Wine taverns / "Buschenschank" taverns in Graz

A Buschenschank (plural: Buschenschänken) is a traditional, often family-run establishment that serves only cold food and drinks – all made on the premises.

The typical Buschenschank dish is the Styrian ‘Brettljause’. It consists of cold cuts such as smoked meat, roast pork, ham, dry sausages, bacon, pork loin, smoked sausages and spreads such as Verhackert, liver sausage, crackling fat, roast fat, pumpkin seed spread, as well as horseradish and brown bread. The Brettljause is served on a wooden board. It is accompanied by wine, Sturm, cider or grape juice. The vegetarian alternative consists of open sandwiches with various cheeses, salads or spreads.

Most wine taverns are found in the Styrian vineyards – just a half-hour’s drive away, the South Styrian wine region beckons with its rolling hills. But there are also a few places in Graz that serve the traditional Styrian platter. Find out more here in our restaurant guide.

In a Buschenschank, only cold dishes produced on the premises may be served. In a Heuriger, hot dishes may also be served. A visit to a Buschenschank can be easily combined with a wine tasting, and you can then purchase wines directly on the premises. Although wines can also be tasted at a Heuriger, they cannot be purchased on the premises. Heurigers may be open all year round, whereas Buschenschanks are usually only open at certain times. Traditionally, a juniper branch (a ‘Buschen’ – the origin of the name ‘Buschenschank’) is hung outside the door to indicate whether the Buschenschank is open.

The best time to visit a Buschenschank in and around Graz is from spring to autumn, when the vineyards, natural surroundings and Styrian culinary culture can be experienced in a particularly atmospheric setting. Afternoons and evenings are particularly popular, when regional specialities, Styrian snacks and local wines can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. A typical visit usually lasts between one and three hours and is ideal for couples, groups, families and anyone who appreciates authentic Styrian cuisine in peaceful surroundings. Many Buschenschänken are just a few minutes’ drive from Graz and combine enjoyable outings with regional cuisine, nature and genuine Styrian hospitality.

Numerous wine taverns around Graz are ideal to combine with a hike. Many are situated directly on hiking trails or form the destination of attractive circular walks through rolling hills, vineyards and woods. This makes a stop at a tavern a delightful break in the heart of the countryside. Examples such as the Buschenschank Zach in Ligist on the Ligister Circular Trail, the Buschenschank Schachner on the Maestoso Circular Trail or the Mostschenke Hörgasbauer along the Grazer Bergland Hiking Trail show just how closely hiking and Styrian culinary culture are linked. The trails are often short, scenic and perfect for couples, families or groups. Especially around Graz, this creates a special combination of nature experiences, active relaxation and authentic wine tavern culture – from an urban starting point to a relaxing stop in the countryside.

Whether along rivers, through vineyards or across rolling hills – many wine taverns can be incorporated directly into cycle routes, making a stop for refreshments a special part of the journey. Particularly along the Mur Cycle Path, there are ideal combinations of active relaxation and regional delights. Wine taverns such as the Buschenschank Dokter near Ligist, the Buschenschank Zach in Kalsdorf or the Heurige Kager’s AUSZEIT are perfect as a stopover, a well-deserved break or the destination of an enjoyable stage. This turns cycling around Graz into an authentic experience combining nature, exercise and Styrian wine tavern culture.