The best city hikes and walks around Bezirk Graz-Umgebung

The Graz Uhrturm is the city's most famous landmark and has been enthroned on the Schlossberg above the old town for centuries. The originally medieval defensive tower received its current form in the 16th century with the distinctive clock faces and the characteristic large hands. Particularly striking is the apparent swapping of the hour and minute hands, which dates from a time when the hour display was more important than the minutes. The Uhrturm survived the demolition of the fortress in 1809 and was preserved as a symbol of the city of Graz. Today, it offers one of the most beautiful views over the old town and is one of Styria's most popular attractions.

The Mur riverbank in Graz invites you to relaxed strolls along the river, combining nature, architecture, and city life. From here, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Old Town, the Schlossberg, and the famous Murinsel. The riverside promenades are popular meeting points for locals and visitors, showcasing a special side of Graz – calm, vibrant, and characterized by the interplay between water and the historic cityscape.

The Graz City Hall on Hauptplatz is one of the city's most famous buildings and a significant landmark of Graz. The current building was constructed in the historicist style and impresses with its magnificent facade, artistic decorations, and distinctive dome. For centuries, the City Hall has been the seat of the Graz city administration and, together with the surrounding historic houses, forms the heart of the Old Town. The building is particularly impressive with festive lighting or during the Christmas season, when Hauptplatz takes on a special atmosphere.

The view from the Schlossberg over Graz and the famous Uhrturm is one of the most beautiful panoramas in the city. From here, you get an impressive view over the red roofs of Graz's old town, the historic buildings, and the surrounding landscape. The Uhrturm, the landmark of Graz, lends this place a special charm and makes the view an unforgettable experience – especially at sunset or at dusk.

The Schlossbergstiege is a historic staircase with 260 steps leading from the city center up to the Grazer Schlossberg. During the ascent, beautiful views of the old town repeatedly open up. Once at the top, you reach the Grazer Uhrturm, the city's most famous landmark. The Uhrturm dates back to the 13th century and is particularly known for its unusual clock hands – the large hand indicates the hours, the small one the minutes. From here, you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view over Graz.

The Luegg houses are among the most famous historical buildings on Graz's main square (Hauptplatz). They were built in the 16th and 17th centuries and impress with their richly decorated stucco facades and characteristic arcades. Particularly striking are the curved Baroque facades that characterize the Hauptplatz. The Luegg houses are an important example of the historical architecture of Graz's old town and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The Graz Cathedral, also known as Dom St. Ägydius, is the cathedral of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau and one of the city's most important buildings. It was built in the 15th century in the Gothic style and was the court church of Emperor Frederick III. Particularly worth seeing are the elaborate stained-glass windows, the magnificent interior decoration, and the historical fresco "Landplagenbild" on the exterior wall. The Graz Cathedral combines history, art, and religion and is considered one of Graz's most important sights.

The Grazer Hauptplatz is the vibrant center of the city and one of the most important meeting points in Graz. It was laid out in the 12th century and is surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, shops, and the Graz City Hall (Grazer Rathaus). From here, many streets and alleys lead into the old town. In addition, numerous tram lines stop at the Hauptplatz, making it an important transport hub. Markets, events, and festivals are regularly held here, making the square a popular place for locals and visitors alike.