Day Trips
Graz — 20 minutes
Austria's second-largest city and a UNESCO City of Design. Graz is vibrant, walkable, and full of surprises. It feels nothing like Vienna — it's warmer, more relaxed, and more Mediterranean in character.
- Schlossberg: The hill in the city centre, topped by the iconic clock tower. Take the lift or the steps. The views are outstanding.
- Kunsthaus Graz: The "Friendly Alien" — a biomorphic art museum that is itself a work of art.
- Altstadt (Old Town): Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Narrow lanes, courtyards, and the grand Hauptplatz.
- Murinsel: A floating platform/café on the River Mur, designed by Vito Acconci.
- Farmers' market (Kaiser-Josef-Platz): Daily except Sunday. One of Austria's best.
Stainz
The market town of Stainz is the cultural centre of the Schilcherland region. Named Erzherzog-Johann-Markt in honour of Archduke Johann.
- Schloss Stainz: A former Augustinian monastery, now housing a hunting museum and an agricultural museum.
- The Flascherlzug: A charming narrow-gauge steam train between Stainz and Preding on selected days.
Deutschlandsberg Castle
A stunning hilltop castle overlooking the town of Deutschlandsberg, with a museum, restaurant, and panoramic views of the surrounding wine country. The castle dates back to the 12th century and has been beautifully restored. Dining at the castle with views across the Schilcherland is memorable, especially at sunset.
South Styrian Wine Road — 45–60 minutes
If you're a wine lover and have a free day, the South Styrian Wine Road is worth the drive. This is one of Europe's most beautiful wine routes — rolling vineyards, world-class Sauvignon Blanc, and Buschenschänke with views that rival Tuscany.
Key stops: Gamlitz, Ratsch an der Weinstraße, Leutschach, Kitzeck im Sausal (the highest wine village in Europe).
Piber Stud Farm
The world-famous Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna are bred and raised at the Piber Stud Farm in Western Styria. Guided tours are available.
Local attractions
Schloss Stainz
A hilltop castle in Stainz about 11 km away that houses regional museums; the interior is accessible only through museum admission, and there is a café on site.
Museen in Schloss Stainz: Jagdmuseum, Landwirtschaftsmuseum und Erzherzog Johann Museum
Three museums inside Schloss Stainz covering hunting history, regional agriculture, and the life of Archduke Johann; open Wednesday to Sunday. Note: strollers are not permitted inside.
Stainzer Flascherlzug - Ausflugsziel für Familien im Schilcherland
A narrow-gauge tourist railway running about 11 km through the Stainz area; a steam locomotive operates on weekends, while a diesel engine is used on weekdays.
Thermal spas
Styria has several excellent thermal spas (Thermen), perfect for a rainy day or a rest day.
Slovenia — 1–1.5 hours
The Slovenian border is surprisingly close. Maribor (Slovenia's second city) is approximately 1 hour. Ljubljana is approximately 1.5 hours. Both offer excellent dining, wine culture, and a slightly different Central European character.
See also: Getting Around, The Schilcher Wine Road, Seasonal Guide