The city of Graz in Austria is the capital of Styria. Graz - the capital of Styria Schlossberg Castle in Graz

Graz (Austria) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Graz with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Graz (Austria)

Graz is a city in southeastern Austria, the capital of Styria. It is the second most populous city in the country after Vienna. Graz boasts one of the best-preserved historic centers in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with grand Baroque buildings and interesting sights. Above the picturesque Altstadt rises a large hill - the Schlossberg. Many of the surviving historic buildings are influenced by Italian architectural styles. And Graz itself is an important cultural, educational and scientific center of Europe.

Geography and climate

Graz is located on the Mura River 200 km southwest of Vienna near the border with Slovenia and 50 km from Slovenian Maribor. The climate is moderate. Due to its position, southeast of the Alps, Graz is protected from cold western and northern winds. It is much warmer than the rest of Austria and has more sunny days.

Practical information

1. Population - 280 thousand people.
2. Area - 127.56 square kilometers.
3. Language - German.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. The tourist information center is located at Herrengasse 16.

Story

Graz's roots go back to its Roman past. The Romans built a small fort in what is now the old city. In the Middle Ages, the Slovenians built a larger fortress. The name "Graz" comes from the Slovenian word "gradec", which means small castle.

Graz was first mentioned in 1128, when the Dukes of Babenberg turned the place into a major trading city. In the 15th century, under the Habsburgs, the city became the capital of Inner Austria. In the 16th century, Graz was repeatedly attacked by the Turks. Although the fortress located on the Schlossberg was never taken. During World War II, the city was liberated by Soviet troops and was practically undamaged by bombing.

How to get there

Graz Airport is located 9 km south of the center. It is connected by regular flights to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Munich, Zurich. From the airport to the center you can take bus 630, 631 and train S5.

The main station (Hauptbahnhof) is located on the western outskirts of the historical center. Direct trains run to Graz from Vienna, Salzburg, Zurich, Zagreb, Budapest. The A9 and A2 motorways pass near the city.

Shopping and purchases

Don't forget to buy a bottle of Kernöl (pumpkin seed oil). This oil is typical of Styria and has a unique and pleasant taste. It can be purchased in the Kaiser-Josef-Platz, Lendplatz area.

The most important shopping street in Graz is Herrengasse. Many shops are located in the areas of Mariahilferstraße, Schmiedgasse, Sporgasse. The City Park shopping center is located on the southwestern outskirts of the center of Graz. Large shopping centers outside the historical center: Shopping City Seiersberg (accessible by bus 78) and Murpark (tram line 4).

Food and drink

Typical Styrian cuisine is a mixture of Austrian cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Typical dishes: pumpkin soup, Styrian chicken breast with corn, yogurt with herb sauce, anise biscuits, Styrian herbed chicken, nut roll, smoked trout in tartar sauce, kipferl with pumpkin seeds, trout with Riesling wine, fried apple rings, beef fillet with mashed potatoes and celery, pumpkin cream with vegetables, beef steak with beans.

Attractions

The Old Town (Altstadt) of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains many medieval and Italian Renaissance style houses, secret courtyards and narrow streets. The main square is Hauptplatz, located on the left bank of the Mure River. There is a statue of Archduke Johann on it.

Hauptplatz houses the town hall, built at the end of the 19th century, and the historic 17th-century Luegg house with an attractive arcaded façade and stucco decoration.

To the west of the main square is the Gothic Franciscan church (Franziskanerkirche), famous for its tall 17th-century west tower and late Gothic nave with ribbed vaulted ceiling. A stroll through the pedestrian zone of Herrengasse with its many beautiful old mansions, including a beautiful picturesque house (Gemaltes Haus) with 18th-century frescoes, is definitely worth a stroll.

Schlossberg ("Castle Hill") is one of Graz's most popular attractions, offering stunning views of the old town. The massive medieval fortifications were mostly dismantled after the Treaty of Vienna in 1809. Only the old Clock Tower from the 13th century has survived.

The hill has a height of 473 meters. It can be reached by cable car. There are also several other attractions here: a 94-meter Turkish well (Türkenbrunnen) and a 35-meter bell tower (Glockenturm) from 1588 with an eight-ton bell.

The Styrian Arsenal (Landeszeughaus) is the largest collection of historical weapons in the world. The armory was created in 1642 and today is the only arsenal preserved in its original condition in Europe. Includes more than 30 thousand exhibits that cover historical periods from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Collections include: weapons for ordinary soldiers and complex sets of armor for the nobility, small arms and accessories, artillery, edged weapons.

Landhouse

Landhaus is one of the best Renaissance buildings in Austria. Located in the heart of the old town on Herrengasse. This building with a magnificent facade was built in 1565. It has a beautiful arcaded courtyard and a Renaissance fountain, luxurious halls and exquisite ceilings.

Graz Cathedral is a late Gothic church built between 1438-1462 on the site of an earlier religious structure. Of particular note is the main portal, decorated with the coat of arms of Emperor Frederick III. On the south wall you can find the remains of a late Gothic fresco from the 15th century. The interior of the church is made in Baroque style.

Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II and the Church of St. Catherine

The mausoleum was built by an Italian architect commissioned by Emperor Ferdinand II in 1614. It is one of the first domed structures outside of Italy. The interior of the mausoleum is decorated with complex frescoes. There is also a red marble sarcophagus built for Ferdinand's mother, Mary of Bavaria.

Basilica Mariatrost

Basilica Mariatrost (Birth of the Virgin Mary) is a beautiful baroque basilica located on top of a hill. It has a beautiful baroque interior, an impressive altar and frescoes. The basilica offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

The Church of the Sacred Heart is a neo-Gothic church built in 1887. It is the largest religious building in Graz and has the third largest church tower in Austria (109.6 m), as well as stunning stained glass windows.

Eggenberg is a stunning Baroque palace from 1635 with four corner towers, located three kilometers west of the city center. Built on the site of an ancient medieval castle from the 13th century. Inside, you can admire more than 600 magnificent works of art, including a lapidarium with one of the largest collections of Roman stones in Austria, a coin collection and a gallery featuring works from the Romanesque and late Baroque eras.

The Kunsthaus is a contemporary art museum housed in a stunning, innovative building.

Murinsel is an artificial island built from steel in 2003. The middle part consists of a unique amphitheater used for concerts and other events, as well as a cafe and a children's playground with a rope maze.

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The most interesting places and attractions of Graz. Description of places worth seeing in Graz with photos, addresses, descriptions and websites.

The main attractions of Graz

Graz is the second largest city in Austria, the administrative center of the federal state of Styria. The distinctive features of Graz are the combination of different types of architecture and an incredible amount of greenery. In order to understand this city, you need to visit it, but as part of planning such a trip, it makes sense to get acquainted with the main attractions of Graz and decide for yourself what exactly you should see.

The first glance at this structure evokes the thought “they have already arrived.” The reason for this is the unusual architectural appearance of the gallery, reminiscent of a UFO. The builders of the building managed to harmoniously fit such an unusual object among the houses built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The appearance of the gallery building is interesting both during the day and at night. The official opening of the art gallery took place in 2003. This creation of architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier is rightfully considered the most unusual building in Austria and one of the most unusual in the world.

Address: Kosakengasse 1, 8020 Graz, Austria.

The city church is the main religious building in Graz. Built in 1891 and began functioning in 1902, the church is designed in the Baroque style. The highest element of the church is the bell tower, the walls of which are covered with paintings. The interior of the church is mainly striking for its stained glass windows. These days it is a functioning Orthodox church, so you should take this into account when choosing clothes for visiting it.

Address: Annenstrasse 4, 8020 Graz, Austria.

Schlossberg Fortress

The fortress was built back in the 12th century and only the clock tower with three bells, each of which had its own purpose, has survived to this day. Please note that the hour hand is longer than the minute hand - this is because the minute hand was set much later than the hour hand. The greatest damage to the unique architectural structure was caused by Napoleon, who ordered the fortress to be blown up in 1809. Nowadays there is a beautiful garden on the territory of the fortress, and there is also a restaurant where you can eat in the shade of the green trees of the garden. Pay attention to the sculpture of a dog, which, according to legend, thwarted the plans of the King of Hungary, Matthias Corvinus, to kidnap the emperor’s daughter after refusing to marry her to him. It was her loud barking that thwarted such a bad plan.

Address: Sackstraße 32, 8010 Graz, Austria.

Schedule: daily from 10-00 to 17-00.

Cost of visit: for adults – 4 euros, for children and students admission is free.

The staircase leading to the castle (fortress) of the same name is itself one of the main attractions of Graz. It was built in the 12th century and is a structure meandering along the slope of a rock, with observation platforms on several levels. Be prepared for the fact that climbing the stairs on foot is very tiring and takes about half an hour, but these inconveniences will be more than compensated by the beautiful photographs of Graz.

Address: Schlossbergsteig, 8010 Graz, Austria

Another architectural structure, the construction of which began in the 16th century, and the last stage of restoration work was completed quite recently, in 2008. The palace is located next to the city walls and served a serious defensive function. The highlight of the Graz Palace is the double spiral staircase, built in 1449 under the strict leadership of Emperor Maximilian I.

It is not possible to visit the interior of the castle due to the fact that one of the municipal offices of Graz is located there, but it is possible to walk through its territory and courtyard, as well as see that very staircase.

Address: Freiheitsplatz 6, 8010 Graz, Austria

Working hours: daily from 10-00 to 15-00.

Eggenberg Palace is an incredibly beautiful building, the very appearance of which emphasizes the aristocracy of its inhabitants. Initially, this masterpiece of world architecture was built in 1635 according to the ideas of Prince Eggenberg, and was finally “put into operation” in 1646. Having enjoyed the external beauty of the castle, proceed to its interior, where you will be invited to view paintings in the gallery, the number of which exceeds 6 hundred, beautiful furniture and an abundance of zodiac signs on the walls and ceiling in the “Planetary Hall”. The reason for the appearance of these astronomical symbols was the great love for this science among the creator of the palace, the architect Giovanni Pietro de Pomis.

Address: Eggenberger Allee 90, 8020 Graz, Austria

Schedule: from April to October from 10-00 to 17-00 daily.

Price: for an adult, a visit to the palace will cost 9 euros, for a child or student - 4 euros.

This unusual name is given to the entertainment complex located on the Mur River. The shape of this structure is very unusual - it resembles a sea shell, both outside and inside, and structurally it resembles a platform resting on supports. What is there in Murinsel? The entertainment complex has an amphitheater and an underwater cafe, which romantic couples love to visit. Children will also have something to do here - the Adventure Island children's complex was built especially for them. In it, your children will find a lot of interesting entertainment that they will remember for a long time.

What are the prices for holidays?

Housing

Accommodation prices range from 40 EUR per night (the most budget option) to 100 EUR (for the average option) and 200 EUR (if you go out on a grand scale).

Opportunities to save:

• Live in a dormitory (for example, you can write to the OeAD student house and ask if they have a free guest room. For one you can pay 30EUR per night).
• Live with a couchsurfer (couchsurfing is a system of living with someone for free or for a nominal fee).

Nutrition

For those who want to try regional cuisine, there are a variety of cafe and restaurant options. The price depends on the prestige of the establishment. For a light snack in the form of coffee (always served with water) and pastries you can pay from 3.40 to 7 EUR. For a full lunch from 8 to 25 EUR.

Opportunities to save:

• Buying food in supermarkets is always cheaper and more profitable than eating in restaurants and cafes. Cheap supermarkets - Hoffer, Lidl, more expensive ones - Billa, Spar, but expensive ones always have very cool temporary discounts.
• There is a very student option - go to the gallery where the first day of the exhibition is taking place. Usually at such events there are always a lot of different donuts, snacks, wine and juices. And by the way, it’s easy to get to such an event in Graz; there are some openings and performances there almost every day.

Directions

For those who use public transport, you will have to pay 2.20 EUR for one ticket.

For taxi lovers, the starting price is from 3.90 to 5 EUR, each next kilometer from 1 to 1.70 EUR.

A special type of transport, which is very developed in Graz, is the bicycle. They are everywhere and therefore you can rent such a horse. Price for 4 hours 5-10 EUR, for one day – 10-16 EUR.

Opportunity to save:

• Graz is not the largest city, and the beautiful architecture encourages walking, so the way to save on transport is to walk. And in fact, this doesn’t sound so absurd; in 4 months of living in Graz, I used the tram three times.
• Free city trams run every day between Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz (including stops on request), as well as in the direction of Schlossbergplatz or Kunsthaus. Numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13.

Excursions

Each museum sets its own prices for excursions, but generally they do not exceed 9 EUR.

Opportunity to save:

• Buy a museum card for 24 and 48 hours - Joanneums 24h Karte (13 EUR), Joanneums 48h Karte (19 EUR). You can find one in the information center, which is located at Herrengasse 16.
• Say that you are a student and show your student card - it is quite possible that they will let you in for free or give you a discount.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

Graz, for me, is one big attraction. Its center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and if you find yourself on the main streets, you will immediately understand the reason. There is a very wide variety of architectural styles here, and it is truly amazing.

Top 5

• Clock tower Schlosberg Castle. This is a famous place throughout Graz, and perhaps every resident can tell an interesting story about it. You can get to the clock, which is located on the mountain near the Schlosberg castle, in three ways - along the central staircase (but it is closed in winter for safety reasons), by the elevator, which is located right next to the stairs and by a roundabout way (in the central square find Sporgasse street and go up until you see the street Am Fuße des Schlossberges on the left, it will lead you straight to Schlossberg). Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, because I thought of going there as a beauty in heels, by the time I got there I looked more like a suffocating tomato on half-broken legs. Also, if you go there in winter, take coffee with you, right in the center. Believe me, I only bought it later, it’s much more pleasant to go with warm coffee.

• Eggenberg Castle (schloss Eggenberg). Incredible early baroque site. Here you can feel like a princess and completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of those times. This place is called the huge jewelry box of Graz. There is a park around the castle, which with its paths makes you feel something... unreal. Entrance to the park is 2 EUR; if you go on a tour of the castle, you do not need to pay for the park separately. You can get here by tram line 1 in the direction of Eggenberg/UKH.

• Kunsthaus Museum of Contemporary Art. A must-see for all art lovers. By the way, this museum is interesting not only inside, but also outside, it looks like a strange aquarium near the river. At night, various holograms are released on it. And by the way, from the top floor of the Kunsthaus there is an excellent panorama of Graz, so this is definitely a place for photographs. The trick: if you are an art university student, you can always show your student card and they will probably let you in for free.

• Basilica of Mariatrost and Dompfarramt. When I went inside, all I could say was: “Oh wow.. WOW!” Baroque, Renaissance style and incredible richness of decoration in Mariatrost; and Gothic with its influence on man in Dompfarramt

• Moore Island. The history of the island is just like the history of the Eiffel Tower. Once it was built for a contemporary art festival, and then tourists and residents loved it so much that the island remained a local landmark. Now there is a restaurant and stage inside.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Austrians are quite religious people, so in Graz there are more than enough temples, basilicas and small churches. The most important, in my opinion, are four places:

1. Mariatrost - the road to this basilica goes through forests and parks, but if you don't want to suffer, then just take tram number 1 in the direction of Mariatrost. Inside there is an atmosphere of rich baroque and early renaissance. The chic decoration takes your breath away and makes you feel like you have stepped back into ancient times. You need to find out when the services take place inside the basilica itself.
2. Dompfarramt is where locals flock to services on weekends. Inside you will witness the sublime late Gothic, and the beginning of the Baroque. This is the only place where there is a large organ and it is worth coming here if only because of the incredible music. The service takes place on Sunday morning.
3. Henz-Jesu-Kirche is a church in the neo-Gothic style. This is the tallest building in Graz and it has not changed in any way since its construction. So to speak - everything is authentic. The service takes place on weekend mornings.
4. Unusual Church St. Lukas - it’s worth coming here if only to be surprised. Contemporary art influences all life in Graz, and even religious life. The most daring solutions that combined the modern and the old in one place. You need to ask inside about when the service will be.

You can come to the service, entrance to the church is free!

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

• Kunsthaus Gallery of Contemporary Art. Some call this place an aquarium, others a blue bubble, others a huge blue elephant, but in any case, this building quickly found its fans and became the first place among attractions. Residents love to have a cup of coffee inside, tourists come here for interesting gifts, wifi and an observation deck, and art connoisseurs, paradoxically, come for the art. There are no permanent exhibitions here, everything is always changing, which is why it is interesting to look here every time you come to Graz. By the way, at night it is illuminated with multi-colored lasers, so it is even easier to see. Finding this wonderful place is not difficult - just go out from the central square to the river and now you are in front of the Kunsthaus. Trams number: 1, 3, 6, 7, 14 stop near it. Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10 to 17.

• Styrian Armory. If, when you hear the word Middle Ages, you immediately imagine knights, then you definitely need to go to the weapons museum. In fact, it’s not really “pistols” that are on display here; it’s four floors with a wide variety of medieval arsenals. Here you will find the armor of knights and old ammunition. Due to the fact that Styria has always been a region on the border, the army here has always been armed to the teeth. And this can be seen in the world's largest weapons warehouse. Ticket price for adults 8 EUR, for children 3. Address: Herrengasse 16. Opening hours: from November to March (guided tours only) the rest of the time - Tuesday-Sunday from 10 to 17.

• Frida&Fred. If you are traveling with children, then this museum is a must in your daily routine. Although, even if without children, you just have to see it. If you think that children are no longer interested in just playing on the street, but give them tablets and phones, then just send them to this museum. Each of the games is built in such a way that you yourself must assemble a huge mechanism so that the mice start running, or the water starts turning the mill. This toy museum is both relaxing and educational through play. You will sit on a bicycle, twist wires and pedal at the same time so that a movie about mice appears on the wall. Or you will crawl through labyrinths to throw all the balls into the pockets. This is a huge, two-story gaming and development center. This is simply paradise for the modern parent and teacher, who will be able to see that playing and learning at the same time is possible and necessary. By the way, the guides themselves said that here they always give adults instructions on how and what works, but children don’t need these instructions, they will understand everything themselves. In general, welcome to childhood. Entrance ticket price is 5 EUR (family – 14 EUR). Address: Friedrichgasse 34. Opening hours: Monday/Wednesday/Thursday from 9 to 17, Friday from 9 to 19, weekends and holidays from 10 to 17. How save money: if you are studying to become a teacher or a teacher by profession, then admission is free for you. Just, of course, don’t forget some document in English. or German language that would confirm this information.

• Im Palais (Palais Herberstein). The Im Palais Museum will help you once again plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages and find out how beauties dressed up in those days. The exhibition takes place in a medieval palace and the beauty around here will take your breath away. Gorgeous frescoes on the walls, in the Baroque style, a breathtaking hall of mirrors and many objects of royal grandeur. For lovers of all things medieval, a trip here is a must! Entrance ticket costs 9 EUR for adults and 3 for children. Address: Sackstraße 16. Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday from 10 to 17.

Parks

Graz is a fairly green city, but I really want to highlight three parks here:

1. Schlossberg park. This is a paradise with a panoramic view of the whole of Graz. Climbing Mount Schlosberg is a must in any season. I wrote in more detail about how to get here in the section about the main attractions. There are benches at the top to bask in the sun or enjoy the starry night sky. For those who like to drink a cup of coffee at altitude, there is a cafe. Well, romantics will find a secluded small gazebo, where a special atmosphere always hovers.
2. Stadtpark is a huge green island in the middle of the city. This park is an Unesco asset and for good reason. A lake, a huge green area, magnolias and other flowering trees, well-groomed labyrinths of paths and much more. In warm weather, children run here, students occupy the fountain, and absolutely everyone prefers green grass to benches. The best place for a day walk and a cup of coffee in the park.
3. Augartenpark is a park in close proximity to the Frida and Fred Museum. There are green lawns, the sound of the river and a lot of fun for children. This park is separated from the rest only by a larger number of children. And so, all the same rookeries of students on the green grass, all the same labyrinths of paths.

Tourist streets

In fact, the main tourist street is Herrengasse, which stretches from Jakominiplatz and along the central square (Hauptplatz) to Sackstraße, which will take you to the stairs and funicular to Schlossberg.

You always want to walk along these streets; in winter there is simply a real carnival here; in autumn people warm themselves up in cafes on the streets. Along the entire street, cafes alternate with clothing stores, as well as banks and sweet shops. Herengasse and Sachstrasse are truly the center of life and simply the aorta of the whole of Graz.

What to see in 1 day

• 8 am - Kaiser Josef Platz. To eat in the best traditions of the Austrian morning, we suggest going to the most famous market in Graz. Here you can buy coffee at Auer and grab a sandwich at the butcher shop. And at the same time buy fresh apples for an afternoon snack. Next we go to the central Herrengasse. Getting there is not difficult, just find Gigardigasse street and walk along it to the wide road for about two minutes. As a result, you will see a street with a monument at the very beginning.
• 9:30 - walk along Herrengasse straight to Hauptplatz. You can go to different shops and take photos near the central town hall. On the way, I advise you to stop by the tourist center of Graz. Which is located at Herrengasse 16. This particular street is replete with a variety of architectural styles, so don’t forget to look around. Well, remember that there are trams here, so be careful.
• 11:00 - Kunsthaus. On the central square we look for Murgasse street (trams turn there) and cross the bridge over the river directly to the Kunsthaus. We buy a small souvenir inside the gallery and go enjoy the art. It’s impossible to see everything, so just set aside an hour and a half to two hours to satisfy your inner esthete. Afterwards, we leave the building and go to the bridge a little further from the center (Murinsel), by the way, the river below it is the noisiest, and we find the square above which the stairs to Schlosberg rise.
• 13:00 - Schlosberg. It will take one and a half to two hours to get up and walk from above if you walk. I advise you to climb this mountain on your own, because the feeling of inner victory will definitely overwhelm you. At the top you can wander around, take a photo, and when you reach the Uhrturm chapel, we go around it and go down on the other side, through a small park. After passing through a tunnel of houses you will find yourself on Sporgasse, there are many options for snacks.
• 15:00 - Go down a little from Sporgasse and turn left towards Hofgasse. Walking along this street you will reach the famous Saint Catherine's Church, where you should definitely look at the interior decoration (half an hour is enough for everything).
• 15:45 - Frida and Fred Museum. I recommend taking a walk along the Mur River. The walk will take 20 minutes and in the park you will immediately see a strangely shaped building - this is a toy museum. We go inside and enjoy it until 17:00.
• 19:00 - we walk through the park and go to Steyrergasse street, from where we take the tram (Steyrergasse Remise stop) and leave again to the central square. 19:45 - go to Freiblick Tagescafe on the fourth floor of the shopping center (Sackstraße 7-13). The magic of this place is that it is on the roof and from there you have a great view of Graz at night with its dark red roofs and bright market square. You can stay here and eat right away, or you can go down and along Sackstraße to find yourself a suitable place for the best Austrian dinner.

What to see in the area

• Bärenschützklamm (distance 41 km.). Gorges, cliffs, waterfalls and incredible flora from the Ice Age. Climb 350 meters of altitude, cross 164 wooden bridges, and don't forget to bring sturdy boots. The entire walk takes about 4 and a half hours.

• Johannes Kepler observatory (12 km away). Enjoy the starry sky? Why not. An amazing journey of the universe every clear Friday. The observatory is open to ordinary people in summer from 21:00, in winter (if the sky is clear of clouds) from 17:00. Entrance ticket - 2 EUR

• Admont library (111 km to get there). An exquisite library where you can learn even more about books, castles and the Baroque. This is a must for all book lovers and those who just want to go to a mega photographic place.

Food. What to try

You can read about what you should definitely try in Austria in the article. All that remains to be added is that Graz, like the rest of the world, serves dishes in huge portions and does not skimp on flavors. Looking at the dishes, your mouth will immediately water.

Among the local attractions in food, it’s probably worth talking about Maroni (roasted chestnuts), they cost about 3 EUR for a large paper parcel (remember how grandmothers used to pour sunflower seeds into newspaper cups like these, and they give chestnuts in the same ones here) . I saw stalls with Maroni on every corner, so one day I was tempted and bought it. Let me warn you right away that they have a special taste. A little sweet and nutty. But at the same time, I wouldn’t say that I had a desire to eat them from morning to night.

Regarding the cafe, it is worth noting the cheap establishments Continuum and from the same Area 5 series, where you come and there are stacks of multi-colored pieces of paper on the tables. Among them, you choose which one suits you (available with waffles, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and pancakes) and check the boxes next to the fillings that are offered. It’s very convenient, but make sure you have a German translator, since all the papers will be in German.

It is worth noting that sometimes seemingly expensive establishments have a very interesting menu with very cheap dishes. These are located near the stairs to Mount Schlosberg.

As for supermarkets... oh, those supermarkets. In the first days, I still couldn’t understand why everything was closed. And all because the soul, accustomed to late dinners, went for groceries somewhere at 8 o’clock in the evening, and then on a weekday everything is open only until 19, and on Saturdays until 13-14, and on Sunday all supermarkets are closed (except Spar"a at the station).

Since my coffee darling has found her paradise in Austria, I would advise you to try a variety of coffee shops. The coffee culture is very developed here, so you will always be served a glass of water with aromatic coffee (or there will be a carafe with free water for those who wish). But if for some reason the waiter forgot about water, don’t hesitate to ask.

Famous coffee shops of the Auer chain (Hubert Auer | Martin Auer) are everywhere you look. Hubert is more expensive, Martin is cheaper. In addition to these, I would advise you to go to Tribeku. But keep in mind that this is a very popular place and it is always full of people.

Great place Mangolds Vis-a-Vis - in addition to great coffee, delicious beer and various snacks, this place specializes in vegan/vegetarian food. During the day, finding a free place is not a problem; in the evening, most tables are almost always occupied.

Aroom5 is a cozy coffee shop with the most delicious tuna sandwich. This is a quiet place where you want to go on a Saturday morning for a light breakfast, and on weekdays for a get-together with friends.

Budget

1. Area 5 Jakominiplatz 12 - there is a feature in the form of a butt on the roof, which offers a gorgeous view of the sunset city.
2. Burgerista Radetzkystraße 1-3.
3. Martin Auer is a budget version of Hubert Auer (available all over the city, seriously, I’ve seen it on every corner).
4. Pierogi (Polish dumpling) Leonhardstrasse 24.
5. Gamlitzer Weinstube Mehlplatz 4.

Mid-level

1. Tribeka (coffee shop) Grieskai 2.
2. Lendplatzl Lendplatz 11.
3. Freigeist Cafe|Bar|Burger Klosterwiesgasse 2.
4. Glockl Brau Glockenspielplatz 2-3.
5. Frankowitsch Stempfergasse 2-4 is the most famous and favorite among local residents.

Expensive

1. Stainzerbauer Buergergasse 4.
2. Carl by Philipp Haiges Opernring 5a.
3. Aiola Im Schloss Andritzer Reichsstrasse 144.
4. Schlossberg Schlossberg 7.
5. El Gaucho Landhausgasse 1.

Holidays

The number of festivals and holidays per city here is simply amazing. In the first days it seemed to me that this was a place of eternal celebration. Constant music or the atmosphere of modern art fills you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes, and you feel as if you yourself are already woven from music and strokes of paint.

Music festivals

• The most ambitious classical music festival takes place from mid-June to mid-July. It's called Styriarte.
• In summer, all young people come to the electronic music festival.
• Jazz lovers - you are welcome at Jazzsommer Graz at the end of July!

Contemporary art festivals

• Let's start with the grandeur - Styrian autumn. It starts in September and lasts exactly 24 days. Moreover, in 2017 it will be 50 years since the beginning of the celebration of this festival. Traditionally, more than 500 different events take place and almost all residents of Graz have taken part in the festival at least once in their lives!
• June festival Steirischer Herbst. Austrians, in principle, are very fond of contemporary art, so festivals are a real holiday for many families. Moreover, at such events, in most cases you will see older people, and there will be significantly fewer young people.

Farming festivals

Throughout the fall, Graz hosts a variety of farm festivals, where you can try national Austrian dishes and buy natural farm products. Such festivals are always accompanied by music and take place in the central square. In my opinion, it is worth a visit to see the flavor of such an action.

New Year

From the first of December people go straight to Christmas. Seriously, from the very first day New Year's decorations are visible everywhere, wooden houses begin to be brought to the central square and everyone around is talking only about gifts.

A special feature of Graz are three Christmas markets:

• Near Jakominiplatz.
• On the central square in front of the town hall.
• On the mountain, near Schlosberg Castle ( Schlossberg).

At fairs they always sell mulled wine and a similar drink with grapefruit juice. As well as pancakes and various waffles and sweets. The central Christmas tree stands on the square in front of the town hall and, by the way, it is crowded in the evening due to the number of students and families who came out to warm themselves with hot drinks and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

By the way, the tram that goes through the center and to the main station is decorated with garlands (outside and inside) for the New Year and a Christmas tree is placed inside. It's quite a sight, I'll tell you.

Of the important holidays in winter, it is important to note a few strange holiday of Krampus (Krampuslaufen), which takes place on the night of December 5th. According to Austrian traditions, Krampus accompanies Santa and punishes naughty children. On the fifth of December, a performance begins in the central square with various actors dressed in rags. Besides the fun, this holiday also brings a bit of trouble to those who encounter the fanatical Krampus. Mostly young people, in the evenings they can really scare you and start pestering you, so be vigilant this evening-night.

Safety. What to watch out for

Every time I returned home late, there was only one thought in my head: “Austria is a safe country!” I repeated it like a mantra and I want to say that during the entire time, no one bothered me at night. Even drunk students somehow bypass you and don’t seem to see you on their way. The only unsafety that unfortunately occurs in the city is the parks. Or rather, groups of emigrants who like to push dope.

They push it indiscriminately, both for adults and not so much, but there is a greater chance that they will pester you if you walk alone. No matter how paradoxical it may sound, it is better not to go to the park alone (especially a girl). At the same time, it is impossible to say that you will be openly attacked. Yes, they will annoy you with conversations and phrases in the style: “Hi, how are you? Have fun?” but that’s where it all ends. These groups do not particularly express aggression.

Things to do

Shopping and shops

In the city center, small shops are more common than large supermarkets and malls. For example, Herrengasse street is a series of small branded and ordinary, more affordable shops. But a little further, on the way to Schlosberg, I always passed the large department store "Kastner+Öhler" and every time I realized that a poor student did not belong there. This is a huge center with a variety of brand stores, and underneath there is a large underground parking lot.
Shopping centers, as I am used to seeing them, are not a frequent occurrence in Graz. There are essentially only three of them:

1. CityPark - as close as possible to the center. Inside, everything is custom-made - affordable clothing stores, various eateries and even entertainment for children. (Lazarettgürtel 55).
2. Murpark Graz is an ideal location because it has direct tram line 4 access. There are shops, eateries and a cinema. (Ostbahnstraße 3).

1. Center West Park is a large mall that often hosts sales and fashion shows. (Weblinger Gürtel 25).

Bars. Pubs. Where to go?

It was clear to me from the very beginning that there are many bars and pubs in Graz. Where else can students have fun? Moreover, the Austrians themselves really love to go out in the evening and have a cultural time. Judging by the fact that I haven’t seen drunken Austrians, I conclude that they don’t like to get drunk until they lose their pulse, although there are many options where to do this.

Most bars are located near dorms and student clusters. But in the historical part of the city there are many good Irish pubs. For example, a favorite among locals is O'Carolan's, near the main square of Hauptplatz.

• The Office Pub, or as students call it, Office Pub, is a very specific place where multiculturalism reigns. All emigrants are sucked here like a funnel, and all because the pub cooperates with an international student organization. So there's a lot of booze and good food, but there's also an incredible amount of students. One evening, around 10 p.m., there was no room for an apple to fall. Above all, if you're looking to sit quietly with a beer, this is definitely not your place. Music is always playing loudly here, and people are making such noise that it feels like a huge human hive. This place is officially open until 2 am, but in reality they may ask you to leave earlier, depending on the day of the week and how full the room is. (address: Trauttmansdorffgasse, 3). And the advice is purely from me to order a plate of nachos, I have never eaten such deliciousness in my life!
• A real confusion of ages. It doesn’t matter who you are, whether you’re young or not, people come here to have fun with the music of good and not so good DJs. Wooden bar in Stadtpark – Kombuese. Open from Thursday to Saturday, from 10 pm until the morning.
• A quieter, but no less cool place is the Parkhouse, still in the same Stadtpark. Students flock here and love this place for the cute little tables outside. On warm evenings you can see people enjoying the atmosphere around them and simply relaxing after a hard day.
• Theatercafe - the name speaks for itself. People like to come here after a theater evening and sit culturally with a glass of entertainment. Sometimes there is live piano music (address: Mandellsrtaße 11)
• Tick ​​Tack is the complete opposite of the previous establishment. Fans of Rock&Metal go here; the bar is open from 6 pm to 2 am. Advice - try the interesting drink Dicht ins Dunkel - the basis of this masterpiece is traditional Styrian seed oil. (Vegetarian options are also available)

Jazz clubs

• Miles Jazz Bar, Mariahilferstraße 24.
• "Stockwerk", Jakominiplatz.
• "Royal Garden", Bürgergasse 5.

The M1 cocktail club sometimes offers salsa classes for beginners. Moreover, if you just want to learn how to dance, it’s better to come not too late, because then everyone will miss the second shot and salsa will become more “free”.

Clubs and nightlife

What do students love other than studying for the exam one night before the exam? Students love going to the club. They open here from 10 pm and by midnight the place is no longer crowded. The cost of entry depends on the “eliteness” of the establishment. Although in most cases until 11, entry is completely free. The places of eternal youth and dance close around 5 am.

• Postgarage , Dreihackengasse 42. Large and popular club with two dance floors. Plays Rock, Hip-Hop, Drum & Base, Techno depending on the day and event. Until 23:00 you can enter for free, there are discounts for students.
• PPC , Neubaugasse 6, near Lendplatz. Favorite club among students. Young people come here after hard days at school and have fun from midday until Saturday. Moreover, they relax to the rhythms of Rock, Hip-Hop, Drum & Base, Techno, it seems to me that no one cares - just to dance, just to relax.
• Thalia, Opernring 5a. Not far from the opera and the center. Not only young people, but also the older generation relax here. Open from 8 until “last customer” (as it is written on the website). There are always some new events, different music and cheap alcohol.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

All residents of Graz know about such a miracle as pumpkin seed oil. Unfortunately, I was never lucky enough to try it, but they say every self-respecting resident of Graz must have a small bottle of this oil in his kitchen.

In addition to pumpkin oil, Graz is famous for its special wine and smoked ham.

Culinary specialties can be purchased at Delikatessen Frankowitsch, Stempfergasse 2-4.

How to get around the city

Four months of walking made it clear that Graz is a city where it is quite possible to live without unnecessary expenses on transport. But still, if you need to quickly get from one end of the city to the other, then you can use public transport.

Graz has very good transport links. Where trams don’t go, buses go and vice versa, there are a lot of cyclists, and don’t forget about taxis and personal transport.

Tickets can be purchased:

1. In the tourist center and newsstands.
2. From the driver on the bus.
3. In the machine inside the trolleybus.
4. In vending machines at bus stops.

If you come for a week or a couple of days, it is profitable to buy weekly, 48-hour and 24-hour tickets, respectively.

In the very center, you can take the tram from Hauptplatz station to Jakominiplatz for free. This type of travel is considered tourist travel and does not require payment. (the same system applies to travel from Hauptplatz to Kunsthaus).

During the summer months, children under 15 travel free throughout the city.

Taxi. What features exist

For those who love comfort, a taxi will naturally suit you, but keep in mind that there are two types. With a time counter and a mileage counter. The first ones are very unprofitable to take in the morning and evening hours, when the roads are traditionally busy and there is a possibility of getting into a traffic jam. The starting price for a taxi ranges from 4 to 5 EUR .

A trip from the airport to the city center will cost somewhere between 35-45 EUR.

To find a car, you can find it along the road, near the main square, on Gigardigasse and at large supermarkets. Naturally, you can simply order by phone; to do this, call the number: +43-316-878, +43-316-222, +43-316-2801, +43-316-889.

Trams

There is a place in Graz called Jakominiplatz, where there is a crossroads of not only seven roads, but all twenty (it feels like). This square, with islands for pedestrians, has the largest tram interchange. By the way, don’t look for a traffic light at this junction; there simply isn’t one and you need to walk in the intervals between trams, bicycles, cars, buses (yes, it seems impossible, but it sounds scarier than it actually is).

The tram is one of the most convenient transport in the city; it can get you literally everywhere. And at the tourist center you can ask for a map of all stops of 6 tram lines.

Buses

Where a tram will not pass, a bus will pass. The bus network in Graz is even more developed than the tram network. 24 bus lines and 8 night ones, and the tickets are the same as for the tram, so in all respects it is very profitable and convenient.

Remember that the usual 24 lines run from 5 am until midnight, then you will have to look for night lines.

Bicycles

European cities are generally designed for cyclists, but Graz is a cycling paradise. Almost all students buy used bicycles or rent them. Almost every store has parking for bicycles. However, theft of two-wheelers is also not uncommon, so always tie it to something sturdy.

Another interesting feature of Graz is that bicycle tracks are often built right on the tram tracks, so be careful as a wheel can easily get stuck in the rails.

By the way, those who come to Graz during the winter months and are worried that you won’t be able to ride a bike for a long time, I hasten to assure you that the cycling season is here all year round. Paths for iron horses are cleaned first, cold weather is rare, heavy rain is rare - all this directly encourages you to switch to a bicycle.

Transport rental

As for me, in Graz people are divided into those who adore bicycles and those who dote on their cars. And I certainly don’t want to divide people into categories, but if you want to travel the streets by car and enjoy such travel, you can always rent a car. Graz itself recommends the following companies for car rental on its official website:

1. AVIS.
2. Hertz.
3. Budget.
4. Europcar.
5. Sixt.

You can compare prices from these rental companies

Gasoline in Graz is no different in price from Vienna. The price ranges from 1 to 1.50 EUR per liter. LTG is a little more difficult to find than gasoline.

Be sure to use a navigator. Even for a pedestrian, the streets sometimes seem like whole labyrinths, let alone for cars, when there are countless one-way streets.

One of the amazing things is the peace of mind of drivers on the road. During all this time, I heard the car horn three times. Everyone is very calm, they don’t get annoyed if you suddenly don’t fit into a U-turn or want to change lanes because you forgot that you need another lane. And everyone is happy to give directions and try to make sure you understand where to go.

The downside is paid parking. There are blue and green parking zones. The blue ones are always closer to the central streets (but you can’t find parking in the very center), and they are more expensive, the green ones are a little further away and cheaper. You need to pay for parking at the machines marked with the letter "P".

And don’t expect that you can park for free; police officers are constantly walking around the city checking paid parking. The fine for such “hare” parking will be 25 euros.

Vacation with children

I wouldn’t say that Graz is a place where you should definitely go with children, but it’s not the worst option. Many parks with playgrounds will give children time to burn off their energy and parents to relax on benches around.

As I wrote, a trip to the Frida&Fred toy museum with children is a must, which is essentially just a huge play and science center.

Near Lake Hilmteich you can climb trees in a ropes course. As for me, it’s a great option for children to take a walk, and for parents to remember their childhood. On the same lake you can go boating or feed the ducks. Large supermarkets also always have the opportunity to find entertainment for children.

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Anything to add?

general information

By the end of the 14th century, Graz was the crown jewel of the Habsburg Empire. Frederick III, King of Germany, Duke of Austria and Holy Roman Emperor, immortalized the abbreviation of his motto - AEIOU, or "Austria Est Imperare Orbi Universo" ("Austria shall rule the world") on some of the city's buildings. At the beginning of the 19th century, Duke Johann founded the first museum in Austria, determining the direction of cultural development for many years.

Graz has a large natural history museum, but perhaps the more interesting museum is the Arsenal, with a stunning collection of over 30,000 weapons, mostly dating from the 17th century. There are many museums in Graz, but the city itself can hardly be called a museum exhibit. After all, there are three universities here.

Tourists are attracted by the city's architecture. Among the attractions is the remarkable palace and its courtyard in the Italian Renaissance style, with three-tiered arcades. Schlossberg Castle, a baroque Eggenberg palace built in the 17th century.

The city has a magnificent cathedral, the Domkirche, with unusual paintings on the outside dating from the 1480s, and next to it is the Baroque mausoleum of Ferdinand II.

Graz has long been a city of students, with four universities with more than 50 thousand students. In 2003, Graz was the European Capital of Culture. The Domkirche church and Schlossberg castle, together with the city's tiled roofs, give Graz its special charm. In 1999, the center of the Old Town of Graz was declared world-class by UNESCO.

Graz has developed industries such as brewing, mechanical engineering, chemicals, food and textiles. The International Graz Fair is an important commercial and industrial event in south-eastern Europe.

Start of your trip to Austria

In Graz, the first thing we did in the morning was look out the window and were disappointed by the gloomy sky. However, while we were getting ready, the sun came out, so we went for a walk in a good mood. In fact, today began our first full day of traveling around Austria, and we had a lot of plans.

First of all, we decided to find a place for breakfast and went to a cafe near the station on Europe Square, which we liked for its cozy interior. This cafe is located near the Trend Europa hotel, opposite the bike rack, which you can definitely see from the hotel or train station.

We ate a mega delicious bagel with mozzarella, tomatoes, arugula and pesto sauce, and drank cappuccino. In addition to the fact that everything was very tasty, the mood was created by a warm atmosphere, beautiful dishes and cheerful waiters. As it turned out later, one of the girls speaks Russian. In total, a very tasty breakfast cost about 15 euros for two, and we got the pleasure for all of 50 euros. It’s worth saying that last night we didn’t find any food, so we went to bed hungry.

While preparing for our trip to Austria at home, we collected information about the sights of Graz, and the maps and booklets we took from the tourist center helped us finally paint a picture of our route.

Our route around the city of Graz

Since Graz is located in a mountainous area, the weather can be unpredictable, so while the sun was shining, we decided to go to the observation deck on Mount Schlosberg. This place can be called the main attraction of the city, because on the mountain there is the symbol of Graz - the clock tower, which is part of the medieval fortress. Previously, on Mount Schlossberg there was a tower that gave the name to the city.

Now on the mountain, in addition to the clock tower, you can see the ruins and remains of the walls of the fortress, but much more impressive are the observation platforms from which you can see Graz.

To save energy, we planned to get to the fortress by tram, but due to the city marathon, the tram tracks turned into a treadmill, and we had to walk. We don’t regret at all that we walked an extra couple of kilometers, because we got to know the awakening city and saw the marathon in all its glory.

The marathon in Graz looks very funny. In the first hours, a huge number of people run, some with balloons tied to their butts, some with the face of a winner.

Every 500 meters, small stages were set up in the city, on which musicians played upbeat music, photographers with television cameras filmed reports, and in some places there were even commentators.

But 3 hours passed, the balls on the butt disappeared, there were 4 times fewer runners left, and in the neighboring cafes those who had dropped out of the marathon were recovering their strength with beer.

In general, on the one hand, it’s cool that we got to the marathon, but on the other, it changed our plans somewhat. We walked to the fortress through the city center. Coming out onto the embankment of the Mur River, we opened our mouths in amazement: the architecture of Graz, the stormy river, the golden autumn - all this together created an unrealistically beautiful picture.

Along the river we reached the funicular station (Schlossbergbahn), which takes tourists up the mountain in a matter of minutes. But how to cross the road when a herd of marathon participants is running along it? We modestly stomped along the road, then saw that other tourists were running across the street, waited until the flow of runners decreased and ran.

The funicular is located near the mysterious flying saucer restaurant on the Mur River (the saucer is called Murinsel) and departs from Haupt platz. By the way, if you have a three-day ticket for Graz, then the ride up the funicular is free, the main thing is to show your ticket to the cashier.

There are three ways to climb the mountain:

By funicular train

By elevator

In my opinion, it’s better to go up by cable car, follow the route of the mountain and go down on foot or by elevator, if you’re really lazy. That is, the funicular station is located on one side of the park on the mountain, and the elevator and stairs are on the other.

After going down the stairs, we went for a walk around the old town of Graz.

On the main square of Graz, Hauptplaz, there is the Town Hall, a fountain and picturesque houses. Hauptplaz is the real heart of the city. All paths and routes in Graz lead exactly here.

Of course, because of the marathon, most of the photos are not so ideal, but thanks to it, we felt the rhythm of the festive city, as if we had touched its real non-tourist life. We even took part in a marathon ourselves, only we ran across the streets rather than along them.

At the height of the marathon, while there were still many participants, we were unable to cross the road to the square, so we changed the route. First we walked along Herrengasse (which translates as “Street of Gentlemen”). Turning left into the inconspicuous Alstadt passage, we found ourselves in a quiet part of old Graz, on the Bell Square (Glockenspiel). It was called that because there was a famous brewery there, and people were invited to drink beer at the sound of a bell. Now three times a day, either people are called to drink beer, or the clock on one of the houses just strikes, and cardboard figures come out. This happens at 11am, 3pm and 6pm. On the facades of the houses, frescoes and stucco work are dedicated to brewing, so we couldn’t resist drinking beer.

Then we went to the Cathedral and the Mausoleum of Ferdinand II, where we met a Russian-speaking excursion group. And that was very helpful. Just a couple of days ago, Nina found reviews on the Internet about the guide Taisiya, who offers excursions in Styria in Russian. This has become important for us, because getting to the castles without a car is not comfortable, you have to make transfers, adjust to the transport schedule, and it’s not clear what the weather will be like. Taisiya wrote that she was free tomorrow, we agreed to the excursion, but we have not yet received a response from her. And Nina suspected that same Taisiya in the guide. But we did not approach it, because the group very quickly disappeared around the bend.

The cathedral (built between 1438-1464) was closed on Sunday, which greatly upset Nina. As it turned out later, the Cathedral is generally closed to tourists, as it is privately owned. Next to it is the Burg (Castle), so we went to it.

From the outside it is an ordinary old building. Directly opposite the Cathedral, you need to turn into the courtyard (address Hoffgasse 15). If you cross the first courtyard and look into the first open door, there will be an ancient double staircase from 1499, which you can see absolutely free. This staircase is considered a masterpiece of stone sculpting art and dates back to the late Gothic period. I recommend climbing to the very top - from there you can see a wonderful view of the Cathedral.

You can't get into the building itself - today the Styrian Parliament meets in Burg.

After exploring the stairs, we enjoyed a stroll through the courtyards of the Burg.

Our legs themselves led us to a street with an old pastry shop, but on Sunday, apparently, Austrians don’t eat sweets; it was closed.

Further, we went down the street where restaurants and shops are located and again met a familiar excursion group. It turned out that it was really Taisiya, but she had doubts about the excursion and promised to call.

All the Russians went to the ice cream shop, and we wanted it too. I ate ice cream with poppy seeds, which is very exotic, but very tasty. And Nina, out of greed, grabbed two ice creams, but after a minute the second one began to melt, and it was not decent to throw it away. She ran out into the street, but there was no trash can there, so she had to seize the moment until the smiling saleswoman turned away and quietly throw one of them away.

At the end of our walk through old Graz, we decided to go to the Military Museum (Armoury) on Herengasse Street, where the richest collection of weapons in Europe is collected (about 30,000 units). A pleasant bonus from the marathon was the fact that admission to the museum is free today. So, having saved 8 euros, Nina could buy and throw away a couple more ice creams. We walked along the old Herengasse street of the city and looked into the courtyard of the Landhaus. In general, there are about 50 beautiful courtyards in Graz, so look behind the buildings while walking.

And this is the Street of the Lord, on which there are colorful houses.

The weapons museum is impressive in terms of the number of exhibits, but, in my profane opinion, they are very monotonous. Well, it’s the same thing if you take a man into a museum where there are whole rows of red shoes. Rows of identical guns, helmets and much more were also displayed here. Surely, men really like this museum. By the way, you can take an audio guide on the first floor.

Nina liked the horse in knight's armor on the top floor of the museum. In general, you can visit for general development.

We still had enough time to visit Eggenberg Castle in a remote part of Graz, but it was not accessible on foot. We sat sadly for 20 minutes at the bus stop, waiting for the bus that ran today instead of the trams. While we were sitting, we realized that he would not reach the castle, because the route had been shortened due to the marathon. Well... then let's go to lunch.

Around the corner from the cafe where we had breakfast (near the station), there is a tavern where locals sat. We quickly went there, sat down at a table and were amazed by the size of the portions that the waiters were carrying around the hall. I was also pleased with the menu, because the average price of a hot dish did not exceed 7 euros. Anyone who has been to Austria knows that for this country this is a very modest price. Again, out of greed, we ordered a lot of food, half of which we could not eat. I really liked the tomato soup, Nina ate goulash. For main course they brought me two huge Wiener schnitzels and a mountain of potatoes... it’s simply unreal.

In the evening, we didn’t find the strength to go anywhere, so we sat in the Ibis bar, drank tea and wrote entries for our favorite blog.

Tomorrow we plan to take a tour of the castles of Styria. Taisiya promised to pick us up from the hotel at 8-20, calling us on her mobile phone in the evening. She will take us somewhere, join us in some small group and bring us back. Hope...

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