzburgerland (it’s a similar route as you’d take to reach Hallstatt), and you’ll find some of the best places to visit in Styria. That said, these aren’t really ideal day trips from Graz unless you have a car. You might want to make this an overnight or standalone trip – especially as the train schedules aren’t ideal currently to Admont due to limited days of operation.

Schloss Trautenfels, another inclusion on the Universalmuseum Joanneum card, is perched high against a backdrop of often snow-dusted peaks. Admont Abbey is home to the world’s most extensive monastic library, which is a Baroque oneophile’s dream. Then there’s the surrounding wild nature of the mountains, Gesäuse National Park and Eisenwurzen. It’s all splendid and enchanting, but you really don’t need to go so far to appreciate such architecture. Rein Abbey & Library might be less impressive, but its fresco-filled library is far more intimate, and it’s just a short bus ride from Graz city centre. 

Transport & Cost-Saving Tips For Taking Day Trips From Graz

Most of the top things to do in Styria are accessible from Graz by public transportation, while others can be explored by bicycle along the river-hugging Mur Cycle Path. Consult the regional train and bus website to check timetables. Weekends and holidays are the cheapest times to take day trips from Graz, as the €14 (from 2026) Freizeit-Ticket Steiermark (leisure ticket) is available, offering one day of transportation on all regional bus and train lines in Styria. Purchase online from ÖBB. 

An alternative weekday option after 9 am is the Einfach-Raus-Ticket, a group rail ticket. It will cost you €38 for two people and €50 for a group of five. It’s valid on all ÖBB’s local and regional transport trains, but excludes buses, for which you’ll need to buy additional tickets using the zone fare system. Hence, if you’re enjoying a long weekend in Graz, I highly recommend taking your day trip on Saturday or Sunday for the most significant savings. However, some bus timetables (Gamlitz’s wineries, for example) are restricted on weekends, which can make onward connections a little more complicated.

As regional trains don’t have pre-booking discounts or allocated seats, there’s little reason to book ahead. However, as soon as you cross a state or national border – for example, if you plan to take the short day trip from Graz to Slovenia – then you can secure discounted advance fares. What this means is that taking the train from Graz to Spielfeld (near the border and wineries) costs €13.80, while it can sometimes be as little as €4.90 when pre-booked to continue to Maribor, across the Slovenian border. For the best savings when touring these places in Styria, perhaps be strategic and consider which tickets to book and where to alight.

These confusing regional vs. long-distance fare structures are a nationwide problem in Austria, likely designed with state-wide commuting in mind. Within states, zone systems control fares; across borders, fares move to national rates, with potential ticket savings. Frustratingly, this means it can be cheaper to take a train from Graz to Hallstatt (an overtourism-suffering lake a few hours away) than some of these day trips in Styria. Hopefully, one day, the governments will realise how unhelpful this is for travellers and how it doesn’t help overtourism and address it somehow.

This article was partly written during a blogging residency in Graz hosted by Graz Travel Deeper. As always, all opinions and words are my own.