Following the immediate aftermath of the corona crisis, Austria has once again eased its travel restrictions and I have promptly jumped at the opportunity to give in to my itchy feet again. Graz it is, and what used to be only a two-hour-journey from Vienna suddenly bore the almost same excitement as a round the world trip: What if … I forget my face mask? Something happens along the way, on the train? I miss my little son too much?
Besides the trip to Graz having been my very first trip after the worldwide corona pandemic, it has also been my first ever trip without my son Liam, now one year old. I must say I’ve once again really enjoyed being on the road by myself, posting merry InstaStories, shooting a short video, and telling you more about what there is to see and do in beautiful Graz.
My little Graz trip led me to explore Volksgarten Park right off Graz’ main station, the Lendplatz square and the Lendviertel district, to walk past the Murinsel artificial island on the Mur river and up the Grazer Schlossberg, a short albeit steep hill above the river and Graz old town. You may know it from its iconic view of the Graz Clock Tower. Further on, I’ve come down again on the other side of the hill, back into the old town, and down across the main square to the equally famous Kunsthaus Graz art museum, which has a caption saying “friendly alien” across its shiny facade. It’s a walk that has taken me, altogether, about three hours including breaks, and I can really recommend it, especially when arriving in Graz by public transport and going to and from the main station.
(One set of the) Green lungs of Graz: Volksgarten Park.
Take me by the lovely window decoration at Gasthaus Lend-Platzl restaurant …
… and I find that Graz’ Lendviertel district always has something to show, such as this rather quirky hair salon (it says, “Shake what your parents gave you!”, and “Head over heels into the next adventure” …!).
Further on we go crossing the Mur river, including a look upon the Murinsel island hosting a gallery, an exhibition space and a cafe right on the river. What a great “relic” of Graz being Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003 …
… up and up the Schlossberg hill (it’s “only” 260 steps …!) …
… after all, why not take a seat here and relax …
… even uncovering this little gem in the form of a small vineyard: Whose wine is being grown here, I wonder ..?
The views across the old town from Schlossberg hill are definitely worth the effort of the climb.
Finally, take a look at the famous Graz Clock Tower from down below …
… the adjacent viewing platform with access to majestic views across the city and its surroundings is nicely done, too.
Last but not least, here’s a picture of that “friendly alien” I was talking about: Kunsthaus Graz art museum. I strongly recommend you to go: I’ve last been just over a year ago with my cultural tourism students, and really enjoyed its exhibitions.
See you soon in Graz!