Things to Do in Steiermark — Austria: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1SchlossbergMust4.8(23,699)

Graz’s wooded hill above the center is the city’s essential orientation point, combining views, paths and fortification remnants. Go up early or toward sunset, then descend into the old town for food and a walk through the lanes.

1.5h FreeWalk up early, or arrive near dusk after day-trippers have thinned.

Pairs with: Uhrturm · Altstadt von Graz · Kunsthaus Graz

#2Nationalpark GesäuseMust4.8(1,909)

This is Styria’s most dramatic alpine landscape: a proper destination for river scenery, mountain walks and time outdoors rather than a roadside tick-box. Choose one manageable trail or valley walk based on conditions, and allow the weather to dictate the plan.

FreeStart hikes early; valley trailheads and parking are busiest from late morning on fair weekends.

Pairs with: Spiegelsee · Turm im Gebirge

#3Altstadt von GrazMust4.7(2,826)

Graz’s old town is one of the region’s defining experiences, with arcades, courtyards, church spires and everyday life concentrated in a walkable core. Give it unhurried time and use it to connect the Schlossberg, museums and a leisurely meal rather than following a rigid route.

3h FreeWalk the side streets early, then return in the evening when the center is at its liveliest.

Pairs with: Schlossberg · Uhrturm · Schloss Eggenberg

#4Schloss EggenbergMust4.6(6,392)

This is Graz’s grandest palace-and-museum visit, with the interiors and landscaped grounds rewarding visitors who want more than the old-town highlights. Reserve a half-day if you take a palace tour; the park also makes a useful quieter counterpoint to central Graz.

2.5h Book aheadChoose an early tour slot, then explore the grounds before or after it.

Reserve a palace-tour time in advance, especially for weekends and the main travel season.

Pairs with: Altstadt von Graz · Kunsthaus Graz

#5Riegersburg CastleMust4.6(6,849)

Riegersburg is Styria’s most commanding castle visit, dramatically positioned above the southeastern countryside and strong enough to justify a dedicated excursion. Combine the ascent, fortress displays and views with a nearby food-focused stop rather than rushing back to Graz.

2.5h Walk upArrive near opening, before tour groups and midday heat build up.

Pairs with: Zotter Schokoladenmanufaktur · Südsteirische Weinstraße

#6Basilika MariazellMust

Mariazell’s basilica is Styria’s great pilgrimage landmark and an atmospheric destination even for secular visitors. Pair the church with a slow walk through the small town and surrounding mountain setting rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.

1.3h FreeVisit early in the day outside major pilgrimage periods for a quieter interior.

Pairs with: Nationalpark Gesäuse

#7Dachstein GlacierMust

The Dachstein is the region’s high-alpine showpiece, offering a dramatic mountain experience without committing to a technical expedition. It is best for travelers who want big scenery and are prepared to adjust plans for weather and seasonal operations.

3.5h Timed entryTake an early ascent, when visibility is often better and queues are shorter.

Buy cable-car tickets ahead in busy periods and keep plans flexible for weather-related changes.

Pairs with: Spiegelsee · Nationalpark Gesäuse

#8UhrturmShould4.8(8,860)

The clock tower is Graz’s unmistakable symbol and the focal point of a Schlossberg visit. It is best treated as a viewpoint stop within a broader hill-and-old-town walk, not as a standalone destination.

20m FreeVisit shortly after opening hours begin in the city, or at dusk for the lights below.

Pairs with: Schlossberg · Altstadt von Graz

#9SpiegelseeShould4.6(1,133)

This mountain lake is prized for its reflective alpine views and is one of the more photogenic short-hike objectives in Styria. Treat it as an early-start outdoor excursion, with enough flexibility for cloud, wind and seasonal access.

3h FreeArrive near dawn for calmer water and before the main hiking crowds.

Pairs with: Nationalpark Gesäuse · Dachstein Glacier

#10Südsteirische WeinstraßeShould

This vine-covered border landscape is the essential slow-travel counterweight to Styria’s cities and mountains. Drive or cycle it deliberately, stopping at a small winery or tavern, and avoid trying to cover the whole route in one rushed outing.

4h FreeWeekday late afternoons are calmer; reserve meals during harvest-season weekends.

Pairs with: Riegersburg Castle · Zotter Schokoladenmanufaktur

#11Kunsthaus GrazShould

Graz’s boldly contemporary art museum is the best architectural and cultural contrast to the old town across the river. Visit for the building as much as the changing exhibitions, then continue along the Mur back toward the historic center.

1.3h Walk upWeekday afternoons are generally less busy than weekend midday.

Pairs with: Altstadt von Graz · Schlossberg · Schloss Eggenberg

#12Zotter SchokoladenmanufakturShould

This playful, substantial chocolate-factory experience is one of southeastern Styria’s strongest family-friendly and food-focused stops. It pairs unusually well with Riegersburg, turning the area into a satisfying full-day excursion from Graz.

2.5h Timed entryTake the first available slot to avoid the busiest tasting rooms.

Book a timed tasting tour ahead for weekends, holidays and school-break periods.

Pairs with: Riegersburg Castle · Südsteirische Weinstraße

#13Schwammerlturm LeobenIf time4.7(272)

This distinctive town-gate tower is the quick visual payoff in Leoben’s compact center. Use it as a brief stop while walking the old town rather than making a special detour from elsewhere in Styria.

20m FreeGo in the morning if you want the square relatively clear.

Pairs with: Museumshof Kammern

#14JudenburgIf time4.3(878)

Judenburg is a pleasant historic market town in the Mur valley, worthwhile as a low-key break between larger sights. Its appeal is the compact center and local atmosphere rather than a long checklist of monuments.

1.3h FreeWeekday mornings are best for a quiet walk through the center.

Pairs with: Sternenturm Judenburg · Stadtmuseum Judenburg · Zeltweg Military Aircraft Museum

#15Sternenturm JudenburgIf time4.7(288)

The tower’s astronomy focus gives Judenburg a stronger reason to stop than its modest size might suggest. It is most worthwhile for families and anyone interested in the sky, especially when a program is running.

1h Timed entryBook a quieter weekday session where possible.

Check the program and reserve ahead for guided or event sessions.

Pairs with: Judenburg · Stadtmuseum Judenburg

#16Zeltweg Military Aircraft MuseumIf time4.7(856)

The aviation collection is one of the better specialist museums in inland Austria and has genuine appeal beyond military-history enthusiasts. It works particularly well as an indoor stop while touring the Murtal, but is not essential for a first Styria itinerary.

1.8h Walk upWeekday mornings are the calmest time to browse the displays.

Pairs with: Judenburg · Eisenbahnmuseum Knittelfeld · Sternenturm Judenburg

#17Turm im GebirgeNiche4.7(106)

This is a niche lookout for travelers already exploring the Murtal rather than a region-defining detour. Use it as a short scenic pause if its access fits your route and the weather is clear.

30m FreeGo only in clear conditions, ideally early or late for better light.

Pairs with: Judenburg · Zeltweg Military Aircraft Museum

#18Eisenbahnmuseum KnittelfeldNiche4.4(254)

A focused railway museum for enthusiasts, with a natural connection to the region’s industrial and transport history. It is a worthwhile add-on in the Murtal, but most first-time visitors should prioritize Graz, the mountains or the castles.

1.3h Walk upCheck opening days before building a route around it.

Pairs with: Zeltweg Military Aircraft Museum · Judenburg

#19Stadtmuseum JudenburgNiche4.7(48)

This small local museum adds context to Judenburg’s history and makes sense if you are already in town. It is not a reason to divert from the region’s headline attractions unless local history is a particular interest.

45m Walk upA weekday visit is usually quiet.

Pairs with: Judenburg · Sternenturm Judenburg

#20Museumshof KammernNiche4.7(64)

This open-air local-history stop is a gentle, specific look at rural life rather than a major regional museum. Include it only if you are nearby and enjoy vernacular buildings or small community collections.

50m Walk upGo on a clear day when the outdoor setting is most enjoyable.

Pairs with: Schwammerlturm Leoben · Nationalpark Gesäuse

#21VW-Käfermuseum GaalNiche4.5(146)

This is a compact enthusiast collection centered on the classic Volkswagen Beetle and related motoring culture. It can be fun on a Murtal driving route, but it is firmly optional for a broad first visit to Styria.

45m Walk upConfirm opening hours before setting out.

Pairs with: Zeltweg Military Aircraft Museum · Judenburg