Bisected by the Mur River and home to a lively student population and gorgeous medieval old town, the Austrian city of Graz shimmers with vacation potential. From a Graz hotel you can visit the baroque fortress remains on the Schlossberg above the city, as well as check out the vibrant art scene found in the unique dome of the Kunsthaus Graz. This city is a multi-faceted destination with ample opportunity to get out of town to explore the charms of southern Austria.
While northern Austria is famous for its exceptional winter sports and stunning mountain towns and vistas, southern Austria is equally attractive. There is no better location in southern Austria for a 5-star hotel than Graz; a 14th century city with ample historic, cultural and artistic attractions to discover. Begin your exploration of Graz in the city’s medieval old town, where colorful facades and cobbled alleyways are overlooked by the city’s charming clock tower; all of which are characteristic of classic Renaissance Austrian architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, hotels near Graz’s old town place you in the historical beating heart of this gorgeous city. Just across the Mur River you will find the eye-catchingly bulbous silver dome of Kunsthaus Graz; a must-visit for fans of contemporary art. Known as the ‘friendly alien, ’ exhibits here change every three or four months so there’s always something interesting to check out. For a glimpse into Graz’s past and sweeping views over red roofs and green spaces of the city, the Schlossberg is the best spot in town. The former site of a 10th century fortress, the hill is now the site of a park and entertainment space, and can be accessed by various staircases – or a funicular if you’re looking to take it easy! Thanks to the city’s large student population, Graz is a great place to let your hair down. Numerous bars, restaurants and nightclubs can be found all over the city, many of which are focused around the old town and are therefore very accessible from your hotel. Graz also provides travelers with a taste of Styria, where Michelin-starred restaurants serve up modern spins on Austrian classics. The area is famous for its pumpkin seed oil, and its location close to the border with [Slovenia] means that Graz’s foodie scene has been increasingly influenced by its neighbors for generations. If you’re looking to get out of town to explore the Styrian countryside, a hotel in Graz is the perfect base. Spend the day hiking Schöckl Mountain or take a stroll in the wooded area surrounding the antiquated towers of Burg Rabenstein.
From hotels in medieval Graz to the jagged peaks of Tyrol, it’s as though Austria was a country designed with adventure in mind. If you’re a fan of winter sports, then few places in Europe can compete with the kilometers of exquisite pistes in the Austrian Alps. Base yourself in a cozy hotel in Innsbruck to have access to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Furthermore, Innsbruck’s majestic atmosphere, mountainous location and beautiful architecture will make sure you’ll want to stick around a little longer. In picturesque Salzburg you can spend days exploring the stylish Altstadt along the banks of the Salzach River. Located close to the border with Germany, Salzburg is famous as the birthplace of Mozart, and becomes a traditional winter wonderland during the holidays. The nearby ski resorts of Bad Gastein and Kitzbühel feature many slopes with cater every ability, alongside horse-drawn carriage rides, cross-country skiing and ski schools for kids and beginners. If you’re looking for a vacation in one of Europe’s grandest cities, then a hotel in Vienna is highly recommended. The Austrian capital is a hub of art, history and culture; peppered with sprawling palace complexes, museums and imperial architecture. When it comes to Austrian cuisine, Vienna is the place to indulge. Opulent coffee houses are abundant and the local bistros (or ‘Beisln’) serve up hearty portions of Wiener schnitzel and tafelspitz. Austria is a county waiting to be explored, and a hotel in Graz is the perfect place to begin your adventure.