State of Styria

Introduction

Styria (Steiermark) is the second-largest federal state in Austria, known as the "Green Heart of Austria" due to its vast forests and rolling hills. With a population of approximately 1.2 million people, its capital city is Graz, Austria's second-largest city.

Geography and Landscape

Covering 16,401 square kilometers, Styria features an incredibly diverse landscape. The Alps dominate the northern and western parts, with 788 mountains higher than 2000 meters. The tallest peak, Dachstein, reaches nearly 3000 meters. The southeastern region enjoys a warmer climate influenced by the Adriatic, featuring rolling hills and fertile valleys.

Economy and Agriculture

Styria's economy is characterized by its strong agricultural sector, with 271,481 hectares dedicated to farming. The region produces only about 10% of Austria's total wine production but is renowned for its high-quality wines.

Notable Products

• Pumpkin Seed Oil (Kürbiskernöl): A protected EU product since 1996, known for its dark green color and nutty flavor
• Pöllau Hirschbirne Pears: Ancient variety from trees up to 200 years old
• Styrian Runner Beans: Cultivated since the 16th century
• Styrian Teichland Carp: Various species bred in the region's lake district

Cultural Heritage

The region's history reflects a rich cultural tapestry, from Celtic remains to Roman ruins and medieval castles. Notable historical sites include Burg Deutschlandsberg, Riegersburg, and Burg Strechau. Historic towns like Frohnleiten, Hartberg, and Oberwölz preserve their medieval character.

Culinary Excellence

Styria is often referred to as "the belly of Austria" due to its outstanding cuisine. The region blends traditional dishes with contemporary culinary innovations, particularly in Graz, which has earned a reputation for its innovative food scene.

Attractions

Graz ※

Graz, Austria's second-largest city with over 300,000 inhabitants3, is a captivating blend of Renaissance architecture and modern design. Its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 19993, features over 1,000 buildings spanning various architectural periods. The city's iconic Clock Tower, perched atop the Schlossberg hill, has an intriguing quirk - its hour and minute hands are reversed, with the longer hand showing the hours. Home to more than 60,000 students across four universities and colleges, Graz maintains a vibrant cultural scene that earned it the title of European Capital of Culture in 2003. The city boasts several unique attractions, including Europe's longest indoor slide at the Schlossberg, the world's largest historical armoury, and a remarkable double spiral staircase known as the 'reconciliation staircase' where two staircases merge and separate as they spiral upwards. The surrounding mountains, including the Grazer Bergland, offer spectacular hiking opportunities with gorges and caves to explore. The local cuisine is particularly noteworthy, with traditional farmers' markets showcasing Styrian specialities and the region's famous pumpkin seed oil.

Other attractions

Bad Aussee
Bad Blumau
Hartberg
Judenburg
Mariazell
Bruck an der Mur
Leibnitz
Mürzzuschlag
Piber Federal Stud

Gesäuse National Park

Established in 2002, Gesäuse National Park is Austria's youngest national park, spanning 12,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in Styria. The park's dramatic landscape features towering limestone peaks, including the 2,369-metre Hochtor, alongside the untamed Enns River which carves one of the Eastern Alps' most impressive gorges. This biodiversity hotspot harbours over 230 endemic species, including 50 types of orchids, 1,234 butterfly species, and 90 breeding bird species. Visitors can explore the park through activities like hiking, climbing, rafting, and mountain biking, with four alpine huts serving as bases for mountain adventures. The park holds 'Genussregion' status for its local game specialities, with most huts and cafes serving organic, locally-sourced food. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the park's rugged beauty, impressive starlit skies, and numerous orchids, celebrated annually at the Gesäuse Photo Festival.