On the fourth day of my Austrian road trip, I left the wine region of South Styria and set off for Graz, the second-largest city in Austria. Known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and modern art scene, Graz promised an exciting change of pace from the quiet wine days.
My first stop in Graz was the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I strolled through the narrow streets, past magnificent Renaissance and Baroque buildings. I was particularly impressed by Graz's Schlossberg, which not only houses an impressive fortress but also offers a fantastic view over the city. The ride up on the Schlossberg funicular was an experience in itself.
Another highlight was the visit to the Kunsthaus Graz. This futuristic-looking building, also known as the "Friendly Alien", is a landmark of modern architecture and hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary art. The unique combination of historic and modern architecture in Graz fascinated me.
After a leisurely lunch at one of the traditional Old Styrian Schmankerlstube, where I tried Styrian specialties like Steirerkäse with pumpkin seed oil, I continued my journey towards Filzmoos. This small mountain village in the heart of the Salzburg region is a stark contrast to the lively Graz.
Arriving in Filzmoos, I found myself in an idyllic mountain world. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Dachstein mountain range, Filzmoos is the perfect place to enjoy nature. I decided to go on a late afternoon hike, which took me through lush alpine meadows and small forests. The fresh mountain air and the tranquility of nature were a welcome change after the hustle and bustle of the city.
I spent the evening at the cozy, family-run Gasthof Krahlehenhof in Filzmoos. Over dinner featuring traditional Austrian dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn, I reflected on the day's impressions. Graz with its cultural richness and Filzmoos with its untouched nature formed a perfect contrast, showing me two completely different yet equally fascinating sides of Austria.
Feel free to follow my other travel days and explore Austria with me!
Day 1: Arrival in Vienna
Day 2: Riegersburg and Gamlitz
Day 3: South Styria
Day 5: Dachstein
Days 8 and 9: Mayrhofen and the Zillertal Alps
Days 10 and 11: Lech am Arlberg and the Lechquellen Mountains
Days 12 and 13: Brandnertal and the Rätikon
If you now feel inspired and would also like to explore Austria, we wish you a good trip and an unforgettable travel adventure. You can also find detailed information on the toll regulations in Austria in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner for your planning. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.