Graz Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Graz, Styria, Austria)

The sights around Graz include both traditional and more unusual tourist attractions, ranging from the lakeside Copacabana Beach to the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II.

Particularly iconic is the Grazer Schlossberg, which is amongst the main attractions in Graz and has become widely associated with the city. This tall hill is located in the very city centre and provides a scenic backdrop to many views, being visited by crowds of tourists throughout the year.

For the best views of Graz, you can climb the 260 steps to the very top of the Schlossberg, or alternatively take a ride on the glass Schlossberglift or onboard the Schlossbergbahn funicular railway, both of which have become major tourist attractions in their own right and require tickets for 'Zone 1' transport.

Grazer Schlossberg (Castle Mountain)

Address: Schlossberg, Graz, AT-8010, Austria, AT
At almost 500 metres / 1,640 feet in height, the Grazer Schlossberg is hard to miss and is topped by a historic ruined fortress. These castle remains are an especially famous attraction in Graz and is surrounded by a landscaped public park from the late 1830s.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free, charge for Schlossberglift and Schlossbergbahn

UPC Arena

Address: Stadionplatz 1, Graz, AT-8041, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 0316 471 5310
Built in the mid-1990s and originally named after the famous local resident Arnold Schwarzenegger, who grew up in the nearby Austrian village of Thal before becoming an international movie star and 38th Governor of California, the former Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium is the city's premier sporting attraction. Renamed in 2005 as the UPC Arena, regular soccer matches take place at the stadium, attracting crowds of more than 15,000 people.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge for events

Landhaushof

Address: Herrengasse 16, Graz, AT-8010, Austria, AT
This beautiful courtyard was created in the latter part of the 15th century and is famed for its surrounding Renaissance-style facades and dramatic archways. The buildings around the Landhaushof are quite palatial in appearance and influenced by the Italian architecture of Venice at that time, adding tremendous grandeur to this courtyard. Seasonal events, attractions, concerts and theatrical performances are often staged here during the summer months.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II

Address: Burggasse 2, Graz, AT-8010, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 0316 821 683
Situated within the Old Town district and on the southern side of the city's cathedral, the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II dates back around 400 years and is of great historical significance. The Mausoleum itself comprises a number of interesting attractions, which include St. Catherine's Church and the elaborate gravestones of the Ferdinand family.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 to 12:00, 13:30 to 16:00
Admission: charge, concessions

Copacabana Beach

Address: Friedhofgasse 20, Graz, AT-8020, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 0313 55 5385
One of the most unexpected tourist attractions to be found in the Graz area, the Copacabana is actually often classed as a 'party beach' and edges the shoreline of a small lake. Attracting a definite young crowd, the Copacabana offers a number of pubs and bars, and is a great place to come in the summer, when you can sunbathe, paddle, swim and even enjoy a game of beach volleyball, along with a number of additional activities.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 22:00
Admission: free

Murinsel (Mur Island)

Address: River Mur, Graz, Austria, AT
A modern steel, glass and concrete construction sited in the middle of the River Mur, the Murinsel is actually an artificial island, resembling the form of an open seashell. The Mur Island is a much-loved local attraction in this part of Graz and is linked to the riverbanks either side by stylish steel bridges. Constructed as recently as 2003, the Murinsel is home to an enclosed bar and cafe, and is often used by locals as a simple pedestrian bridge.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Uhrturm (Watchtower)

Address: Schlossberg, Graz, AT-8010, Austria, AT
Tel: +43 0316 8075
The Uhrturm is a prominent medieval clock tower, located within central Graz, on the Schlossberg hill, and built in the middle of the 16th century. This is a particularly famous and iconic attraction, being known throughout Austria for its historical bells, which were once used to announce forthcoming town executions. The Uhrturm also features a rather unusual clockface, where the big hand denotes the hours and the small hand the minutes, and appears to be wearing a wooden hat.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free, view from outside only