Would you like to organize a vacation discovering magnificent places that, at the same time, allow you to relax and reconnect with nature? Styria is definitely the perfect destination for your trip!
Known as the “green heart of Austria”, Styria is a region rich in breathtaking landscapes and historical and cultural sites that are definitely worth visiting. Here are some tips to discover this Austrian federal state in a completely sustainable way.
Discovering Styria Sustainably: 4 Practical Tips
- Choose Sustainable Transportation: Styria is the perfect place for long walks or cycling excursions. By following pedestrian and cycling paths, you can reduce your environmental impact while fully enjoying the magnificent natural landscapes of the region.
- Eat Local Food: In all the towns of Styria, you can find food markets where you can buy local and organic products. For an even more engaging experience, you could visit some local wineries that offer wine tastings accompanied by local food.
- Visit Lesser-Known Places: Choose to visit lesser-known destinations that allow you to enjoy a complete, authentic, and sustainable experience.
- Choose Sustainable Accommodation: Choosing the right accommodation is crucial. Select a sustainable place to stay, away from the most crowded tourist areas but still close enough to the places you want to visit, so you can easily move around on foot or by bicycle.
Graz: The Hidden Jewel of Styria
Anyone visiting Styria for the first time cannot miss its capital, Graz. It is the second largest city in Austria, crossed by the Mur River and surrounded by numerous parks, such as Stadtpark, located in the historic city center, where you can take a walk or simply enjoy a relaxing break surrounded by greenery.
The historic center of the city is dominated by the Schlossberg, a 474-meter-high hill where today you can see the remains of an ancient castle and the famous Clock Tower. In the main square, you can also see the city hall and the fountain dedicated to Archduke Johann of Habsburg.
You can then visit the city’s late Gothic cathedral and the Carillon in Glockenspielplatz, composed of 24 bells that play different melodies three times a day.
You will notice that alongside the historic buildings in Graz, there are many modern buildings with original architecture, which earned Graz the title of UNESCO City of Design. The most striking example is the Kunsthaus, an art museum built in the shape of a bubble, which reflects sunlight during the day and lights up the city with colorful light effects at night.
Castles and Palaces: Discovering the Ancient Residences of Styria
The region of Styria is rich in castles and historic residences open to visitors, such as Kornberg Castle, located in the thermal and volcanic area of the region, or Riegersburg Castle, which rises on top of a volcanic rock, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
You can also visit Eggenberg Castle, the most important Baroque castle in Styria, surrounded by a magnificent English garden.
In this way, you can visit places of historical, artistic, and architectural interest while also enjoying the stunning, unspoiled landscapes that make Styria the green heart of Austria.
Sustainable and Adrenaline-Filled Adventures in Styria
Styria is the perfect place for outdoor activities. In fact, the region is home to the highest mountain in the country, Hoher Dachstein. Depending on the season, you can go skiing or enjoy long hiking trails.
To fully enjoy the breathtaking views and add a bit of adrenaline to your trip, you can cross the Dachstein Suspension Bridge, one of the highest in Europe, or climb the “Stairway to Nothingness”, a glass staircase rising above the Dachstein massif.
The Wine Road: Tasting Styria Sustainably
For those who may not know, Styria is also an important wine region of Austria. If you love wine and are traveling with company, you might consider visiting some local wineries where you can taste wines produced in the region, perhaps accompanied by other organic products.
The wineries are usually reachable by scenic cycling routes.
Sleeping Green in Styria
If you are planning a stay in Styria and are looking for sustainable accommodation, on Ecobnb, you can find the most suitable option for your vacation.
In particular, if you want to visit Graz but prefer to stay outside the city in order to also enjoy Styria’s natural landscapes, Landhaus Berghansl might be the perfect choice. It is a farmhouse completely renovated in the municipality of Pirching am Traubenberg.
Equipped with every comfort, it also features a saltwater pool, ideal for relaxing, and a private vineyard where you can walk and admire the surrounding landscapes.
Styria, the green heart of Austria, is therefore the ideal destination for a stay that combines visits to sites of historical, artistic, and architectural importance with a sustainable and authentic experience that involves every aspect of the journey.
Cover image: rolling hills and vineyards in southern Styria, Austria, photo via Canva PRO
Landhaus Berghansl – Green Country House in Pirching am Traubenberg, Südoststeiermark District, Styria, AT 
