Hiking, climbing and running
Where can you find the most beautiful walking and hiking trails in Graz and the surrounding area?
If you love hiking, you'll love Graz! From leisurely walks through green parks and gardens to scenic hiking trails with panoramic views, Graz offers plenty of opportunities to explore nature right on the city's doorstep.
Discover the picturesque Rettenbachklamm gorge, hike up Kehlberg or explore the trails on Plabutsch, where the Fürstenstand viewing platform rewards you with spectacular views over Graz. The nearby Schöckl, Graz's local mountain, is another popular destination for hikers. Its summit can be reached on foot or comfortably by cable car.
Looking for more outdoor adventures? The surrounding Graz Region offers a wide variety of hiking trails, from easy family walks to more challenging mountain hikes – all within easy reach of the city.
Our tip: Hiking makes you hungry! Freshly baked bread, fruit and vegetables are great hiking snacks – all of them available at the farmers’ markets of Graz.
35 hikes around Graz
From city to countryside in 10 minutes
The Graz Region can rightly be described as a hiker's paradise. Few regions offer such a wide range of landscapes and outstanding natural experiences within easy reach of an international city renowned for its culture, cuisine and role as the capital of Styria.
This brochure "Hiking around Graz" provides an overview of the main hiking
areas in the Graz Region and presents 35 carefully selected tours showcasing the area's diverse landscapes.
You can download the "Hiking around Graz" brochure as a PDF here, order it online, or pick up a free printed copy at the Graz Region Tourist Information Office at Herrengasse 16.
From city to countryside in 10 minutes
Hiking areas in the Graz Region
With Graz as the capital of Styria and Austria’s second-largest city, an urban starting point lies right next to very different hiking landscapes. Plabutsch within the city limits and Schöckl just outside Graz show this proximity particularly well. From city to countryside in 10 minutes often applies quite literally here.
- Graz and the south of Graz: urban hikes, Mur river meadows, lakes and gentle hills
- Grazer Bergland: Gleinalm, summit crosses, cultural sites and the Grazer Bergland Hiking Trail
- Lipizzanerheimat: Stubalpe, Hebalm, Reinischkogel, alpine huts and traditional wine taverns
- Hügel- and Schöcklland: Schöckl, gorges, Semriach, Laßnitzhöhe and St. Radegund
Guided hikes
Guided hikes reveal trails, landscapes and stories that can easily go unnoticed along the way. Local guides lead through gorges, across alpine pastures, up to scenic heights and to special places throughout the Graz Region.
The programme ranges from themed and nature-focused hikes to more challenging summit tours. In winter, snowshoe hikes add another way to explore the landscape. Culture, regional character and places to stop for food and drink are part of many tours.
FAQs: Hiking, Climbing and Running in Graz
Everything you need to know about hiking trails, running routes and outdoor activities in Graz.
Graz offers numerous hiking trails within the city and its surroundings. Popular destinations include Schlossberg, Plabutsch, Buchkogel, Kehlberg and Schöckl. Whether you prefer a short walk or a more challenging hike, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Graz on foot.
Yes, Graz is ideal for leisurely walks. Stadtpark, Augarten, Hilmteich and Leechwald offer pleasant routes through green spaces and along the water. Schlossberg is another popular destination for a walk with beautiful views over the city.
Schlossberg offers panoramic views of the historic city centre, while Plabutsch and its Fürstenstand viewing platform provide impressive views of Graz and the surrounding landscape. Buchkogel and Kehlberg are also attractive destinations for scenic hikes.
Popular running areas include the Mur riverside paths, Augarten and Leechwald. The 15-kilometre inner-city running route follows sections of the Mur, while Leechwald offers longer forest routes. A 9.5-kilometre route is also available for less experienced runners.
Popular running areas include the Mur riverside paths, Augarten and Leechwald. The 15-kilometre inner-city running route follows sections of the Mur, while Leechwald offers longer forest routes. A 9.5-kilometre route is also available for less experienced runners.
Graz offers indoor and outdoor climbing opportunities. Climbing parks near Hilmteich and Schöckl provide outdoor adventures, while indoor climbing and bouldering halls are good alternatives in bad weather. There is also a public climbing wall along the Mur promenade near Erzherzog-Johann-Brücke.
Yes, many walking and hiking routes start within the city or can be reached by public transport. Schlossberg is located in the historic centre, while Hilmteich and Leechwald can be reached by tram line 1. For hikes further afield, check the available public transport connections before setting off.
The Graz Region offers a selection of 35 hiking tours, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. Detailed route descriptions, maps, distances and elevation profiles are available online.