Graz: Where nature meets the city
Mediterranean flair, green retreats and relaxed urban living: discover the green side of Graz!
In Graz, nature and city life go hand in hand. Around 68% of the city area is green space, and within just a few minutes from the city centre you can reach parks, forests, gardens, walking trails and nearby mountains. Whether it's the Schlossberg, Stadtpark, Hilmteich, Leech Forest, Schöckl or the River Mur, Graz combines vibrant city life with memorable nature experiences in a uniquely relaxed way.
Green City Graz: Short Distances, Endless Green
In Graz, peaceful natural retreats and scenic viewpoints are just minutes apart. A walk through the Stadtpark, a hike up the Schlossberg or a bike ride along the River Mur often starts right on your doorstep. This makes it easy to combine sightseeing and vibrant city life with outdoor activities and relaxing moments surrounded by nature.
Natural Retreats and Green Spaces in Graz
Green oases, scenic viewpoints and peaceful places in the heart of the city
Whether you are looking for spacious parks, shady forests or panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city, Graz offers a wide variety of natural retreats that are easy to combine with a city stroll. Many of them are just a short walk away or can be reached within minutes by public transport. Discovering the green side of Graz couldn't be easier during your stay.
Schlossberg
Graz's green landmark with panoramic views of the UNESCO World Heritage City
The Schlossberg (473 m) is Graz's green landmark, combining nature, history and spectacular panoramic views.
Located in the heart of the city, the Schlossberg is just 600–700 metres from the Main Square. The iconic Clock Tower can be reached on foot in 10–15 minutes, either through the charming streets of Graz's Old Town, such as Sporgasse, or via the Schlossberg Trail with its 260 steps. Alternatively, you can enjoy a comfortable ride to the top by taking the Schlossberg Lift or the Schlossberg Funicular.
The wooded hill offers scenic walking paths, historic fortifications, the famous Graz Clock Tower, inviting outdoor cafés and restaurants, and numerous viewpoints overlooking the city.
The Schlossberg is especially magical at sunset and is the perfect place for a picnic while enjoying sweeping views across the rooftops of Graz's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.
Parks & Gardens
Green retreats for walking, relaxing and enjoying nature – right in the heart of Graz.
- Graz City Park (Stadtpark): Graz City Park surrounds the Old Town like a green belt and is one of the city's most popular places to relax. Majestic old trees, spacious lawns, monuments and walking paths make it the perfect spot for a break between sightseeing and shopping. In spring and summer, the park becomes a lively meeting place for jogging, picnics on the grass or enjoying a coffee at one of the nearby outdoor cafés.
- Hilmteich & Leech Forest: Just a few minutes by tram from the city centre, Hilmteich and the neighbouring Leech Forest are among Graz's favourite recreational areas. Walking paths circle the lake, while boat rentals, a climbing park and restaurants provide plenty of leisure activities. Leech Forest is the largest continuous woodland in eastern Graz and offers shaded trails for hiking, running and relaxing.
- Augarten: Located directly on the River Mur, Augarten is one of Graz's most popular parks. Spacious green areas, playgrounds, walking paths and its riverside location make it an ideal meeting place for families, sports enthusiasts and anyone looking to unwind. On warm days, Augarten Bay is perfect for relaxing, sunbathing or enjoying a picnic by the water. The park is also easily accessible via the Mur Cycle Path.
- Rosenhain: Rosenhain is one of Graz's most peaceful scenic viewpoints. Expansive meadows, shaded walking trails and beautiful views across the city make it a favourite destination for anyone seeking a quiet escape from the busy city centre. Especially in spring and autumn, Rosenhain is ideal for leisurely walks or a picnic surrounded by nature. Thanks to its location near the University of Graz, it can easily be combined with a visit to the Botanical Garden.
Around the University of Graz, vibrant city life blends seamlessly with peaceful nature. Stroll along Zinzendorfgasse with its cafés before continuing to the Leech Church. A walk around the church reveals the charming garden hidden behind the historic building – a tranquil spot that many visitors never discover.
Schöckl – Graz's local mountain at 1,445 metres
Alpine nature just 40 minutes from the city centre
The Schöckl is one of the most popular natural attractions around Graz. The valley station of the Schöckl cable car can be reached from the city centre in around 40 minutes. The environmentally friendly Regional Bus 250 takes you from Jakominiplatz directly to the valley station. From there, the gondola carries visitors to an altitude of 1,445 metres in just 7 minutes.
At the summit, breathtaking panoramic views stretch across Graz, Styria and, on clear days, as far as Slovenia. Whether you prefer hiking, the summer toboggan run, the climbing park, disc golf, mountain biking or simply soaking up the scenery, the Schöckl perfectly combines a city break with an unforgettable nature experience.
Mur Cycle Path
The Mur Cycle Path runs through the heart of Graz, combining nature, leisure and the city's most beautiful sights.
Following the River Mur, the Mur Cycle Path connects vibrant urban neighbourhoods with peaceful green retreats. Stretching for around 450 kilometres from the Hohe Tauern mountains in Salzburg to Croatia, it is one of Austria's most popular cycling routes. In Graz, it passes directly through the city, offering a relaxed way to explore attractions, parks and charming riverside spots by bike.
Discover the northern section of the Mur Cycle Path, where nature and culinary delights go hand in hand. A walk or bike ride takes you to Kalvarienberg, a peaceful viewpoint overlooking Graz. Afterwards, the Murheurige, located directly on the banks of the River Mur, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy regional specialities. If you would like to stay longer, the NOVAPARK Graz Airplane Hotel offers an excellent base for exploring the green northern part of the city.
In the south of Graz, the River Mur reveals its most relaxing side. Around Stadtstrand Graz, you can soak up the sun, unwind on a deckchair, rent a boat or simply enjoy the peaceful riverside scenery. A special highlight is a raft trip on the River Mur, offering a completely new perspective of Graz from the water.
Urban Hiking in Graz
Hiking in the city? Graz shows just how enjoyable it can be.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk or a scenic hike, in Graz your nature adventure often starts right on your doorstep. Numerous parks, forests, recreational areas, hills and even mountains are located within the city or can be reached in just a few minutes. All starting points for the official walking and hiking routes are easily accessible by public transport, making them ideal for actively exploring the green city of Graz.
Among the most popular urban hiking destinations are the Schlossberg, Leech Forest and Hilmteich, Rosenhain, Reinerkogel, Buchkogel, Rettenbach Gorge, and Plabutsch with the Fürstenstand Observation Tower. These varied routes lead through shady forests, past scenic viewpoints and historic landmarks, while offering spectacular views of Graz's Old Town and the surrounding landscape.
Our tip: On the overview page for Graz's walking and hiking trails, you'll find plenty of route suggestions – from a stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town to scenic urban hikes across Graz's local hills, forests and most beautiful viewpoints.
Nature Meets Culinary Delights
Enjoy Graz – best experienced surrounded by nature
Graz is the Foodie Capital of Austria, and many of its finest culinary experiences can be enjoyed in or close to its green spaces. After a stroll through Graz City Park, Salættl or Café Promenade are perfect places to take a break. At Purberg by Hilmteich, nature and excellent cuisine come together. Around the River Mur, Lendplatz and the city's farmers' markets, you'll discover Graz at its most authentic, regional and vibrant.
A picnic in the park is another wonderful way to experience Graz. Fresh regional products from the farmers' market, a shady spot in Graz City Park or panoramic views from the Schlossberg transform a simple break into a memorable city experience.
Tip: Discover the best restaurants, cafés and culinary hotspots in Graz with our Gastro Guide.
Wine Regions
Just 40 minutes by car from Graz
Only around 40 kilometres south of Graz lies Southern Styria, one of Austria's best-known wine regions, home to numerous wineries and traditional Buschenschänken (wine taverns). The South Styrian Wine Road, the oldest and most famous of Styria's wine routes, stretches for 25.5 kilometres through rolling hills, vineyards and charming wine villages such as Gamlitz, Ehrenhausen and Leutschach. This makes it easy to combine a city break in Graz with regional cuisine, beautiful natural landscapes and unforgettable excursions into Styria's wine country.
Green City Graz: Exploring Sustainably
Graz is one of Austria's greenest cities. With around 68% green space, an extensive public transport network, environmentally friendly accommodation and short distances, the city is easy to explore while minimising your environmental impact. As a Green City, Graz also supports initiatives such as the Refill Austria network with free drinking water refill stations and a range of urban gardening projects.
Why Graz is perfect for slow travel
Graz is best experienced without rushing.
Instead of ticking off as many sights as possible in a short time, take things slowly, follow your curiosity and discover the city mindfully with all your senses. Graz is made for exactly this kind of travel, making it one of Europe's most exciting slow-travel destinations.
Good to Know: Experience Nature in Graz
Everything you need to know about parks, urban hiking and outdoor activities.
Graz combines vibrant city life with outstanding natural experiences. In our FAQs, you'll discover which green spaces you shouldn't miss, where to enjoy outdoor activities and why Graz is considered one of Austria's greenest cities.
Graz combines a historic Old Town with an exceptional amount of green space. Around 68% of the city's area consists of parks, forests, walking trails and recreational areas. Many of these natural retreats are just a short walk from the city's main attractions, making it easy to combine sightseeing, relaxation and outdoor experiences. This unique blend of urban life and nature is what sets Graz apart from many other cities.
Graz offers a wide range of walking and urban hiking trails. Popular routes lead to the Schlossberg, along the River Mur, through the Leech Forest to Hilmteich, across Rosenhain, up Reinerkogel or to Plabutsch. Many trailheads are easily accessible by public transport. You'll find plenty of route suggestions on our Walking and Hiking in Graz page.
Graz offers plenty of beautiful spots for a picnic surrounded by nature. Favourites include Graz City Park, with its spacious lawns and shady trees, the Schlossberg, offering panoramic views over the city's rooftops, and Augarten, located directly on the River Mur. On warm days, Augarten Bay and Stadtstrand Graz are perfect places to relax by the water. Other idyllic locations include Hilmteich, Rosenhain and the riverside areas along the Mur. Whether you bring regional delicacies from a farmers' market or simply a takeaway coffee, Graz makes it easy to combine great food with relaxing moments outdoors.
Graz offers plenty of parks and natural spaces where families can play, explore and relax together. Popular favourites include Graz City Park, Augarten with Augarten Bay and the FRida & freD Children's Museum, Volksgarten, Stadtstrand Graz, as well as Hilmteich and the neighbouring Leech Forest. Walking trails, playgrounds, boat rentals, a climbing park and shady woodland paths provide fun for all ages. The Schlossberg is another family favourite, with spacious walking paths, play areas and the exciting Schlossberg Slide.
Graz uniquely combines a historic Old Town with extensive parks, urban forests, a riverside cycle path and easy access to mountains and wine regions. Within a short time, you can travel from the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town to expansive green spaces, Graz's local mountain, Schöckl, or the vineyards of Styria. This exceptional combination of city life and nature makes Graz a perfect destination for relaxation, outdoor activities and outstanding culinary experiences.
- At 1,445 metres, Schöckl is Graz's local mountain and one of the region's most popular excursion destinations. The valley station of the Schöckl Cable Car in St. Radegund can be reached from the city centre by public transport in around 40 minutes. The cable car ride to the summit takes approximately 7 minutes, covering 655 metres of elevation over a distance of 2.1 km. At the top, you'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views across Graz and Styria.
- The Plabutsch (754 metres) is the highest mountain within the city limits and the largest continuous forest area in western Graz. Its network of hiking trails, mountain bike routes and scenic viewpoints makes it a favourite recreation area. A particular highlight is the Fürstenstand Observation Tower, reopened in 2024, which offers breathtaking panoramic views across Graz, western, southern and eastern Styria, and all the way into Slovenia. Right next to the tower, the Fürstenstand Mountain Restaurant invites visitors to relax and enjoy regional cuisine.
- The Buchkogel (656 metres) forms a wooded ridge together with the Plabutsch on the western edge of Graz. Popular hiking trails lead to the historic Crown Prince Rudolf Observation Tower and the viewing platform beside St. Johann and Paul Church, both offering beautiful views over Graz and the surrounding landscape.
The Mur Cycle Path runs directly through Graz and is one of the city's most popular cycling routes. Following the River Mur, well-maintained paths connect green spaces, major attractions and recreational areas. The route also forms part of the international Mur Cycle Path, which stretches from the Hohe Tauern mountains to Croatia, making it ideal for both short rides and multi-day cycling tours.
Styria's renowned wine regions are just a short journey from Graz. The South Styrian Wine Road can be reached by car in around 45 minutes. The Schilcher Wine Road to the west and the Vulkanland wine region to the east, with their vineyards and traditional Buschenschänken (wine taverns), are also excellent destinations for a day trip.
Yes. Graz is an ideal destination for sustainable travel, as many of its main attractions, parks and natural highlights are just a short walk from one another. An excellent public transport network, together with numerous cycling and walking routes, makes it easy to explore the city without a car.
With around 68% green space, Graz offers an exceptional amount of nature within the city itself. Parks, forests and recreational areas are located close to the historic Old Town, creating a high quality of life for both visitors and residents. Regional farmers' markets, seasonal produce and the close proximity to Styria's wine regions and culinary destinations make a stay in Graz even more authentic and sustainable.
