Local Information

The city of Graz is located on the River Mur, situated in southeastern Austria. It is the capital city of Austria and the birthplace of California Governor Arnold Arnold Schwarzenegger.

From the Graz train station, one can go to most places in Austria. There are also direct train routes to neighbour cities including Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Maribor (Slovenia), Zagreb (Croatia), Prague (Czech Republic), and Budapest (Hungary).

The main attractions in the Old Town are: the Schlossberg, which a site of an old fortress; Uhrturm, which is the clocktower on top of Schlossberg and is considered as the symbol of Graz; Landhaus, which is a renaissance building; the Burg, a gothic castle; and the buildings, courtyards and roofscape which has been listed as World Cultural heritage site by UNESCO.

Outside the Old Town, attractions include the Schloss Eggenberg, a palace with staterooms and a museum; the Basilika Mariatrost, a late baroque structure; the Herz Jesu Kirche, the largest church in all of Graz, whose spire is the third highest in Austria; and Calvary Hill, a 17th century church.

In the main Graz area, the attractions include the Freilicht museum, a museum which contains representative design of old farmhouses and buildings from all over Austria, the Lurgrotte, Austria's biggest cave system; the Lipizzanergestut Piber, a breeding place for the renowned white horses; the Steirische Weinstrasse, a winegrowing region located in the south of Graz and also called the "Styrian Tuscany"; the Thermenregion, which is thespa region, located east of Graz; and the Riegersburg, a fortress where the Turks failed to invade.

Graz is also known for its parks. The two more known national parks are Leechwald and Schlossberg. Leechwald, or Leech Forest is a favorite spot with trails for walking and jogging. Schlossberg used to be a site for a fort, but the watch and bell tower has been since ruined. These ruins are included in the attraction of the site, plus the many trees planted around it, and the magnificent view that it offers.

In 2003, Graz became the Cultural Capital of Europe. Many festivities take place all year round, which include the Styriarte, the Styrian festival of classical music; the Steirischer Herbst, an international festival for contemporary art; Jazz Sommer, the annual jazz summer festival; and La Strada, the international festival for road and theater figures.

Renting a car in Graz couldn't be easier, with Car hire in Graz City Centre and Car hire from Graz Airport easily available, there is no better way to see this beautiful city.

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