Our picks range from the flat Thalersee loop for families to the Schöckl, Graz’s local mountain (1,445 m, easily reached by cable car too), and scenic ridge walks. Many trailheads are served directly by Tram 1 or the bus. Our insider tip for hot summer days: the shady forest climb Fuß der Leber → Schöckl, almost entirely through cool woodland. You’ll find all eight tours with maps, elevation profiles and GPS data in the full article.

Graz's old town has been UNESCO World Heritage since 1999. Its particular strength is authenticity: Renaissance courtyards, baroque facades, gothic churches and narrow lanes sit so close together that the whole cityscape unfolds as one organic ensemble during a walk. From the apartment on Steyrergasse, it's roughly 15 minutes on foot to the Hauptplatz — across the Mur bridge and through Murgasse. The Hauptplatz is the heart: city hall, generations-old hospitality businesses, the Archduke Johann fountain. From there, Sackstraße opens up with its inner courtyards, Herrengasse leads past the Landhaus with its famous Renaissance courtyard, and small side streets unfold around Mehlplatz and the Glockenspielplatz. The Schlossberg crowns the ensemble from above — both belong to the same UNESCO protection zone. Highlights for a first walk: Landhaushof (open access), parish church, cathedral with mausoleum, Glockenspielplatz (carillon plays at 11:00, 15:00 and 18:00), Palais museum on Sackstraße. The old town is consistently pedestrian-friendly, many areas car-free. Cafés and restaurants range from classic Viennese-style coffee houses to specialty roasters. We recommend a stroll in late morning and a detour to Kaiser-Josef-Markt for regional produce.

The Kunsthaus Graz, completed in 2003 by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, is one of the most recognised examples of modern architecture in Austria. Its bluish, organic acrylic shell — affectionately called the "friendly alien" by locals — deliberately contrasts with the baroque rooflines of the old town opposite. Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions on contemporary art, architecture, media and photography. From the apartment on Steyrergasse, the Kunsthaus is about 20 minutes on foot — across the Augarten bridge along the Mur. The location on the Lend riverbank sits at a cultural hotspot: in recent years, the surrounding Lend district has become Graz's most creative neighbourhood — designer shops, galleries, small coffee roasters. A few steps from the Kunsthaus lies the Joanneum Quarter — an underground museum plaza uniting the Neue Galerie, the Natural History Museum and the Multimedia Collections under a glass canopy. An architectural highlight in its own right, with the famous light-flooded atrium space. We recommend the combination: late morning at the Joanneum Quarter with the natural history collection (great for families), lunch in the Lend district (e.g. Restaurant Posthorn or one of the small bistros), afternoon at the Kunsthaus. Opening hours and prices vary by exhibition — tip: the Joanneum day ticket bundles several houses. Free with the Graz 72h Card.

The Mur is the green artery of the city. From the apartment on Steyrergasse, you reach the riverbank in about 5 minutes via the Augarten bridge — and suddenly stand by a river bed that runs between wide meadows, old trees and the Murinsel. The Murinsel itself is an architectural solitaire from 2003 (Vito Acconci): a floating steel-and-glass construction mid-river, with a café, children's playground and a small open-air stage. By day long wooden benches invite you to linger, by night it's softly lit — a magnet for an evening stroll. The Mur cycle path is part of Austria's long-distance bike network (R2 / Mur-Radweg) and runs from Muhr im Lungau all the way to the Hungarian border — over 365 km. From Beletage you join the path at the Augartenufer. Families cycle 4–8 km up- or downstream (asphalt, car-free); sport-minded riders can do a day trip to Leibnitz or the Slovenian border. Runners and walkers use the promenade around the clock — it's lit, safe and well-frequented. In summer, temporary beach bars and pop-up cafés appear along the river. On request we'll happily recommend nearby bike rental stations. Spring and autumn are particularly recommended — at sunset the Schlossberg and Kunsthaus reflect on the water.

Eggenberg Palace is one of Styria's most important cultural monuments and another UNESCO World Heritage site. Built from 1625 for Hans Ulrich of Eggenberg, the palace is a clear architectural programme: 4 towers, 12 gates, 24 state rooms, 365 windows — a calendar in stone. From the apartment on Steyrergasse, the easiest route is tram line 1 (Eggenberg / UKH stop) — about 20 minutes plus a short walk to the palace entrance. By car it's roughly 15 minutes, with parking directly at the palace. The Planetensaal with its enormous ceiling fresco is the heart of the building. The Universalmuseum Joanneum hosts several exhibitions on site: the coin cabinet, the Alte Galerie with works by Cranach and Brueghel, and the archaeology museum with the famous Strettweg cult chariot from the 7th century BC. The park is just as worthwhile as the palace: English-style gardens with over 90 peacocks, the rose-filled Planetary Garden, and wide lawns — perfect for a half-day excursion with a picnic on the grass. In summer, concerts and open-air theatre take place on the palace meadow. Opening: April to October. In winter only the park and exterior remain accessible. Admission via Graz 72h Card or the Joanneum combi-ticket.

The Schlossberg is the green heart of Graz — a 473 m rocky hill rising right in the middle of the old town, with meadows, forest, and the remains of a fortress whose origins go back to the 12th century. Today it is both a recreation area and the city's main viewpoint. The 13th-century Clock Tower (Uhrturm) is its most iconic feature and stands as the symbol of Graz itself. From the apartment on Steyrergasse, you reach the Schlossberg in roughly 25–30 minutes on foot — across the Tegetthoff bridge and up Murgasse to the main square. From there, three routes lead to the top: the historic Schlossbergstiege with 260 steps at Karmeliterplatz, the funicular from Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai, or the cosy Schlossberg lift inside the rock. With the Holding-Graz transit card, the lift and funicular are free. At the top, you get the entire city laid out below: red rooftops, the bend of the Mur, Mariahilfer Church, the Joanneum quarter. On clear days the view reaches into the Styrian highlands. The Schlossberg restaurant is great for a glass of wine at sunset, the Turkish Well at the ridge is worth a stop, and the park itself is perfect for a quiet walk. The hill itself is open year-round; some paths close in winter, but the viewpoints and lift remain accessible. Entry to the Schlossberg is free. The Clock Tower and the Casemates charge admission but are included with the Graz 48-/72-hour card.

Graz in winter has its own magic: while the old town hosts the Christmas market on Hauptplatz, ice-skating at Karmeliterplatz and festively-lit lanes — a perfect setting for city trips — half an hour away the snowy mountains await. Graz Winterwelt itself — right in the city centre — brings ice skating, Christmas markets, mulled-wine stands and craft from late November to early January, all centrally located. Tram line 4 puts you in the middle in around 10 minutes. For skiers, Salzstiegel ski area is about 45 minutes by car west of Graz — manageable in size, good for families and returners, usually far less crowded than the big resorts. For more demanding pistes, drive about 90 minutes to Lachtal — higher altitude, more reliable snow, longer descents. Back at the apartment: a warm shower with RITUALS, tea from your own kitchen, maybe a glass of regional wine from the 24/7 microshop in the basement. City flair meets mountain winter — ideal for short escapes and active winter days.

Southern Styria is often compared to Tuscany — gently rolling hills, vineyards to the horizon, small villages with white churches, good air and good food. From Graz, you're in the middle in 45 minutes by car. The classic route runs along the South Styrian Wine Road between Ehrenhausen, Ratsch and Gamlitz — a winding, scenic stretch with its peak season in autumn (September to November): young wine ("Sturm"), fresh chestnuts, Buschenschanken with homemade "Brettljause" platter of bacon, scarab beans and Styrian bean salad. Our personal Buschenschank recommendation: Polz, Tement or Sabathi for top-level Sauvignon Blanc, or smaller family-run places for authentic atmosphere. Most serve warm food until 6 or 7 pm — reservation recommended at weekends. If you'd rather not drive (wine tasting!): there are guided minibus tours from Graz, plus the ÖBB Wine Express day trips in season. We're happy to share current tips on WhatsApp.