Day Trips
Graz — 20 minutes
Austria's second-largest city and a UNESCO City of Design. Graz is vibrant, walkable, and full of surprises. It feels nothing like Vienna — it's warmer, more relaxed, and more Mediterranean in character.
- Schlossberg: The hill in the city centre, topped by the iconic clock tower. Take the lift or the steps. The views are outstanding.
- Kunsthaus Graz: The "Friendly Alien" — a biomorphic art museum that is itself a work of art.
- Altstadt (Old Town): Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Narrow lanes, courtyards, and the grand Hauptplatz.
- Murinsel: A floating platform/café on the River Mur, designed by Vito Acconci.
- Farmers' market (Kaiser-Josef-Platz): Daily except Sunday. One of Austria's best.
Stainz
The market town of Stainz is the cultural centre of the Schilcherland region. Named Erzherzog-Johann-Markt in honour of Archduke Johann.
- Schloss Stainz: A former Augustinian monastery, now housing a hunting museum and an agricultural museum.
- The Flascherlzug: A charming narrow-gauge steam train between Stainz and Preding on selected days.
Deutschlandsberg Castle
A stunning hilltop castle overlooking the town of Deutschlandsberg, with a museum, restaurant, and panoramic views of the surrounding wine country. The castle dates back to the 12th century and has been beautifully restored. Dining at the castle with views across the Schilcherland is memorable, especially at sunset.
South Styrian Wine Road — 45–60 minutes
If you're a wine lover and have a free day, the South Styrian Wine Road is worth the drive. This is one of Europe's most beautiful wine routes — rolling vineyards, world-class Sauvignon Blanc, and Buschenschänke with views that rival Tuscany.
Key stops: Gamlitz, Ratsch an der Weinstraße, Leutschach, Kitzeck im Sausal (the highest wine village in Europe).
Piber Stud Farm
The world-famous Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna are bred and raised at the Piber Stud Farm in Western Styria. Guided tours are available.
Local attractions
Schloss Stainz
~12 min driveFormer Augustinian monastery housing a hunting museum and agricultural museum (Universalmuseum Joanneum).
The agricultural museum tells the story of this region beautifully. Worth a couple of hours, especially on a rainy day.
Deutschlandsberg Castle
~20 min drive12th-century hilltop castle with museum, restaurant, and panoramic views of the Schilcherland.
The restaurant at the castle is worth the trip alone, especially at sunset. Book ahead for dinner.
Flascherlzug (Steam Train)
~12 min driveNarrow-gauge heritage steam train between Stainz and Preding.
A charming, slow ride through the Schilcherland. Runs on selected days — check schedule. Kids love it.
Piber Stud Farm (Lipizzaner)
~25 min driveWhere the famous Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School are bred and raised.
Guided tours available. Beautiful grounds even if you're not a horse person.
Thermal spas
Styria has several excellent thermal spas (Thermen), perfect for a rainy day or a rest day.
Therme Loipersdorf
~50 min driveOne of Austria's largest thermal spa complexes.
The perfect rainy-day plan. Bring swimwear. You can easily spend half a day here.
Parktherme Bad Radkersburg
~60 min driveElegant thermal spa town near the Slovenian border.
More refined than Loipersdorf. Beautiful setting. Combine with a drive through the South Styrian wine country.
Slovenia — 1–1.5 hours
The Slovenian border is surprisingly close. Maribor (Slovenia's second city) is approximately 1 hour. Ljubljana is approximately 1.5 hours. Both offer excellent dining, wine culture, and a slightly different Central European character.
See also: Getting Around, The Schilcher Wine Road, Seasonal Guide