Tips for Graz

Tips for your visit to Graz:

1. Sights
2. Leisure activities
3. Museums

Being the second largest town of Austria, Graz is one of the most beautiful touristic sites in the republic. In 2003 the provincial capital of Styria was nominated UNESCO- world cultural heritage site.

Numerous sights of the old town are within reach of a short walk from the Hotel Garni***, due to its central location.

1. Sights

The Clock-tower (Uhrturm)
The Uhrturm was first mentioned in the 13th century and got its contemporary appearance in the 16th century. The tower’s large clockhands permit to know the time from the main place. Its inimitability is out of question since the clockhands also point into the opposite direction. (Google map : Path to the Uhrturm)

The Schlossberg
The Schlossberg with the Uhrturm on top of it is the city’s landmark. Its top can be breast via 260 steps or more comfortable by using the funicular (the Schloßberbahn). Both are accesible via Sackstraße. From the top you have a panoramic view over the historic city of Graz. Also situated on the „Schlossberg“ is the Kasematten-stage an open-air stage used for performances of all kind during summer. (Google map : Path on the Schloßberg)

The funicular on the Schlossberg
The funicular built during the late 19th century is worth an adventure. It only takes a few minutes to pull its passengers up a slope of 61%. In 2004 its cars received a glass roof which allows a unique view on the historic city. The access is at the end of the Sackstraße. (Google map : Path to the Schlossbergbahn)

House of Art in Graz:
The hose of art was built to become the new landmark, when Graz was named European Capital of Culture in the year 2003. The „friendly alien“ as it is called by its architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier tries to combine classic and modern styles of architecture. (Google map : Path to the Kunsthaus)

The Island in the Mur:
The „Murinsel“ also has been a project on the occasion of the nomination of Graz as European Capital of Culture in the year 2003. The floating island in the form of half a seashell was very well received by the citizens of Graz. The steel construction connects both sides of the river. (Google map : Path to the Murinsel)

The Landhaus
A popular tourist attraction famous due to its arcades in the inner yard, which was built in 1557 by Domenico dell’ Aglio. The arcades expand over three floors creating the atmosphere of a house built in lombardic style. In addition there is a well made of bronze to be found in the inner yard.
During christmas time a crib made of ice is installed there, attracting people from all over the world. In summer the yard is used for various events. (Google map : Path to the Landhaus)

The Landeszeughaus
Next to the Landhaus there is the Landeszeughaus, a medieval armoury with the worlds largest collection of weapons and armours dating from the 15th to the early 19th century. As being the only original arsenal in the world it was built in the middle of the 16.century and exhibits more than 32.000 pieces. Despite the military reformation of the empress Maria Theresia the citizens could prevent it being closed down. This way, they were able to conserve it as witness of their bravery in the fight for Christianity. (Google map : Path to the Landeszeughaus)

The Hauptplatz
The main square represents the city centre of the provincial capital. Here you also find the townhall, the seat of the mayor and of the city government. In the middle of the square there is the monument of the Archduke John surrounded by four female statues representing the four most important rivers of old Styria (Mur, Enns, Drau and Sann). The sculpture forms the central part of a fountain. On this main market square you can also find several booths offering fast food. Furthermore, all tramways stop here, and you have direct access to the Sackstrasse, the Sporgasse and the Herrengasse, which are the most fancied streets for shopping. (Google map : Path to the Hauptplatz)

The Townhall
The townhall with its dome, its clock and its corner towers is situated at the main square. In the mid-1600 the city government was established there. The renaissance building had also a function as prison. In the beginning 18th century it was renovated after the plans of the Viennese architects Wielemanns and Reuter. (Google map : Path to the Townhall)

The Joanneum:
The first public museum in Austria was opened by the Archduke John for the first time in 1811, to show his natural scientific collection. The architect August Gunolt added new glamour to the building in 1895. Its collection from the Romantic period stayed until 2004 with the building unless it was transferred to the castle of Eggenberg. The so called new gallery was left showing its 35.000 exponats of historic art. (Google map :Path to the Joanneum)

The Painted House
If walking slowly down the Herrengasse one should not overlook the painted house. It stands out among the other houses. The Herzogshof („Dukes yard“), the former seat of the dukes was painted by John Mayer and displays the „heaven of gods“. Due to his effort he was exempt from all taxes. (Google map : Path to the „Gemaltes Haus“)

The Stadtpfarrkirche
The church of the city’s parish with its impressingly high tower overtops all other buildings in the Herrengasse. The former dominican conventual church has been expanded from a simple chapel to its current appearance by Archduke Karl II in 1585. 1970 the organ construction firm Rieger got the order to make one of the most conspicious organs in Austria. The organ is played first and foremost at organ concerts in summer. (Google map : Path to the Stadtpfarrkirche)

The monastery of the Minorites:
It was built in 1239. Next to it is the parish church of Asumption Day which can be reached via the cloister. If crossing the Franziskaner square you may find the monastery garden. (Google map : Path to the Franziskanerkloster)

The chime of bells at the Glockenspielplatz:
A daily occurence at 11:00 a.m. and at 3:00 and 6:00 p.m.. The wooden pair in traditional costume dances at the gable of the house and is an attraction in the historic city of Graz. At the end of the dance the golden rooster yells a triple „cock-a-doodle-doo“. (Google map : Path to the Glockenspielplatz)

The Eggenberg Castle:
The Eggenberg Castle is among the most significant cultural heritages in Austria. The baroque castle contains the natural scientific collections mentioned above. The park with free running peacocks surrounding the castle is always worth a visit. (Google map : Path to the Schloss Eggenberg)

The Hofgasse:
The Hofgasse is one of the sideways of the Sporgasse, leading past some famous buildings and ending at the Burgtor. In this lane is also the former imperial K&K court bakery. Its wooden front door was ordered by Franz Tax from the woodcarver Anton Irschik in 1891. The double-headed eagle is its most noticeable feature. Next to the Freiheitsplatz is the theater which was built in 1776. In front of the latter are the Cathedral, the mausoleum and the priests seminary. (Google map : Path to the Hofgasse)

The Stadtpark:
In the course of a counter trade the ex-mayor Moritz Ritter von Franck received the grounds of the Glacis, where the citizens then planted the park. Today the park is a recreation area for young and old to relax. Also, several monuments of well-known celebrities can be found there. (Google map : Path to the Stadtpark)

2. Leisure activities

• Civic Hall of Graz
• Stefanies Hall
• Opera House
• Next Liberty
• Theater „ Schauspielhaus“
• Orpheum
• The Casino
• Helmut List Hall
• Soap Factory
• Cabaret – TheaterCafe
• UPC-Arena

Civic Hall of Graz:
The civic hall has a capacity of 11.000 visitors and many concerts and fairs take place there. (homepage of the civic hall)

Stefanies Hall:
The Stefaniensaal was inaugurated by the Dauphin Rudolf and Princess Stefanie setting a new milestone for events on November the 4th in 1885. The palatial premises are used for various events of culture, arts and economy. For more information click here...

Opera House:
The opera house was inaugurated on September the 16th in 1899 with „Wilhelm Tell“ a play by famous Schiller. More online information concerning playing schedule.

Next Liberty:
Next to the opera house the „Next Liberty“ can be found. „Smart plays for young people“ are given there. For more information click here...

Theater „ Schauspielhaus“:
An overview over the programme can be found here...

Orpheum:
Address: Volksgartenstraße 10 / 1, A-8020 Graz. For more information click here...

The Casino:
Try your luck in the casino of Graz in the Landhausgasse 10, 8010 Graz or online.

Helmut List Hall:
Various events for young and old people... For more information click ...here

Soap Factory:
A unique location for events with historic character... For more information click ...here

Cabaret – Theater Cafe:
Address: Madellstraße 11, A-8010 Graz. Within walking distance from the hotel to the "Theater Cafe".

UPC-Arena:
Footballfans: The UPC-Arena sets the scene for many national and international soccer games. A few minutes away from the hotel using the tramway N° 4. For more information click here...

3. Museums

Old Gallery of Graz
Botanical Garden
Museum of the Diocese
Museum of the Garrison
House of Architecture
New Gallery of Graz
House of Science
Childrens museum Frida&Fred
Museum of Crime
House of arts Graz
Arsenal
House of Literature
Museum of Aviation
The Mausoleum
Museum of perception
Collections of natural history and science

and much more

Find all important informations about entrance fees and opening times here.