Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Day 1 | Arrival Graz Thalerhof
We welcome you at the airport and drive to our accommodation.
Depending on arrival time, we will have a welcome dinner at the accommodation or, if you are still full of energy, we eat at a traditional Styrian Gasthaus in the area.
Day 2 | West Styria
We are heading southwest just a short drive to Baernbach to see the unique little Hundertwasserkirche, designed in 1987/88 by our unorthodox artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, you will be astonished by the architecture of this worldwide unique concept.
On our way to see where the famous Lipizzaner Horses are breed and raised, we stop a Glas museum in Baernbach and get ready for some interesting things to learn about blowing glass.
Dinner in a Buschenschank nearby., (a Buschenschank / Wine tavern -because without wine it would not be a Buschenschank and without a Buschenschank there is\\would be no Southern Styria. Take a seat on the dreamy panoramic terrace or in the rustic interior rooms.
Southern Styria is the mecca of Buschenschank taverns, however, not just any tavern is allowed to call itself Buschschank. The rules are clear, just those who cultivate a vineyard or orchard are allowed to run a Buschenschank.
Cold dishes and homemade pastries, wine and fruit juices from one's own harvest are served. The southern cuisine is not to be missed. Those wine farmers are well known for their warm welcome and you will be treated like old friends.
Day 3 | Kitzeck
Put on your hiking shoes for today's adventure on mount Demmerkogel (walking distance about 90 Minutes).
We are visiting the world's largest Klapotetz, after a short, slightly uphill walk, we will reach a place with a stunning view of the Klapotetz.
You ask what is a Klapotetz is? It a windmill or wind-powered scarecrow, constructed fwith seven different kinds of wood, which, at the slightest breeze will make a loud and distinctive noise meant to chaise the birds away from the precious grapes. Nowadays its more of an icon and attraction in the middle of the vineries.
We continue on a slightly steeper track towards a 23-meter-high viewing tower, from which we have a breathtaking 360-degree view over the so-called Styrian Tuscany.
Afterwards we take a rest in the cool shadow of the Forrest, where you get to know the history, stories and culture of this aera. Healthy nature and vineries as far as you can see. In the north you might get to see snow on the peaks of the alps even in summer - a truly unforgettable experience.
We continue downhill and once we reach the bottom, we have lunch at Genuss-cafe and reflect upon the morning.
As every outdoor activity is weather dependent, as plan B, we will be visiting an oil mill to see how our famous Kernoil (pumpkinseed oil) is produced, we get to know the art of bread making and of course we will have a taste of that fragrant and fresh bread.
All day long you will be accompanied by stories and the rich history of our homeland.
Eventually it will be time to say goodbye to southern Styria as we are heading north into the Alps where we will have dinner in or around Ramsau.
Day 4 | Ramsau Dachstein
Ramsau is a municipality in Liezen Styria. It is also the high plateau between the Dachstein range and the river Enns.
Nestled in the Austrian Alps, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, the region offers incredible natural wonders like the breathtaking southern walls of the towering Dachstein mountain or shimmering mountain lakes, and idyllic alpine meadows that magically decorate the landscape.
Ramsau is more than a place, it's an experience for nature enthusiasts, the home of tradition.and of culinary delights. The Dachstein Tauern region captivates not only with its nature, but also so with its traditional hospitality. Discover the cozy village were the scent of freshly made food fills the air.
Today we will take the panoramic gondola up the Dachstein to see the glaciers and, yes, we will be walking the suspension bridge called the 'Stairways to Nothingness' - thrills and an unforgettable view are your reward. We recommend warmer clothes and good hiking shoes.
Weather permitting, we will sit down somewhere surrounded by nature and enjoy a little picnic. Could life even be any better?
Later we will have dinner at a local 'Gasthaus' (what they call the rustic local inns).
Day 5 | Upper Styria
After a hearty breakfast, we will visit the village Schladming - a former mining village which has become a world-famous winter resort and host of international skiing competitions, - not a surprise with six mountains surrounding the village.
You will have the morning on your own to stroll around and get excited about all the small shops offering our unique folk costumes like Dirndl or Lederhosen.
We meet for lunch and continue on toward Gruener see (the green lake), - another unique feature of this grand landscape. A short walk leads us to the lake. Get ready to be surprised by the intense color of this beautiful lake.
When we arrive at our last destination Graz, we will have dinner in downtown Graz.
Day 6 | Graz
Graz the capital city of Styria, the second largest city in Austria with 285.000 residents, features one of the most well-preserved old towns in Europe.
At its heart is the Haupt Platz the medieval old town's main square.
Shops, restaurants and coffeehouses line the narrow surrounding streets which beautifully blend renaissance and baroque architecture.
The icon Schlossberg towering over the center of town, can be accessed by cable car, 180 stairs or a road (no cars permitted) .
From up there you will have an incredible view over the city and on clear days you can spot Slovenia on the horizon.
It has a reputation of being a lively modern cultural place, - it was the European cultural capital in 2003, and its beautiful historical center, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, is a true smorgasbord of different influences accumulated over many centuries of history. A beautiful blend of modern art deco and medieval architecture.
As we are staying at a hotel in downtown next to the river Mur, everything is within convenient walking distance.
We take the cable car up to the Schlossberg and enjoy the truly unique view and atmosphere on this 'giant rock'.
We will have lunch in downtown Graz at a ”Standl“ (the famous sausage stands where the locals hang out).
We will spend the afternoon strolling through the city and explore magical places before having dinner at a downtown restaurant.
Day 7 | Graz
Graz has an endless variety of attractions, but one of the places is the Zeughaus, the largest historic armory in the world with more than 32.000 objects bearing witness of intense conflicts of the past.
No one can leave Styria without having visited at least one castle. Therefore, this afternoon is reserved for Schloss Eggenberg, situated just a short drive from downtown. We may even use public transport to give you an idea how well set up the transport infrastructure in Graz is.
Castle Eggenberg is the most significant palace baroque complex in Styria.
As the best-preserved baroque castle, also a UNESCO world heritage site, it was neglected for decades. But nowadays it is managed by Johanneum Graz.
The princely family of Eggenberg built this residence during the thirty years war.
The palace in the suburbs of Graz served as a capstone of the Eggenberg family's status, reflecting their education and brilliance. The estate was designed entirely based on the Gregorian calendar and enlightened astronomy. You will be astounded not only by the extensive park but also by the thoughtful consideration the Eggenbergs put into its creation.
We will have dinner at a local Gasthouse nearby.
Day 8 | Departure
Today it is finally time to say goodbye while we drive to the airport Graz Thalerhof.