Vacations in Styria are so delicious
"They still exist, the beautiful things", is written above the menu and the following offer reads like an invitation to the land of milk and honey: hearty forest pork fillet slices with homemade potato dumplings, wild herb burgers with tomato ragout and parmesan, lamb chops on beetle bean and onion sauce and, as a sweet crowning glory, the Ölspurbecher, a creation of vanilla ice cream with caramelized pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil. And these are just some of the specialties that Styria has to offer. Almost everything served on the sunny terraces of the Goach family's "Jagawirt" in St. Stefan ob Stainz is home-grown and prepared with love. And you can taste it. You can really enjoy yourself here. Like in many places in Styria.
"The delicatessen of Austria"
It is not without pride that the locals call their land the "belly or delicatessen of Austria". Apples and grapes grow sweeter and more aromatic in the fertile soil than anywhere else. The 850-year-old Riegersburg Castle offers a magnificent view of the splendor. Its steep ascent used to make it impregnable. Today, visitors can comfortably reach the fortress by inclined cable car. Somewhat more sporty and still comfortable are discovery tours by e-bike through the South Styrian wine country.
You can go uphill and downhill on an electric bike. If you don't have enough power for the climb, a click on the gears provides gentle assistance. This leaves more time to relax and enjoy the landscape, in which undulating vineyards alternate with shady woodland, with wineries and wine taverns in between inviting you to enjoy a glass of Schilcher, a snack or other Styrian specialties.
The center of the culinary land of milk and honey
There's no question that anyone who goes on vacation in Styria is totally focused on indulgence. Graz lies at the center of the land of milk and honey. The highlight of the provincial capital is the annual "Long Table" in the historic center. Up to 600 guests can be seated at the festively laid table. But it is not only the culinary delights on offer that make Graz so attractive, but also the sea of red tiled roofs - best viewed from the beer garden on the Schlossberg, which is crowned by the historic clock tower - and the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. The Kunsthaus with its futuristic blue exterior and the Murinsel, which has been floating in the middle of the river since 2003, are particular attractions for those interested in architecture and culture. Graz's designation as a "City of Design" by Unesco has officially propelled the city into a league in which it has long been at the forefront.
After the food comes the exercise
Feeling good in Styria also means being active in nature. So head for the Dachstein glacier, the limestone massifs of the Totes Gebirge or the glistening mountain lakes in Ausseerland in the north-west. There are numerous interesting places in Styria where everyone can enjoy activities to suit their taste. Those with strong nerves should definitely visit the Skywalk, which hovers 2,700 meters above the vertical south face of the Hunerkogel. Those who don't like it quite so exciting can enjoy the view of the imposing peaks while swimming in the Grundlsee or the always warm Sommersbergsee. The easy circular hike to the Bachlalm is recommended for families with children. On the approximately two-hour tour, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, you can spot cute marmots.
Hiking in Styria
Dense forests, roaring waters and rugged limestone walls invite you to go hiking in Styria: The Gesäuse National Park alpine region is the perfect hiking area for anyone who likes things wild and unspoiled. Over the course of millions of years, the Enns has carved its way deep into the mountains and created a breakthrough valley with steep walls rising up to 1,800 meters. A fascinating piece of earth!
The home of Johann Lafer
The popular Michelin-starred chef Johann Lafer grew up in his homeland with "simple food prepared from unadulterated natural products" and appreciates the specialties of Styria. The region's culinary delicacies include the deep green pumpkin seed oil, the beetle bean, which unfolds its unique flavor in salads, soups and main courses, as well as Styrian apples. Styria is also a small and very fine wine-growing region with the main varieties Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Chardonnay (called Morillon here) and Schilcher.
Vacations in Styria: travel tips
Arrival & sleeping
By car: Via the A8 Munich-Salzburg-Graz or via the A9 Munich-Passau-Graz. Important: buy a vignette! 10 days cost 8.50 euros. www.vignette.at
Train: The Deutsche Bahn Europe Special takes you to Styria from 39 euros; information: www.bahn.de
Farm: An overnight stay on the culinary farm "Bruckreiterhof" with a dream view of the Dachstein costs 52 euros per person including half board. Children up to 5 years free, 7 to 14 years 26 euros; book:
www.urlaubambauernhof.at/bruckreiterhof
Winzerzimmer: The cozy Winzerzimmer rooms at Weingut Schauer invite you to linger. 1 night/night from 39 euros p.p./double room. Book: www.weingut-schauer.com
Experience the region
Cycling tours: Styria is a great place to explore by bike or e-bike. Pearls include the Mur and Enns cycle paths as well as all the pleasure e-bike tours.