First-time visitors
Begin with Graz’s Old Town, walking past the Uhrturm and Schlossberg. Include a visit to Schloss Eggenberg and a ride up to the Dachstein Glacier for mountain views.
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Things to do in Steiermark
Steiermark offers a mix of alpine landscapes, historic towns, and wine regions, including Graz and the Styrian wine road. Below are bookable tours and tickets from partners, plus a brief local guide while full editorial content develops.
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How are you travelling?
A starting point for shaping the trip around the way you actually travel — not a fixed itinerary.
Families
Visit the Märchenpark near St. Radegund for children’s stories and playgrounds, or the Tierpark Herberstein wildlife park with regional animals. The Schlossberg funicular in Graz is also family-friendly.
See suggested experiencesCouples
Evenings in Graz offer dining in the Lend district or by the Mur river. Wine tastings along the South Styrian Wine Road provide intimate experiences with regional wines.
See suggested experiencesCulture lovers
Museums in Graz include the Universalmuseum Joanneum’s Kunsthaus and the Styrian Armoury. Historic sites include Eggenberg Palace and the medieval town of Leoben.
See suggested experiencesFood & local flavour
The Farmer’s Market at Kaiser-Josef-Platz in Graz showcases local produce. Try pumpkin seed oil, Styrian wines, and traditional dishes like Steirisches Wurzelfleisch at regional inns.
See suggested experiencesEasy wins / short stays
Spend a day in Graz’s Old Town, followed by half a day at Schloss Eggenberg and an evening in Lend. On day two, take a Dachstein glacier tour or visit the South Styrian wine region.
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Landmark tickets
Look for tickets to Schloss Eggenberg, the Uhrturm on Schlossberg, and guided tours of Graz’s Old Town.
See optionsMuseums & culture
Tickets are available for Universalmuseum Joanneum’s Kunsthaus, Styrian Armoury, and the Joanneum’s Natural History Museum.
See optionsWalking tours
Walking tours frequently focus on Graz’s Old Town and the Lend district, highlighting architecture and local history.
See optionsFood & wine
Look for wine tasting tours in the South Styrian Wine Road and market visits in Graz.
See optionsRiver & boat tours
Mur river boat tours in Graz are occasional but offer a different city perspective.
See optionsDay trips
Popular day trips include the Dachstein Glacier region, Riegersburg Castle, and the wine villages around Leibnitz.
See optionsFamily activities
Family activities include Märchenpark, Tierpark Herberstein, and Schlossberg funicular rides.
See optionsTransfers & practical travel
Flights arrive at Graz Airport; transfers and regional buses connect to main towns and attractions.
See optionsTrip-planning notes
A short guide to Steiermark
What should you book ahead in Steiermark?
In peak seasons such as summer and early autumn, book tickets for Schloss Eggenberg and guided tours of Graz’s Old Town well in advance. Dachstein Glacier tours, especially those involving cable cars or ice cave visits, often require early booking to secure spots. Wine tasting tours along the South Styrian Wine Road can also fill up on weekends. Booking ahead ensures access during weekends, holidays, and festival periods like the Styriarte music festival.
What can usually wait until you arrive?
Casual visits to Graz’s markets, such as Kaiser-Josef-Platz, and spontaneous walks through local neighbourhoods like Lend or the historic centre can be left flexible. Dining at regional inns or trying pumpkin seed oil in local restaurants rarely requires advance reservations except on public holidays. Short hikes or visits to smaller villages in Steiermark can also be planned on the spot depending on weather.
Tickets, guided tours or passes?
Single-entry tickets work well for Schloss Eggenberg and museums like the Styrian Armoury if you prefer independent visits. Guided tours add context in Graz’s Old Town, particularly for first-timers interested in history and architecture. The Graz Card offers entry discounts and transport but may not cover all rural attractions. For Dachstein Glacier, combined cable car and tour tickets simplify logistics and guarantee timing.
A simple first-trip plan
Start day one with a morning stroll of Graz’s Hauptplatz and the Schlossberg, then visit Schloss Eggenberg in the afternoon. Evening meals in the Lend district provide regional dishes. Day two can be dedicated to a half-day Dachstein Glacier cable car and ice cave tour, returning for a late afternoon wine tasting near Leibnitz. On day three, consider a relaxed morning at the farmer’s market followed by a visit to the Styrian Armoury before departure.
Quick answers
The short version
Direct answers to the questions most travellers actually ask before they book.
- Best things to do in Steiermark for first-time visitors
- First-timers should focus on Graz’s Old Town, Schloss Eggenberg, the Schlossberg Uhrturm viewpoint, and a trip to the Dachstein Glacier region for alpine scenery.
- What should you book ahead in Steiermark?
- Advance booking is recommended for Schloss Eggenberg tours, Dachstein Glacier cable cars and ice caves, and weekend wine tasting tours, especially in summer and autumn.
- Best Steiermark experiences by travel style
- Families benefit from Märchenpark and Tierpark Herberstein visits; couples enjoy wine tastings and evening dining in Graz’s Lend; culture lovers focus on the Universalmuseum Joanneum and historic sites.
- How to choose tours and tickets in Steiermark
- Opt for guided tours in Graz’s Old Town for historical context, single-entry tickets for museums like the Styrian Armoury, and combo passes for Dachstein Glacier cable car plus activities.
- Simple first-trip plan for Steiermark
- Spend a day in Graz visiting the Hauptplatz, Schlossberg, and Schloss Eggenberg, then take a day trip to Dachstein Glacier or the South Styrian Wine Road.
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Compare more Steiermark tours and tickets
Each partner has a different sweet spot. Use this as a shortcut to the right catalogue for what you're trying to book.
Headout
Best for Schloss Eggenberg tickets
Headout offers quick booking for Schloss Eggenberg and select Graz city tours with instant confirmation.
Browse HeadoutGetYourGuide
Best for Dachstein Glacier tours
GetYourGuide provides a wide range of Dachstein Glacier excursions and regional day trips with flexible cancellation.
Browse GetYourGuideTiqets
Best for museum timed entries
Tiqets specializes in timed entry to Graz museums like the Kunsthaus and Styrian Armoury, reducing wait times.
Browse TiqetsViator
Best for day trips and breadth
Viator offers extensive options including wine tours, wildlife parks, and multi-attraction passes covering Steiermark.
Browse ViatorFAQ
Frequently asked questions about Steiermark
- Visit Graz’s Old Town, especially the Schlossberg and Uhrturm. Include Schloss Eggenberg and allocate time for a trip to the Dachstein Glacier region for mountain landscapes.
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