Graz Travel Guide

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GETTING THERE
ART & CULTURE
WORTH SEEING
CHURCHES
MUSEUMS
DINE & WINE
SHOPPING
Welcome
HOTELS
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
IMPRESSUM

Getting there

Art and Culture

GRAZ
As Austria's second largest city, Graz is home to
about 300,000 people. The "Graz Basin" was the
construction site of a castle in the 6th century. This
structure was deciding in the naming of the city
Graz. "Gradec" means "little castle". Graz can look
back on a tumultuous past and was residence to
the Habsburg family from the year 1379 to 1619.
The strongly fortified city was able to repeatedly resist
Ottoman attacks. All around the Schlossberg
there are several spots that still commemorate this
troublesome time. The fortress on the Schlossberg
hill has never been conquered until 1809. Graz's
citizens bought the clock tower and bell tower from
the French. The Schlossberg hill offers a fantastic
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views over the roofs of the city Graz, which was
named a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in
1999.
Today, Graz is a green oasis with many opportunities
for rest and recreation or to simply enjoy life.
Many day trip destinations can be reached by
means of public transport.
Ever since the year 2008, Graz can also call itself
"indulgence capital of Austria".
For this, the city can thank one of its salad delicacies,
the "Krauthäupel" (a type of cabbage). The
salad is being sold at the numerous farmers' markets
from mid-March to November.
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Worth seeing

SÜDTIROLER PLATZ
Südtiroler Square at the river Mur bank is home to
many historic buildings. Next to it is the futuristic
Grazer Kunsthaus, a museum right at the river
bank. You can start your shopping spree here, or
simply pick a cozy restaurant to spend the time.
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KARMELITERPLATZ
Karmeliter Square is home to the pestilence column,
built in 1680. The path "At the foot of the
Schlossberg" leads via the the Schlossberg-tunnel
to the famous clock tower. Restaurants and cafes,
as well as a large fountain, where hikers cool their
feet, surround this square.
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EDEGGER-TAX
The bakery by royal appointment Edegger-Tax
houses one of the most impressive facades of
Graz. This former royal bakery is one of the oldest
in the city. The history of this reverend company
dates back to the 14th century. "Sissi-Kisses", "Styrian
Panther's Paws", and "Pumpkin-Seed Vanilla
Cornets" are their specialities.
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BURG
The Habsburg family errected the castle in 1438.
Today, it is the official residence of the Styrian governor.
The impressive gothic double-spiral staircase
from 1499 is also called the "reconciliation
staircase", because the two separated paths are
brought together again.
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DOPPELWENDELTREPPE

DOPPELWENDELTREPPE

PALAIS SAURAU
From a small window right beneath the roof of
Palais Saurau, you can see a mann with beard, turban
and dagger. There are many stories about why
he was depicted this way, but as there never was
an Ottoman occupation in Graz, we are led to believe
that the Count of Saurau just followed a fashion
trend.
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DER TÜRKE

VOLKSGARTEN
The Volksgarten Graz is a public park covering 4.6
hectars in the city's Lend district. When coming
from Lend square towards Annenstraße, the park is
on your right hand side. It is divided in two by the
Mühlgang canal. Many ducks and goldfish inhabitate
the two ponds of the park.
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STADTPARK
The Stadtpark ("city park") fountain is an exhibition
piece from the World Fair held in 1873 in Vienna.
The Stadtpark Graz has been under environmental
protection since 1987. It is home to a large playground
and many benches that serve as resting
spot for wanderers. The park also accommodates
many squirrels, which are also called "Hansis".
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The statues “Styria” and “Austria” were created by Hans Brandstetter and were on the main bridge (Hauptbrücke)
until 1964.
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After the construction of the new bridge, which is now called the Archduke Johann Bridge (Erzherzog-Johann-Brücke),
the statues were erected in the city park in 1970.
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OPERNHAUS
The Graz Opera House was built according to
plans by Fellner and Helmer, based on the style of
Fischer von Erlach. The official opening was in
1899. The Opernring houses a 54-metre sculpture,
"Lichtschwert" (lightsaber), based on the Statue of
Liberty in New York, and serves as a memorial to
respect Human Rights.
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SCHLOSSBERG
The Schlossberg hill is the perfect spot to relax at
any time of the year. Visitors can see the most famous
landmark of Graz: the clock tower. The hour
hand is longer than the minute hand, which was
added later. The clock tower also houses three
bells, amongst them the oldest bell of Graz. Archduke
Karl II had the octagonal tower built in the
year 1588. It measures 34 metres in height. "Liesl"
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BASTION

THE BELL TOWER
(Elisabeth) is the third largest bell in Styria and
measures 1.97 metres diagonal and weights 4.5
tons.
"Liesl" can be heard daily at 7am, 12pm and 7pm
when she sounds her 101 chimes. This tradition
dates back to a myth stating that the bell was
made from 101 salvaged Ottoman cannonballs. In
the cellar of the clock tower is the dungeon, which
was referred to as "contrabass".
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STALLBASTEI & TÜRKENBRUNNEN

GETTING TO THE TOP
Ever since 1894, visitors can "climb" the hill conveniently
using the Schlossberg train, which leaves at
Kaiser-Franz-Josef Pier.
An alternative is the glass elevator from Schlossberg
Square to the clock tower. The elevator stops
at the Schlossberg Cathedral and the casemates.
Younger visitors particularly enjoy the fairy-talethemed
cave railway, which can be reached via the
same entrance as the elevator.
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SCHLOßBERGBAHN
Besides these very comfortable ways of climbing
the Schlossberg hill, many visitors decide to be
athletic and hike to the top.
Next to the elevator is the Schlossberg-tunnel,
which serves as a pathway to the cathedral inside
the mountain, and crosses the path "At the foot of
the Schlossberg", which leads to the clock tower.
Alternatively, one can also climb the 260 steps to
reach the top of the hill and the clock tower.
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CHINESISCHER PAVILLION

GLOCKENSPIEL
High above the Glockenspielplatz (Chimes
Square), a traditionally-dressed couple dances daily
at 11am, 3pm and 6pm. The melody of the mechanic
chimes is always changing. The square is
right at the heart of the "Bermuda Triangle", where
visitors can get lost amongst the countless bars,
cafes, and restaurants.
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EISERNES TOR
This is also the place of a sight called Maria Column,
built in 1670, which used to be on Karmeliter
Square. The column was erected to commemorate
the victorious battle at Mogersdorf under Count
Raimondo Montecuccoli. The column was moved
to its current location in 1928.
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Churches

BARMHERZIGE BRÜDER
Halfway between Südtiroler Square and Rosegger
House you will find the church Maria Verkündigung.
The construction of the church was interrupted by
the Thirty Years' War and thus it was sanctified only
in 1636.
The original church had to be torn down only one
hundred years after its construction and was replaced
by today's building, constructed from 1735
to 1740.
Since this church also served as garrison church, it
has been the home of the ship bell of battleship
SMS Tegethoff since 1973.
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DOM
Don't be fooled by the simple exterior of the Graz
Cathedral. The formerly grand painting of the building
unfortunately completely disappeared with the
exception of the so-called "God's Plagues Picture".
This image, referencing the horror-year 1480, is located
on the southern side of the cathedral. The
three plagues locusts, war, and pestilence were
thought of as punishment by the population. The
fresco was created by Thomas von Villach as a
plea for mercy and reconciliation.
The inside of the cathedral impresses though the
magnificent high altar and the two reliquary caskets
on both sides of the entryway to the chancel.
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DOM ZU GRAZ

DOM ZU GRAZ

DREIFALTIGKEITSKIRCHE
The church is located on Schlossberg Square.
Right behind the church is the river Mur pier. The
Dreifaltigkeitskirche (Holy Trinity Church) initially
was built as Ursuline Church and sanctified in
1704. The style of the church resembles Italian
baroque and the interior is baroque as well.
The sculptures of the four church fathers are particularly
impressive: Ambrose, Augustine, Gregor
the Great, and Jerome.
The southern side altar houses a depiction of Saint
Ursula, the name saint of the religious order.
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FRANZISKANERKIRCHE
Right in the centre of Franciscan Quarter is the
Franciscan Church. Here you will find the impressive
church - first documented in 1249 - surrounded
by historic shops and boutiques, many restaurants,
cafes, and bars. The Stations of the Cross at
the Franciscan monastery are definitely worth a visit.
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KALVARIENBERG
Graz even has its own Calvary hill, with was built
during the 17th century on the Austein. It was
modelled after the hill in Jerusalem where Jesus
Christ was crucified. Above the entryway to the
Holy Staircase, the scene from the Gospel of John
is re-enacted on a stage, with Pontius Pilate parading
Jesus in front of the Jewish people. The lifesized
figures are divided into three sections.
The staircase accessing the crucifixion group is on
the right hand side of the church. The Calvary hill is
accessible by bus number 67.
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KATHARIENKIRCHE
Next to the Graz Cathedral is St. Catherine's
Church and the mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand
II. In 1614, the emperor ordered Giovanni Pietro de
Pomis, who lived near Milan, to build the largest
mausoleum of the Habsburg empire. The construction
of the mausoleum was completed in 1634.
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CROWN OF GRAZ
The mausoleum as well as St. Catherine's church,
the Cathedral, Jesuit University, and Graz Castle all
belong to the so-called "Crown of Graz" (Grazer
Stadtkrone).
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GRABKAPELLE

DIE ELTERN KAISER FERDINANDS II

MARIATROST
The pilgrimage church Graz-Mariatrost lies on the
Purberg hill in the town Mariatrost. The church is
accessible via tramway (line 1). To recharge, gain
strength and energy, one can visit Mariatrost on a
sunny day and walk the Rosegger path towards the
Lech forest all the way to lake Hilmteich.
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MARIAHILFERKIRCHE
Giovanni Pietro de Pomis, an apprentice of Tintoretto,
began the construction of the baroque church in
the year 1604. De Pomis modelled the church after
the venetian style without towers, which were
added later under Josef Hueber. Across the courtyard
are the Minorite Halls. The largest hall is one
of the most beautiful baroque halls in the state capital.
The complex houses a total of three halls,
which provide the ideal ambiance for conferences,
conventions, and cultural events. The parish
church is avregular venue for church concerts and
orchestra masses.
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STADTPFARRKIRCHE
The complete name of the city parish church in
Graz is canonry, main and city parish church Graz
Holy Blood. In 1440, this spot was already home to
a house of worship. The baroque Johannes-Nepomuk-Chappell
houses the former high altar painting
of "Mary Ascension". This magnum opus is ascribed
to the Venetian Tintoretto. Because the gothic
glass windows were destroyed during World War
II, the artist Albert Birkle was instructed to create
new windows for the church. Birkle memorialised
the dictators Hitler and Mussolini as tormentors of
Christ in his work of art. This fact made several
front pages in the 1950s.
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HITLER UND MUSSOLINI (ALBERT BIRKLE)

STIEGENKIRCHE
Because the church is located behind houses in
the Sporgasse alleyway, it is accessed through its
characteristic stairway. The stair church was first
documented in 1343 and is one of the oldest buildings
in the city.
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ZENTRALFRIEDHOF
The central cemetery of Graz is the location for the
Serbian-Orthodox church of Saint Kyrill and
Method. The church, built in 1886, initially was a
roman-catholic church. In 1996, it was put under
the control of the parish of St. John and offered to
the Serbian-Orthodox Diocese for Central Europe.
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Museums

SCHLOSS EGGENBERG
The largest baroque castle in Styria houses extensive
collections from the universal museum Joanneum,
which make Castle Eggenberg one of the
most valuable cultural treasures of Austria. Since
2010, the castle has been on the UNESCO list of
world heritage sites. When visiting Graz, seeing
Eggenberg Castle is a must.
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JOANNEUMSVIERTEL
The museum Joanneum, founded in the year 1811,
is one of the oldest and most modern institutions in
Europe. The Joanneum quarter is also home to
Austria's largest and oldest state library. The New
Gallery Graz, multimedia collections, and the Museum
of Natural History are also located in the
Joanneum quarter.
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KUNSTHAUS
Graz was Europe's cultural capital in 2003, which
was the occasion to create the new Kunsthaus
Graz. In front of the building is the venerable "Iron
House", which dates back to 1848. At night, the facade
of the building shows current news headlines
on a 15 by 60 meter BIX media facade.
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TRAMWAYMUSEUM
The depot of the former Mariatrost railway, right at
the final destination Mariatrost, houses the Tramway
Museum Graz. The club has been showing oldtimers
from Graz, Vienna, Munich, and New York
since 1971. Many of the old-timers can be rented
for private tours.
Visit: www.tramway-museum-graz.at if interested.
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ZEUGHAUS
If you are interested in weaponry, you can admire
32,000 items on five levels at the Graz Armoury. It
is the only armoury world-wide that is still in its original
condition. The weapons date back from the
late 15th until the early 19th century. On the first
level, the cannon hall serves as the information
desk of Graz Tourism.
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Dine & Wine

AIOLA UPSTAIRS
www.upstairs.aiola.at/restaurant
Right next to the elevator, near the clock tower, the
restaurant "aiola upstairs" provides a wonderful
view of Graz, as well as some culinary highlights.
The establishment fits 120 people on the terrace
and 60 people indoors. The glass windows can be
sunk into the floor, which makes the indoor and
outdoor areas seamlessly melt together.
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GÖSSER BRÄU
www.goesserbraeugraz.at
The restaurant not only serves its guests the traditional
"Gösser" beer, but is also well known for its
home-style cooking and its fantastic international
cuisine. "Gösser Bräu" is a beer tavern that serves
eight varieties of beer to accompany their hearty
meals. The 650 seats make the restaurant a great
location for large groups.
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LANDHAUSKELLER
www.landhaus-keller.at
In autumn of 2015, the restaurant "Landhauskeller"
was newly renovated and is now more inviting than
ever. The locale has always been a meeting point
for visitors who enjoy hospitality, excellent meals,
and good drinks. The new and fresh look of the
"Landhauskeller" is another worthy reason for a visit.
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SCHLOSSBERGRESTAURANT
www.schlossberggraz.at/restaurant/
Conviviality and culinary specialities from this region
can also be enjoyed in the highest restaurant
in the city of Graz. The courtyard, open from May
till September, offers an amazing view over the entire
city. Here you will always find a cosy spot underneath
the many mature trees.
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SKYBAR
www.schlossberggraz.at/bar/
High above the Schlossberg Restaurant is the Skybar.
This breath-taking locale also includes a generous
terrace. Great drinks and snacks complete
the visit. If you want to tie the knot: The Skybar can
be used for weddings. A Registrar General is marrying
couples at 464 meters above sea-level.
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SPEISESAAL
www.speisesaal.at/
An unforgettable culinary meeting point is "Der
Speisesaal" ("The Dining Hall"), which received a
rating of 12.5 points in the 2016 Gault-Millau. In the
evening, guests can enjoy the legendary charcoalgrilled
steak. The desserts don't have to hide either:
the bakery Wiesler delivers delicious sweet
dreams.
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STAINZERBAUER
www.stainzerbauer.at/
Another cosy restaurant is "Stainzerbauer", which
offers a unique, down-to-earth cuisine and ambiance
well worth remembering. The restaurant received
one toque and 13 points in the 2016 Gault-
Millau. The gallery of photos displayed in the corner
of the parlour shows the popularity of this culinary
institution.
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DER STEIRER
www.der-steirer.at/
The restaurant "Steirer" ("Styrian") offers visitors the
opportunity to take a culinary tour of Styria. The
original restaurant, which is located inside Hotel
Weitzer, also offers a gift shop worth visiting. Here,
guests can buy wines, but also many unique souvenirs
from mother nature.
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Shopping

KAISER JOSEF PLATZ
The market-women on Kaiser Josef Square display
their reign six days a week from Monday to Saturday.
Here you will find fresh fruits, vegetables,
cheese, and ham. All goods are produced on their
farms and the market is a popular spot for the people
of Graz, especially on Saturdays.
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KASTNER & ÖHLER
"Kastner & Öhler" is the department store in Graz.
On 8 levels guests can give their wallets a workout
and purchase mainly women's, men's, and children's
fashion. It is tradition to visit the department
store and then have a coffee on the terrace or to
simply enjoy the view of the city of Graz from the
rooftop.
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LENDPLATZ
On the right bank of the Mur river, the market on
Lend Square is open daily except Sunday. Graz is
home to 800 city farmers and thus has the largest
number of market days in Europe. Lend Square is a
market exclusively for farmers who sell their own
goods. Visitors can find spots to rest and recharge
all around the square.
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HERRENGASSE
Herrengasse is the alley connecting Jakomini
Square with the Hauptplatz via the "Iron Gate". The
baroque boulevard is used mainly as a pedestrian
zone with the exception of tramway traffic. Here are
the Landhaus, the "painted house" Herzogshof,
many stores, cafes, and restaurants.
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HAUPTPLATZ
The "Hauptplatz" (Main Square) in Graz is the social
centre of the city. Here you can enjoy a sausage on
one of the many food stands (we recommend a
"Krainer") or discover the unique shops all around
the square and in the small alleyways leading away
from the Hauptplatz.
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ERZHERZOG-JOHANN-BRUNNEN

Hotels

DANIEL
www.hoteldaniel.com/graz/
The Hotel Daniel lies right at the main train station
of Graz. Tramways are within walking distance from
the hotel and the city centre can be reached in less
than 15 minutes. The hotel also offers scooter, e-
bike or Ape Calessino (a tricycle with particular
charm) rentals.
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ERZHERZOG JOHANN
www.erzherzog-johann.com/
Right next to the main square is the Palais Hotel
Erzherzog Johann, which can look back on a long
history. The glass roof covers the courtyard and the
Cafe Erzherzog Johann. Across the reception area,
the Ernst Fuchs Bar invites guests to enjoy a drink.
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SCHLOSSBERGHOTEL
www.schlossberg-hotel.at/
The Schlossberghotel is the "art hotel" of the city of
Graz. Your stay there is enriched by the many contemporary
original exhibits. Behind its walls, the hotel
also has a garden right at the Schlossberg hill.
The garden extends on several levels and offers a
grand view over the city of Graz.
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WEITZER
www.hotelweitzer.com/
Hotel Weitzer is right on the Mur river bank and is
only a 5-minute-walk from the main square. The hotel
is also home to the restaurant "Der Steirer" and
the well-known "Kaffee Weitzer" cafe. If you want to
explore the city, make use of the hotel's bicycle and
Mercedes Cabriole rental offers.
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WIESLER
www.hotelwiesler.com
The hotel "Wiesler" is just one minute away from the
"Kunsthaus" Graz and only a short distance from
the city centre. The hotel houses a restaurant
called "Speisesaal" and even a barbershop on the
second floor, where "real men" can enjoy a professional
shave.
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ZUM DOM
www.domhotel.co.at/
The "Hotel zum Dom" is in the Palais Inzaghi on
Bürgergasse alley. This boutique hotel is near the
cathedral and is surrounded by many romantic alleys
and squares, which will provide for many happy
memories on your visit.
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Public Transport

BUSSES
In front of the main station, the bus terminal of
Holding Graz Linien connects Graz via several regional
bus routes,
OEBB Intercity busses, as well as the southern motorway
to the neighbouring state capital of Klagenfurt.
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TRAMWAY
Bus lines 1, 3, 6, and 7 stop at the main station.
The "AltstadtBIM" tramway serves the downtown
area for free. You can purchase tickets for the entire
public transportation network inside the tramways
and busses. However, my tip is to buy them ahead
of time at a ticket agency (like a tobacconist).
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SCHLOSSBERGBAHN
The Schlossbergbahn train has been taking visitors
to the top of Graz's Schlossberg since 1894. Documents
from the year 1528 already mention a train
on the Schlossberg, which was used to bring material
to the top of the hill. A trip to the top takes about
90 seconds.
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SCHLOSSBERGLIFT
There is no faster and more comfortable way to
climb the top of the Schlossberg than the elevator.
The glass-elevator takes about 30 seconds to
reach the clock tower. The entryway also serves as
entrance to a fairy-tale-themed cave train, which is
particularly popular with families.
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JAKOMINIPLATZ
The “Jakominiplatz” (Jakomini Square) is the central
traffic hub of the city of Graz. All tramway and
many bus routes meet here. If you are taking public
transportation to the city centre of Graz, Jakomini
Square is the ideal starting point for a walkabout
through the city.
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Impressum

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AT13_EN_Graz © 2025
The team
This e-book was made possible through the kind support of the
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