In Austria’s second-largest city, sustainability is not just a buzzword. Nearly 60% of Graz is reserved for urban green spaces. Zero waste and social-impact stores are scattered across the car-free old town. Wednesdays are officially meat-free days in schools and kindergartens. Green hydrogen buses ply the streets. Explore the unique ‘Mediterranean’ influence, UNESCO-recognized sites, underground Jazz scene, farm-to-table eateries, future-minded fashion, next door hiking, and community-centric festivals on your next visit to Graz:
Graz Travel Guide for Conscious Travellers
1. Explore Graz’s historic city centre on foot
The UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town of Graz is a fascinating place to explore. Renowned for its Renaissance architecture, the old town is a maze of charming streets, hidden courtyards and vibrant squares. The Old Town of Graz is a compact area with large pedestrian zones, making it easy and eco-friendly to explore on foot. We’ve included a map below of our suggested Graz sightseeing walking route.
2. Browse the farmers’ markets
Graz is home to several farmers’ markets where local, organic produce is sold directly by farmers. Visit Lendplatz Market (6am – 1pm every day except Sundays/public holidays) or Kaiser-Josef-Platz Market to sample seasonal, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and purchase local food products. Don’t forget to buy a bottle of delicious Styrian pumpkin seed oil!
3. Hire a bicycle
There’s an extensive network of bicycle paths in and around Graz. One of our favourite things to do in Graz is to cycle along the Mur River into the outskirts where the hills are draped with mile after mile of vineyards. For fans of history and culture, visit the Eggenberg Palace or the Rein Abbey.
4. Hike in the hills
Graz is surrounded by gentle hills and forests, making it a haven for those who love to immerse themselves in nature. In and around the city, enthusiasts will love the Graz hiking trails on Schlossberg (Castle Hill), Plabutsch and Fürstenstand (with its lookout and restaurant) and Schöckl.
5. Enjoy the Mur River
The Mur River flows through the heart of Graz, making it a focal point for locals. We love walking or cycling along the Mur. Further upstream, where the river is tranquil and nature is lush, go canoeing or paddleboarding; a popular stretch is between St. Michael and Leoben.
6. Contribute to local social impact programs
There are numerous eateries which actively participate in social impact programs. Pane by Auer, a bakery, sells yesterday’s bread at half price, the proceeds of which are donated to local charities. Bo Suppe, a hole-in-the-wall soup kitchen (think wholesome, organic, zero-waste soups) provides support for children with special needs. If you love soups, like we do, don’t miss Bo Suppe!
7. Graz City Card
Consider purchasing a Graz City Card to explore the city and its outskirts in a low-emission way. The City Card offers complimentary public transport and free access to most museums in Graz. Purchase the Graz City Card here.
Graz boasts a variety of eco-conscious stores and boutiques. Head to the Lend and Gries districts, which are known for their unique vintage and upcycled fashion stores such as Tag.werk, Managerie, Heidenspass and Bohemian Soul Beehive. In the Old Town, check out Offline Retail. For typical Styrian food products, such as the delicious pumpkin seed oil, head to s’Fachl.
At the edge of the Old Town, visit Peaces Biomode, a clothing shop that sells handcrafted shirts, skirts, dresses and sweatshirts, made from sustainable fabrics.
Being the Culinary Capital of Austria, Graz offers many options for a delicious, sustainable meal. Many restaurants source their ingredients from the surrounding areas, ensuring that their food is fresh and seasonal. For a traditional Styrian meal with a focus on local and seasonal produce, head to Der Steirer or Mohrenwirt. Both embrace a sustainable approach by prioritizing regional ingredients, including organic vegetables and meats, and local wines.
A short distance from Mohrenwirt, you’ll find Hummel, a Levantine cuisine restaurant, where you’ll find seasonal, low-waste mezze plates.
Graz also has the highest density of vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Austria, and we’ve visited quite a few of them. Our favorites include Gerüchteküche, Ginko, Mangolds Eco Lifestyle, PARKS, Swing Kitchen and Café Erde.
When choosing where to stay, consider booking an eco-friendly hotel. Hotels I’ve stayed at include Augarten Art Hotel, Aiola Living, Grand Hotel Wiesler and Hotel Weitzer. They are excellent examples of accommodations that emphasize sustainability. Like many hotels in Graz, they have also adopted green certifications, ensuring they follow environmentally friendly practices.
The Nature of Urban Life in Graz
Eco-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Graz
A Walking Tour of Graz
History and Culture with the Graz City Card
How to Travel Sustainably in Graz
Graz: An Insider View
Graz: Sustainable by Design
In Graz, Sustainability Starts with Community
Graz is Always Greener on the Mountainside
