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WELCOME
CONTENT
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WILLKOMMEN
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DIE STADT
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SEHENSWERT
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KIRCHEN
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MUSEEN
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ESSEN & TRINKEN
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SHOPPEN
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HOTELS
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LOKALER TRANSPORT
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IMPRESSUM
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PREFACE
MMag. Dieter Hardt-Stremayr CEO Graz Tourismus und Stadtmarketing GmbH
„Welcome in Graz“ Graz. The second largest city of Austria represents more than 900 years of history: On your visit, you will discover many proofs of this active past, many references of the present, and quite a few visions of the future. The sunny flair of the South is just the cherry on top of the cake that is the city of Graz. People who know Graz love it for its beauty, charm, and temperament, warmth and "joie de vivre". But also for its very special culinary qualities. And because the city is such a wonderful mixture of
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small-town charm and urban centre. You will discover wonderful destinations for day trips in all directions, which make the city of Graz a wonderful vacation spot. Welcome to Graz.
MMag. Dieter Hardt-Stremayr CEO Graz Tourismus und Stadtmarketing GmbH
CULTURE AND NATURE
Rudolf J. Strutz Author & Photographer
The city of Graz is the second largest city of Austria and the state capital of Styria, also called the "Green March". With its many parks and forests in immediate vicinity of the city, people can enjoy a very high quality of life here. You can spend your spare time either in one of the many museums, visit the sights, or simply go on a shopping spree. Graz's world-renowned department store is in a cul-de-sac, one minute from the Hauptplatz. It dates back to 1883, where Carl Kastner missed his connection and thus explored the city. He stumbled upon an empty business locale in the centre, which he spontaneously rented. This became the headquarters of Kastner & Öhler. Graz also offers numerous cultural highlights, opera, shows, and cabarets. One may say: There is always something going on in Graz.
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The many students who live in the city lead to a number of interesting bars and restaurants around the university. For people who want to dive even deeper into the nightlife of Graz, the "Bermuda Triangle" between Mehlplatz, Prokopigasse, and Färberplatz is a must when visiting the city. Graz is also home to the continuously expanding car cluster Styria. AVL List is one of the world's leading companies for motor- and test engineering. In 2003, Graz was named Cultural Capital of Europe and commemorated this event with several distinctive buildings. This e-book will give you a first view of the city of Graz. It was created in cooperation with the Austrian Federal Railways and Graz Tourism.
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ART AND CULTURE
GRAZ
As Austria's second largest city, Graz is home to about 300,000 people. The "Graz Basin" was the construction site of a castle in the 6th century. This structure was deciding in the naming of the city Graz. "Gradec" means "little castle". Graz can look back on a tumultuous past and was residence to the Habsburg family from the year 1379 to 1619. The strongly fortified city was able to repeatedly resist Ottoman attacks. All around the Schlossberg there are several spots that still commemorate this troublesome time. The fortress on the Schlossberg hill has never been conquered until 1809. Graz's citizens bought the clock tower and bell tower from the French. The Schlossberg hill offers a fantastic views over the roofs of the city Graz, which was named a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1999. Today, Graz is a green oasis with many opportunities for rest and recreation or to simply enjoy life. Many day trip destinations can be reached by means of public transport. Ever since the year 2008, Graz can also call itself "indulgence capital of Austria". For this, the city can thank one of its salad delicacies, the "Krauthäupel" (a type of cabbage). The salad is being sold at the numerous farmers' markets from mid-March to November.
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WORTH SEEING
SÜDTIROLER PLATZ
Südtiroler Square at the river Mur bank is home to many historic buildings. Next to it is the futuristic Grazer Kunsthaus, a museum right at the river bank. You can start your shopping spree here, or simply pick a cozy restaurant to spend the time. 8
KARMELITERPLATZ
Karmeliter Square is home to the pestilence column, built in 1680. The path "At the foot of the Schlossberg" leads via the the Schlossberg-tunnel to the famous clock tower. Restaurants and cafes, as well as a large fountain, where hikers cool their feet, surround this square. 9
EDEGGER-TAX
The bakery by royal appointment Edegger-Tax houses one of the most impressive facades of Graz. This former royal bakery is one of the oldest in the city. The history of this reverend company dates back to the 14th century. "Sissi-Kisses", "Styrian Panther's Paws", and "Pumpkin-Seed Vanilla Cornets" are their specialities. 10
BURG
The Habsburg family errected the castle in 1438. Today, it is the official residence of the Styrian governor. The impressive gothic double-spiral staircase from 1499 is also called the "reconciliation staircase", because the two separated paths are brought together again. 11
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PALAIS SAURAU
From a small window right beneath the roof of Palais Saurau, you can see a mann with beard, turban and dagger. There are many stories about why he was depicted this way, but as there never was an Ottoman occupation in Graz, we are led to believe that the Count of Saurau just followed a fashion trend. 13
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VOLKSGARTEN
The Volksgarten Graz is a public park covering 4.6 hectars in the city's Lend district. When coming from Lend square towards Annenstraße, the park is on your right hand side. It is divided in two by the Mühlgang canal. Many ducks and goldfish inhabitate the two ponds of the park. 15
STADTPARK
The Stadtpark ("city park") fountain is an exhibition piece from the World Fair held in 1873 in Vienna. The Stadtpark Graz has been under environmental protection since 1987. It is home to a large playground and many benches that serve as resting spot for wanderers. The park also accommodates many squirrels, which are also called "Hansis". 16
Die Styria und die Austria wurden von Hans Brandstetter geschaffen und befanden sich bis 1964 auf der Hauptbrücke.
Nach dem Neubau der Brücke, die heute Erzherzog-Johann-Brücke heißt, wurden die Statuen 1970 im Stadtpark aufgestellt. 17
OPERNHAUS
The Graz Opera House was built according to plans by Fellner and Helmer, based on the style of Fischer von Erlach. The official opening was in 1899. The Opernring houses a 54-metre sculpture, "Lichtschwert" (lightsaber), based on the Statue of Liberty in New York, and serves as a memorial to respect Human Rights. 18
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SCHLOSSBERG
The Schlossberg hill is the perfect spot to relax at any time of the year. Visitors can see the most famous landmark of Graz: the clock tower. The hour hand is longer than the minute hand, which was added later. The clock tower also houses three bells, amongst them the oldest bell of Graz. 20
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The bell tower Archduke Karl II had the octagonal tower built in the year 1588. It measures 34 metres in height. "Liesl" (Elisabeth) is the third largest bell in Styria and measures 1.97 metres diagonal and weights 4.5 tons. "Liesl" can be heard daily at 7am, 12pm and 7pm when she sounds her 101 chimes. This tradition dates back to a myth stating that the bell was made from 101 salvaged Ottoman cannonballs. In the cellar of the clock tower is the dungeon, which was referred to as "contrabass". Behind the bell tower, right next to the top station of the Schlossberg train, are the excavated foundation walls of the Thomas Chappell. Walking past the bell tower further uphill, you will see casemates, the large cistern, and finally the Major-Hackher-Memorial, the so-called Hackher-Lion. Downhill you will pass the stable bastion, the Chinese pavilion, and the "Bishop's Chair" to reach the Turkish Fountain and finally the clock tower. The Herberstein Garden and the People's Bastion are especially unique because of their flowery glory.
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Getting to the top Ever since 1894, visitors can "climb" the hill conveniently using the Schlossberg train, which leaves at Kaiser-Franz-Josef Pier. An alternative is the glass elevator from Schlossberg Square to the clock tower. The elevator stops at the Schlossberg Cathedral and the casemates. Younger visitors particularly enjoy the fairy-tale-themed cave railway, which can be reached via the same entrance as the elevator. Besides these very comfortable ways of climbing the Schlossberg hill, many visitors decide to be athletic and hike to the top. Next to the elevator is the Schlossberg-tunnel, which serves as a pathway to the cathedral inside the mountain, and crosses the path "At the foot of the Schlossberg", which leads to the clock tower. Alternatively, one can also climb the 260 steps to reach the top of the hill and the clock tower.
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GLOCKENSPIEL
High above the Glockenspielplatz (Chimes Square), a traditionally-dressed couple dances daily at 11am, 3pm and 6pm. The melody of the mechanic chimes is always changing. The square is right at the heart of the "Bermuda Triangle", where visitors can get lost amongst the countless bars, cafes, and restaurants. 27
EISERNES TOR
This is also the place of a sight called Maria Column, built in 1670, which used to be on Karmeliter Square. The column was erected to commemorate the victorious battle at Mogersdorf under Count Raimondo Montecuccoli. The column was moved to its current location in 1928. 28
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CHURCHES
BARMHERZIGE BRÜDER Halfway between Südtiroler Square and Rosegger House you will find the church Maria Verkündigung. The construction of the church was interrupted by the Thirty Years' War and thus it was sanctified only in 1636. The original church had to be torn down only one hundred years after its construction and was replaced by today's building, constructed from 1735 to 1740. Since this church also served as garrison church, it has been the home of the ship bell of battleship SMS Tegethoff since 1973.
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DOM Don't be fooled by the simple exterior of the Graz Cathedral. The formerly grand painting of the building unfortunately completely disappeared with the exception of the so-called "God's Plagues Picture". This image, referencing the horror-year 1480, is located on the southern side of the cathedral. The three plagues locusts, war, and pestilence were thought of as punishment by the population. The fresco was created by Thomas von Villach as a plea for mercy and reconciliation. The inside of the cathedral impresses though the magnificent high altar and the two reliquary caskets on both sides of the entryway to the chancel. 31
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DREIFALTIGKEITSKIRCHE The church is located on Schlossberg Square. Right behind the church is the river Mur pier. The Dreifaltigkeitskirche (Holy Trinity Church) initially was built as Ursuline Church and sanctified in 1704. The style of the church resembles Italian baroque and the interior is baroque as well. The sculptures of the four church fathers are particularly impressive: Ambrose, Augustine, Gregor the Great, and Jerome. The southern side altar houses a depiction of Saint Ursula, the name saint of the religious order.
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FRANZISKANERKIRCHE
Right in the centre of Franciscan Quarter is the Franciscan Church. Here you will find the impressive church - first documented in 1249 - surrounded by historic shops and boutiques, many restaurants, cafes, and bars. The Stations of the Cross at the Franciscan monastery are definitely worth a visit. 35
KALVARIENBERG Graz even has its own Calvary hill, with was built during the 17th century on the Austein. It was modelled after the hill in Jerusalem where Jesus Christ was crucified. Above the entryway to the Holy Staircase, the scene from the Gospel of John is re-enacted on a stage, with Pontius Pilate parading Jesus in front of the Jewish people. The life-sized figures are divided into three sections. The staircase accessing the crucifixion group is on the right hand side of the church. The Calvary hill is accessible by bus number 67.
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KATHARIENKIRCHE
Next to the Graz Cathedral is St. Catherine's Church and the mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II. In 1614, the emperor ordered Giovanni Pietro de Pomis, who lived near Milan, to build the largest mausoleum of the Habsburg empire. The construction of the mausoleum was completed in 1634. 41
Crown of Graz The mausoleum as well as St. Catherine's church, the Cathedral, Jesuit University, and Graz Castle all belong to the so-called "Crown of Graz".
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MARIATROST
The pilgrimage church Graz-Mariatrost lies on the Purberg hill in the town Mariatrost. The church is accessible via tramway (line 1). To recharge, gain strength and energy, one can visit Mariatrost on a sunny day and walk the Rosegger path towards the Lech forest all the way to lake Hilmteich. 46
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MARIAHILFERKIRCHE Giovanni Pietro de Pomis, an apprentice of Tintoretto, began the construction of the baroque church in the year 1604. De Pomis modelled the church after the venetian style without towers, which were added later under Josef Hueber. Across the courtyard are the Minorite Halls. The largest hall is one of the most beautiful baroque halls in the state capital. The complex houses a total of three halls, which provide the ideal ambiance for conferences, conventions, and cultural events. The parish church is avregular venue for church concerts and orchestra masses.
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STADTPFARRKIRCHE The complete name of the city parish church in Graz is canonry, main and city parish church Graz Holy Blood. In 1440, this spot was already home to a house of worship. The baroque Johannes-Nepomuk-Chappell houses the former high altar painting of "Mary Ascension". This magnum opus is ascribed to the Venetian Tintoretto. Because the gothic glass windows were destroyed during World War II, the artist Albert Birkle was instructed to create new windows for the church. Birkle memorialised the dictators Hitler and Mussolini as tormentors of Christ in his work of art. This fact made several front pages in the 1950s.
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STIEGENKIRCHE
Because the church is located behind houses in the Sporgasse alleyway, it is accessed through its characteristic stairway. The stair church was first documented in 1343 and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. 54
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ZENTRALFRIEDHOF
The central cemetery of Graz is the location for the Serbian-Orthodox church of Saint Kyrill and Method. The church, built in 1886, initially was a roman-catholic church. In 1996, it was put under the control of the parish of St. John and offered to the Serbian-Orthodox Diocese for Central Europe. 56
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MUSEUMS
SCHLOSS EGGENBERG
The largest baroque castle in Styria houses extensive collections from the universal museum Joanneum, which make Castle Eggenberg one of the most valuable cultural treasures of Austria. Since 2010, the castle has been on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. When visiting Graz, seeing Eggenberg Castle is a must. 58
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JOANNEUMSVIERTEL
The museum Joanneum, founded in the year 1811, is one of the oldest and most modern institutions in Europe. The Joanneum quarter is also home to Austria's largest and oldest state library. The New Gallery Graz, multimedia collections, and the Museum of Natural History are also located in the Joanneum quarter. 61
KUNSTHAUS
Graz was Europe's cultural capital in 2003, which was the occasion to create the new Kunsthaus Graz. In front of the building is the venerable "Iron House", which dates back to 1848. At night, the facade of the building shows current news headlines on a 15 by 60 meter BIX media facade. 62
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TRAMWAYMUSEUM
The depot of the former Mariatrost railway, right at the final destination Mariatrost, houses the Tramway Museum Graz. The club has been showing old-timers from Graz, Vienna, Munich, and New York since 1971. Many of the old-timers can be rented for private tours. Visit tramway-museum-graz.at if interested. 64
ZEUGHAUS
If you are interested in weaponry, you can admire 32,000 items on five levels at the Graz Armoury. It is the only armoury world-wide that is still in its original condition. The weapons date back from the late 15th until the early 19th century. On the first level, the cannon hall serves as the information desk of Graz Tourism. 65
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DINE & WINE
AIOLA UPSTAIRS upstairs.aiola.at/restaurant
Right next to the elevator, near the clock tower, the restaurant "aiola upstairs" provides a wonderful view of Graz, as well as some culinary highlights. The establishment fits 120 people on the terrace and 60 people indoors. The glass windows can be sunk into the floor, which makes the indoor and outdoor areas seamlessly melt together. 70
GÖSSER BRÄU goesserbraeugraz.at
The restaurant not only serves its guests the traditional "Gösser" beer, but is also well known for its home-style cooking and its fantastic international cuisine. "Gösser Bräu" is a beer tavern that serves eight varieties of beer to accompany their hearty meals. The 650 seats make the restaurant a great location for large groups. 71
LANDHAUSKELLER www.landhaus-keller.at
In autumn of 2015, the restaurant "Landhauskeller" was newly renovated and is now more inviting than ever. The locale has always been a meeting point for visitors who enjoy hospitality, excellent meals, and good drinks. The new and fresh look of the "Landhauskeller" is another worthy reason for a visit. 72
SCHLOSSBERGRESTAURANT schlossberggraz.at/restaurant/
Conviviality and culinary specialities from this region can also be enjoyed in the highest restaurant in the city of Graz. The courtyard, open from May till September, offers an amazing view over the entire city. Here you will always find a cosy spot underneath the many mature trees. 73
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SKYBAR schlossberggraz.at/bar/
High above the Schlossberg Restaurant is the Skybar. This breath-taking locale also includes a generous terrace. Great drinks and snacks complete the visit. If you want to tie the knot: The Skybar can be used for weddings. A Registrar General is marrying couples at 464 meters above sea-level. 76
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SPEISESAAL speisesaal.at/
An unforgettable culinary meeting point is "Der Speisesaal" ("The Dining Hall"), which received a rating of 12.5 points in the 2016 Gault-Millau. In the evening, guests can enjoy the legendary charcoal-grilled steak. The desserts don't have to hide either: the bakery Wiesler delivers delicious sweet dreams. 78
STAINZERBAUER www.stainzerbauer.at/
Another cosy restaurant is "Stainzerbauer", which offers a unique, down-to-earth cuisine and ambiance well worth remembering. The restaurant received one toque and 13 points in the 2016 Gault-Millau. The gallery of photos displayed in the corner of the parlour shows the popularity of this culinary institution. 79
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DER STEIRER der-steirer.at/
The restaurant "Steirer" ("Styrian") offers visitors the opportunity to take a culinary tour of Styria. The original restaurant, which is located inside Hotel Weitzer, also offers a gift shop worth visiting. Here, guests can buy wines, but also many unique souvenirs from mother nature. 82
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SHOPPING
KAISER JOSEF PLATZ
The market-women on Kaiser Josef Square display their reign six days a week from Monday to Saturday. Here you will find fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and ham. All goods are produced on their farms and the market is a popular spot for the people of Graz, especially on Saturdays. 84
KASTNER & ÖHLER
"Kastner & Öhler" is the department store in Graz. On 8 levels guests can give their wallets a workout and purchase mainly women's, men's, and children's fashion. It is tradition to visit the department store and then have a coffee on the terrace or to simply enjoy the view of the city of Graz from the rooftop. 85
LENDPLATZ
On the right bank of the Mur river, the market on Lend Square is open daily except Sunday. Graz is home to 800 city farmers and thus has the largest number of market days in Europe. Lend Square is a market exclusively for farmers who sell their own goods. Visitors can find spots to rest and recharge all around the square. 86
HAUPTPLATZ
The "Hauptplatz" (Main Square) in Graz is the social centre of the city. Here you can enjoy a sausage on one of the many food stands (we recommend a "Krainer") or discover the unique shops all around the square and in the small alleyways leading away from the Hauptplatz. 87
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HERRENGASSE
Herrengasse is the alley connecting Jakomini Square with the Hauptplatz via the "Iron Gate". The baroque boulevard is used mainly as a pedestrian zone with the exception of tramway traffic. Here are the Landhaus, the "painted house" Herzogshof, many stores, cafes, and restaurants. 89
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HOTELS
DANIEL hoteldaniel.com/graz/
The Hotel Daniel lies right at the main train station of Graz. Tramways are within walking distance from the hotel and the city centre can be reached in less than 15 minutes. The hotel also offers scooter, e-bike or Ape Calessino (a tricycle with particular charm) rentals. 93
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ERZHERZOG JOHANN erzherzog-johann.com/
Right next to the main square is the Palais Hotel Erzherzog Johann, which can look back on a long history. The glass roof covers the courtyard and the Cafe Erzherzog Johann. Across the reception area, the Ernst Fuchs Bar invites guests to enjoy a drink. 96
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SCHLOSSBERGHOTEL schlossberg-hotel.at/
The Schlossberghotel is the "art hotel" of the city of Graz. Your stay there is enriched by the many contemporary original exhibits. Behind its walls, the hotel also has a garden right at the Schlossberg hill. The garden extends on several levels and offers a grand view over the city of Graz. 99
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WEITZER hotelweitzer.com/
Hotel Weitzer is right on the Mur river bank and is only a 5-minute-walk from the main square. The hotel is also home to the restaurant "Der Steirer" and the well-known "Kaffee Weitzer" cafe. If you want to explore the city, make use of the hotel's bicycle and Mercedes Cabriole rental offers. 102
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WIESLER hotelwiesler.com
The hotel "Wiesler" is just one minute away from the "Kunsthaus" Graz and only a short distance from the city centre. The hotel houses a restaurant called "Speisesaal" and even a barbershop on the second floor, where "real men" can enjoy a professional shave. 105
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ZUM DOM domhotel.co.at/
The "Hotel zum Dom" is in the Palais Inzaghi on Bürgergasse alley. This boutique hotel is near the cathedral and is surrounded by many romantic alleys and squares, which will provide for many happy memories on your visit. 108
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PUBLIC TRANSPORT
GRAZ MAIN STATION
Graz's main train station serves over 40,000 passengers daily and thus is a highly frequented place. The tramway stop is subterranean and quickly and safely connects you to the city centre of Graz. The project "Graz Main Train Station 2020" paths the way for implementing the Koralpen train. 112
BUSSES
In front of the main station, the bus terminal of Holding Graz Linien connects Graz via several regional bus routes, OEBB Intercity busses, as well as the southern motorway to the neighbouring state capital of Klagenfurt. 113
TRAMWAY AltstadtBIM - freie Fahrt - Information nachlesen.
Bus lines 1, 3, 6, and 7 stop at the main station. The "AltstadtBIM" tramway serves the downtown area for free. You can purchase tickets for the entire public transportation network inside the tramways and busses. However, my tip is to buy them ahead of time at a ticket agency (like a tobacconist). 114
SCHLOSSBERGBAHN
The Schlossbergbahn train has been taking visitors to the top of Graz's Schlossberg since 1894. Documents from the year 1528 already mention a train on the Schlossberg, which was used to bring material to the top of the hill. The modern waggons are the train's third generation. A trip to the top takes about 90 seconds. 115
SCHLOSSBERGLIFT
There is no faster and more comfortable way to climb the top of the Schlossberg than the elevator. The glass-elevator takes about 30 seconds to reach the clock tower. The entryway also serves as entrance to a fairy-tale-themed cave train, which is particularly popular with families and takes about 35 minutes for a ride. 116
JAKOMINIPLATZ
The “Jakominiplatz” (Jakomini Square) is the central traffic hub of the city of Graz. All tramway and many bus routes meet here. If you are taking public transportation to the city centre of Graz, Jakomini Square is the ideal starting point for a walkabout through the city. 117
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IMPRINT
FINALLY
THE TEAM AuVi Bücher sind die Arbeit von zwei Personen, Rudolf Strutz, der die deutschen und englischen Texte verfasst und Vlad Emil Anitei, der das Erfassen der lokalen Daten abwickelt.
SOURCES All photographs and texts by Rudolf J. Strutz, maps and areal plans: ÖBB, Wiener Linien, VOR, Wien Tourism, Netzplanwien and Graz Holding. Foto of MMag. D. Hardt-Stremayr Graz Tourismus Hannes Loske. All videos were provided by Graz Tourismus.
COPYRIGHT The eBook is created under the Creative Commons License: Attribution and Noncommercial and NoDerivatives. © AuVi - Rudolf J. Strutz 2016 This eBook is provided free of charge. All logos, brand- and company names are only used to provide relevant information in this eBook. Usage of any of them outside of this eBook has been cleared with the appropriate owners.
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INFORMATION
Graz Tourismus & Stadtmarketing GmbH Messeplatz 1 8010 Graz Tel.: +43 316 8075-0 Fax: +43 316 8075-55 E-Mail: info@graztourismus.at www.graztourismus.at
Graz Tourismus Information Herrengasse 16 8010 Graz Tel.: +43 316 8075-0 E-Mail: info@graztourismus.at www.graztourismus.at
AuVi eBooks admin@auvi.me www.auvi.me 121
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Software used If we want the images to look even more life-like, we use HDR projects and to reduce image noise on pictures with low light, DENOISE is used. For panorama pictures, Autopano Giga is one of the best tools on the market. Links for free trial versions of this software can be found on our website.
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