The best summer activities in Graz

Written by Hannes Wagner, Jun 15, 2022

The long-awaited summer vacation is finally here! After never-ending days in the library, exam stress and too much coffee, you can finally take a break and enjoy your free time to the fullest. Two months of summer break lay ahead of you – but where to start? At STUWO Graz we have put together the best summer activities for you! Summer certainly won’t get boring with these tips!

Enjoy the view from the Graz Schlossberg

Address: Am Schlossberg, 8010 Graz
Opening hours: 12 a.m. to midnight

If you live in Graz, you cannot avoid visiting the famous sight in Styria. The forested 123 m high Schlossberg is only a few minutes away from the main square and can be reached via the stairs (Schlossbergtreppe) or the elevator (Schlossberglift), which is made out of glass, or the mountain railway (Schlossbergbahn).

Of the original, magnificent castle, which was built on the Schlossberg over 1000 years ago, only the bell tower and the city’s landmark, the clock tower, remain today. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a fascinating 360 ° panoramic view of the historic city center of Graz. The picturesque Schlossbergplatz with its shady trees invites you to linger and if you find yourself on a leisurely stroll across the grounds, you can discover other historical sites such as the Turkish Fountain or the mighty stable bastion. If you want to get back down quickly, you need to try the Schlossberg slide. With a total height of about 64 meters, it is considered the highest indoor slide in the world and leads down the Schlossberg with a length of more than 170 meters.

Art & culture on the Murinsel

Address: Lendkai 19, 8020 Graz
Opening hours:
Café: MON-SUN, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Shop: TUE-FRI, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
SAT, SUN, public holidays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The Murinsel is located in the middle of the eponymous river in Graz, close to the museum “Kunsthaus”. The floating structure was created by the New York artist Vito Acconci in 2003 and is about 50 meters long and 20 meters wide. The Murinsel can be reached from both sides of the Mur via bridges that are only accessible for pedestrians. The Murinsel has its own café directly under the water-cooled glass roof, where you can enjoy a wonderful cup of coffee or even a cocktail.

The open-air theater is regularly used for open-air events and hosts weekly cinema evenings during the summer months. At night, when the island of the Mur shines in blue light, the artistic building looks particularly impressive. Originally planned as a temporary art project, the Murinsel has established itself in recent years as one of the most impressive tourist attractions and is now known as a landmark of modern Graz. In addition to the Murinsel, many other excursion destinations around art and culture in Graz are waiting for you.

Holiday feeling at the Schwarzlsee and the Straßgang natural outdoor pool

Schwarzlsee

Address: Thalerhofstraße 85, 8141 Premstätten
Opening hours: daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

If the temperature reaches more than 30 degrees in summer, nothing can keep us in the city. Everybody is looking to cool down, a great option for that is the Schwarzlsee. Just seven kilometers south of Graz, water lovers will find an extensive leisure facility with clear water.

An extra motorway exit from the A9 and 16,000 parking spots ensure a smooth and uncomplicated journey. If you want to be more environmentally friendly, you can also use the free shuttle bus from Graz, which leaves every 30 minutes. On an area of ​​over 200 hectares, pool-goers have the opportunity to do sports on land and in the water. Whether water skiing, wakeboarding or stand-up paddling, there is something for everyone. There is also a diving school and a sailing school on the premises. Those who are looking for relaxation can spend the time relaxing in the shade provided by the many trees and end the day in the guest garden or on the lake terrace with a glass of wine.

Bad Straßgang

Address: Martinhofstraße 3, 8054 Graz
Opening hours: MON-SUN, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

For the summertime, there are also numerous swimming opportunities for cooling off in the tropical heat in Graz. With 11,000 m² Bad Straßgang is one of the largest pools in Graz and the only urban natural pool. The quiet location next to a forest ensures rest and relaxation. In addition to a beginner’s and non-swimmer area, the natural pool is characterized by a spacious sunbathing area on which you can spread out and enjoy the sun. In terms of leisure time, you can pass the time on the trampoline, on the pool run course or with playing table tennis.

Here are the most beautiful bathing lakes around Graz!

Schöckl – summer retreat on Graz’s local mountain

Address: (cable car) Schöcklstraße 23, 8061 St. Radegund

At the gates of Graz lies the Schöckl Mountain, which is about 1,445 meters high. On summer days, a trip to the nature reserve offers a refreshing change from the urban heat. Whether by car or bus – you can reach the valley station in under 30 minutes and from there you can either comfortably take the gondola to the mountain station or explore one of the numerous hiking trails that will take you to the summit in around 1 ½ to 2 hours. Once at the top you will be rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view over the region of Slovenia. Graz’s local mountain offers a suitable activity for everyone. Whether cozy, sporty, ambitious or with special needs, everyone has been thought of. After a leisurely stroll along the alpine panorama path, connoisseurs can stop at one of the rustic inns and enjoy some Styrian specialties. Mountain bikers can enjoy biking along the Schöckl Trail, which is considered the most demanding downhill route in Austria, while paragliders and hang-gliders take on the skies on a clear day. A ride on the “Hexenexpress” summer toboggan run rounds off the day’s program in the great outdoors.

Let your mind wander at the Rettenbachklamm

Address: (entrance) Rabensteinersteig, 8044 Graz

The Rettenbachklamm is a very popular destination for excursions with Graz residents due to its untouched nature. The gorge is part of a nature reserve and offers its visitors a contrast to the daily street noise of the city. Equipped with sturdy shoes, you can hike in pleasant temperatures past small waterfalls over bridges and steps through the green natural jewel. Especially in the summer months, the river runs calmly down the gorge towards the city of Mariatrost. The Rettenbachklamm is closed in the event of heavy rain or high water. The gorge can be hiked through in a good half an hour and opens up to a flat forest area at its end, where various paths invite you to continue hiking. Via path 85b you will reach the Basilica Mariatrost, which enchants with extravagant decorations and impressive frescoes. The easiest way to get to the gorge is by public transport. Tram line 1 takes you to the Waldhof/Rettenbachklamm stop quickly and easily. From there it is only a 15-minute walk to the entrance to the gorge.

Satisfy your thirst for adventure in the Graz Adventure Park

Address: Köberlbauerweg 52, 8054 Attendorf
Opening hours: MON-SUN, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Why wander into the distance when the next adventure is so close! Whether swinging through lofty heights on the high ropes course, trying your hand at archery or getting to know nature from a different point of view during survival training, the Adventure Park Graz is located in the middle of a local recreation area at the outskirts of Graz. The Adventure Park Graz guarantees lots of fun and action for you and your friends . Around 40 different attractions ensure that you will remember this eventful day for a long time. Whether in a group or alone, there is something for everyone on this extensive program. You can try many activities yourself with the help of a game description instead of a guide by your side. With a day ticket you can use all attractions without any restrictions. Should the weather not play along, the Graz Adventure Park also offers 25 indoor activities where fun is not neglected either. In addition to that, we have put together more bad weather ideas for you. We also have a list of free activities in Graz!

Questions?

We are happy to help!