O P E N O U R H E A R T. . .
. . . A N D E N J O Y THE PEOPLE, N AT U R A L B E A U T Y, SCENERY AND CULINARY DELIGHTS OF STEIERMARK/STYRIA.
w hat, w hen , w here ? el at home To really fe aven in your holidoakynhow you need t
When should I come?
What I see?should
Where can I do sport? Fotografennamen
Where can I get something to eat?
Griaß´ Di A colloquial way of saying “hello” in northern Steiermark/Styria.
Hallo
A colloquial way of saying “hello” in and around Graz.
Servas
A colloquial way of saying “hello” in southern Steiermark/Styria.
South Styrian Wine Route
T H E S T Y R I A N TA K E O N L I F E • lean back • look at the greenery • savour a glass of wine • chat with a Styrian • just take your time
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South face of the Dachstein
Grimming
D I S C O V E R A R E A L M OF DIVERSITY
Grundlsee lake
Schattensee lake
Steiermark/Styria? It doesn’t really exist as such, at least not in a one-dimensional sense. The truth is that the word Steiermark/Styria conjures up visions of highly diverse landscapes in the mind’s eye. They range from rugged mountain ranges such as the Gesäuse or the Hochschwab to lofty mountain peaks which include the Grimming or the Dachstein – at 2,995 metres above sealevel it’s the highest point in the whole of the province. From verdant meadows on the stunning Teichalm, Central Europe’s largest region of alpine pastures covering an area of around 100,000 football pitches, to refreshingly cool and crystal clear mountain lakes, to wonderfully warm thermal springs and all kinds of trees. Over 60% of Steiermark/ Styria consists of woodland. “The Green Heart of Austria” isn’t just an advertising slogan. It’s the plain truth!
Steiermark/Styria is... … Austria’s second largest federal province with an area of 16,401 km2. … very green. 61% of the Province consists of woodland.
M O U N TA I N S & wOODS
Steiermark/Styria has... … 788 peaks over 2,000 m above sea level. … 2,000 alpine pastures with a total area of about 50,000 hectares. … 1 national park – the Gesäuse – and 7 nature parks.
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Apple Route
Klapotetz emblem
A U S T R I A’ S GARDEN OF EDEN Although the Celts had already made use of wild vines some 2,500 years ago in the area of today’s Steiermark/Styria, it wasn’t until the Ancient Romans arrived that wine-growing became established in the region. Today, the three Styrian wine-growing regions in the south, west and south-east feature some of the world’s most scenic vineyards. And Styria’s fertile landscape also supplies superlatives of a different kind: Austria’s largest apple-growing area, for example, is located in eastern Steiermark/ Styria. Steiermark/Styria is also home to Europe’s largest integrated area for growing horseradish. And then of course there are the pumpkins, from which the world’s best seed oil is pressed. 14
w I N E & ORCHARDS Steiermark/Styria has ... … a wine-growing area of 3,900 hectares. … Austria’s largest apple-growing area covering 4,800 hectares. Steiermark/Styria grows ... … grapes for 200,000 hectolitres of wine – 70% of which is white wine. … 100 million apples – the equivalent of some 195,000 tonnes each year.
Southern Styrian Wine Route
A L O V E O F T H E EXTRAORDINARY A city is a home to contrasts. A place with a big heart for historical tradition and modernity. Where tranquil parks invite visitors to relax and trendy shops attract passionate shoppers. Where you can enjoy Mediterranean flair against the backdrop of the Alps.
Graz embodies the spirit of such cities. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and City of Design it juxtaposes the very latest in modern architecture alongside magnificent inner courtyards dating back to the Renaissance period. Only a few minutes separate the world’s largest medieval armoury from a spectacular, artificial – but wonderfully artful! – island on the River Mur. A city where a love of the extraordinary meets the joy of everyday life in secluded outdoor beer gardens and top-notch restaurants.
Murinsel
Graz, Steiermark´s/Styria’s capital city... … has about 300,000 inhabitants. … is a student city with four universities, two universities of applied sciences & 60,000 students. … was the European Capital of Culture & is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, City of Design as well as Capital of Culinary Deligths.
w H E R E w O R L D H E R I TA G E M E E T S THE ZEITGEIST
Sporgasse
15 Kunsthaus
S T Y R I A N SEA
A veritable ocean of millions of fragrant flowers in bloom floods Steiermark/Styria in spring, from the Styrian Apple Route in the east and the meadows of the pasture lands to the daffodil bastion of the Ausseerland in the extreme northwest. A region as a bouquet of flowers. A spring awakening in Steiermark/Styria.
The pumpkins that slumber on earthy brown fields to the southeast look just like yellowy-orange spats of paint, morning fog shrouds the sleepy woodland in a milky grey to the north and the grapes along the Wine Routes sparkle like emeralds under their golden red leaves. The Styrian autumn is as colourful as life itself.
P A I N T B O X E S O F N AT U R E
Overcrowded beaches, overcrowded cities and impersonal holiday clubs: you’re more than welcome to them. But Steiermark´s/Styria’s not like that at all. Here you can go on sublime hikes through local forests, cycle along the River Mur and explore whitewater streams. It’s the kind of summer you deserve. Refreshingly different. Refreshingly natural.
T H E F R E S H N E S S OF SUMMER
Winter turns truly Styrian when the sun, exhausted by its efforts to shine brightly over the skiing mountains to the north, sinks slowly down to the horizon and bathes the snowy scenery in a glittering light. An experience best enjoyed in rustic alpine huts, at enchanting Christmas markets or during some moments of blissful relaxation at a thermal spa.
T H E O N S E T OF wINTER
M mmhhh ..
.
Cold cuts
pkin Pum oil d e se nner & ru ns: bea ty hear
: rian ish Sty serad your r e o l h tick will ebuds tast Xe ga is rich me:
Far bre mer’s crun ad: chy
no lca Vu m: a h y juic
& ds ea es: r Sp inc th m oo sm
Styrian chicken: spot on
ne Wi eese: h c ld mi 20
n ria Sty ne: i w y and rac rited spi
A Styrian trilogy! Pumpkins The Styrian oilseed pumpkin is a regional treasure, and the oil pressed from its seeds is even a registered trademark across the EU. As well as adding a magnificent finishing touch to salads, it’s also used as an ingredient to make snacks and cosmetics.
Apples 100 million shiny red and yellow apples are harvested every year in Steiermark/Styria. If you were to line them all up in a row you could extend the Styrian apple route in eastern Steiermark/Styria all the way to Beijing.
Wine Styrian wines are a regular feature at top international restaurants. But the wines taste best where they’re grown. Along the Styrian wine routes. Rustic wine taverns line the ways along wine-growing estates featuring modern architecture.
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And for those with a sweet tooth
A cheesy proposition A good catch Styrian pearl Runner beans or rather scarlet runner beans: when drizzled with pumpkin seed oil and garnished with onion rings, they’re the perfect accompaniment to a plate of cold cuts.
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You’ve really caught yourself something tasty when you land yourself a freshwater char from one of the crystal clear lakes in the Ausseerland.
This is certainly one of the more extreme olfactory experiences which Styrian cuisine has to offer. Curd cheese is made by hand from alpine milk, then dried and sprinkled over another speciality – the Styrian doughnut.
Who says that a bar of chocolate can’t be round? Styrian chocolatiers impress with delicious chocolate creations outside the supermarket mainstream – the chocolate comes in a wide range of unusual flavours.
A question of good taste A candlelight dinner outdoors against the backdrop of a world heritage site. Where can you find something like that? Only in Graz. Tables of delight are spread right across the old city. Good taste at its best!
Alpine medicine Young Swiss pine cones are soused in a heady mixture of alcohol to create a soothing schnapps in the Upper Styrian Murtal valley.
Delicious chicken With tender chicken meat enveloped in a coating of crunchy breadcrumbs, Styrian fried chicken is a popular stalwart of Styrian cuisine.
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Let s
get goi ng
AT Y O U R O w N P A C E Over 1,000 km of signposted cycling trails wind their way between the Dachstein to the north and the wine-growing region in the south. Choose between gentle, ambling bike rides along rivers such as the Mur and the Enns, or revel in the tougher challenges that await you on mountain bike trails along alpine paths. Styria even has a World Championship course! Other options include family-friendly hiking tours through colourful vineyards, along glittering mountain streams, across lush meadows or to thunderous waterfalls.
E X E R C I S E A N D N AT U R E 26
SLOw DOwN A BIT – RELAX IN STYRIA Steiermark/Styria offers the gentle rhythm of nature as a complete contrast to the hectic pace of everyday life. Marvel at the sight of sunrise from an alpine hut high above the valley, smell the fragrance of fresh mountain pastures, take in the sight of a breathtaking alpine panorama. It all adds up to an addictive blend of peace and quiet that makes you long for more. More quality of life. More Steiermark/Styria.
Men’s nightrace, Schladming
B U C K L E U P, P L E A S E ! Hochschwab
There’s something here for everyone – from world champions to beginners and grandparents to grandchildren: 83 skiing areas with 750 km of groomed slopes, fun parks and halfpipes; 880 km of meticulous cross-country trails and one of the most sublime backcountry skiing areas in the Alps. All this comes with an enormous choice of alpine huts serving regional delicacies.
A MEETING POINT FOR THE wORLD’S BEST Steiermark/Styria is the only place in the world to have hosted all the FIS World Championships; here are just a few examples from the recent past and future: Schladming was last in the international spotlight for the Alpine Skiing World Championships in 2013; this will be followed in 2015 by the Double Snowboarding and Freestyle Skiing World Championships on the Kreischberg/Murau, and in 2016, the Ski Flying World Championships on the Kulm in Bad Mitterndorf/Tauplitz. In 2017 Schladming and Graz will be venues for the Special Olympics.
Enns cycling trail
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R E L A X AT I O N I N S T E A D OF CRUDE OIL
Apple and whey bath
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The original plan was quite different. Back in the 1970s, deep boreholes were driven into the ground in Loipersdorf, southeastern Steiermark/Styria, with the idea of finding crude oil. But these efforts came to nothing. Jets of hot water gushed out instead. Today, Steiermark´s/ Styria’s thermal spa region with its six thermal springs within 90 km is regarded as Europe‘s largest spa region. That indicates a lot of professionalism – and is also scientifically proven. One study, for example, shows that a 25-minute bath in Styrian thermal water clearly lowers stress levels. And if your twinges don’t stop there, perhaps a mud treatment using ingredients from Austria’s highest moorland in Garanas, western Steiermark/Styria, might help. Medicinal plants, seeds, pollen and flowers have been preserved in the muddy soil for over 6,000 years. Today they are used for detox and purification, especially among people in search of regeneration.
Styrian Lake Constance
Steiermark/Styria has ... … nine thermal springs. … Austria’s highest moorland (1,400 m above sea level). … an almost 1,000 years old tradition of salt mining in the Ausseerland. Steiermark/Styria is ... … relaxing: Thermal water lowers stress hormone levels. … invigorating: Alpine herb treatments stimulate the body.
S P A B L I S S & G O O D H E A LT H
F E E L R E V I TA L I S E D , N O T B U R N E D O U T Press the pause instead of the fast-forward button for a change. Leave the highway of everyday life and stop off at a service station where you can enjoy pleasant indulgence. Steiermark/Styria offers an all-inclusive programme of well-being: 9 thermal springs, uniquely created cosmetic products made of grape seed, volcanic rock, elderflowers, alpine herbs or pumpkin seeds, and special types of treatment such as Traditional Styrian Medicine (TSM ®). But above all, it offers havens of peace and quiet in the midst of glorious natural surroundings. Whether in a hay bed at a farmhouse, on a bench in front of an alpine hut or on a walk through the woods.
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D E S T I N AT I O N S & C U LT U R A L TREASURES
S T Y R I A N T R E A S U R E S It’s the location in the contact zone between east and west, from the Alps to the Mediterranean, between age-old traditions and contemporary trends – and it’s the home of very special people and accomplishments: Archduke Johann and Austria’s very first museum, Nikolaus Harnoncourt and the styriarte summer music festival, Dietrich Mateschitz and Red Bull, Lena Hoschek and her fashion, Elfriede Jelinek and her Nobel Prize for literature. Not to mention another 1.2 million very special Styrians...
The Kunsthaus in Graz
Tement vineyard
Schiestl house, Hochschwab
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Stift Admont
DACHSTEIN
Riegersburg
Steiemark´s/Styria’s highest peak features a spectacular observation deck.
Lipizzaners
MARIAZELL
The mother of all Austrian pilgrimage sites.
PIBER
Stud farm of the world-famous Lipizzaners.
KUNSTHALLE LEOBEN
Hosts all-year round events featuring world cultures.
ARNOLD SCHwARZENEGGER-MUSEUM
Birthplace of possibly the most famous Austrian.
S T Ü B I N G O P E N A I R M U S E U M
The valley of old farmhouses from all over Austria.
RIEGERSBURG
An impressive castle on an extinguished volcano.
ADMONT
The largest Baroque monastery library in the world.
H E R B E R S T E I N w O R L D OF ANIMALS 5 continents and their animals.
wINE ROUTES
A delight for the eyes, nose, palate and soul.
TOP
D E S T I N AT I O N S
Dachstein Sky Walk
T H E R E ’ S J U S T N O w AY A R O U N D I T You can’t hope to discover all the glories of Steiermark/Styria on just one holiday: the majestic Lipizzaners in Piber, the magnificent Castle Route in eastern Steiermark/Styria, the Erzberg and the skywalk over the South Face of the Dachstein. Or the colourful daffodil and apple blossom festival and the hip music and design festivals in Graz, etc… You simply can’t pack it all into one holiday! But you don’t have to. Simply come back another time. And keep on enjoying yourself. 31
w H AT A S T Y R I A N M E A N S w H E N H E S AY S
Expresses annoyance if something refuses to work properly or as a means of telling someone to get lost. But be careful! If followed by the words “Hoit die Papp’n!” or even “Hoit die Gosch’n!” (Shut your mouth!), this could signal the start of a “Ranglerei” (brawl).
Des geht mir nix, dir nix!
Bist du moped!
That’s not a problem at all – WE’LL SOON HAVE THAT SORTED!
Souwiesou! “Well, of course!” – used to convey wholehearted agreement. 32
Geh schleich di!
Schlecka Patzl!
Expresses a certain amount of gloating: Well, it’s your own fault!
An expression conveying a high degree of astonishment.
Des san zwa vaschiedane Poar Schuach! You really can’t compare chalk with cheese: they’re two entirely different things!
Jo, jo, passt scho!
Des kounnst deina Groußmuata dazöhln!
(Des) is so! A derogatory way of expressing agreement – usually to end a discussion that has already run out decent arguments.
(Na geh,) wos`d net sog´st! Indicates ironic surprise along the lines of: “Well, you don’t say? Fancy that!”
Cements the previous statement as an irrefutable dogma in the foundations a dialogue. Absolutely no point in arguing back!
An expression of sheer disbelief: “Tell it to the marines” or in this case: “You can tell that to your grandmother!”
Na hawi d`Ehre! “Oh, blinkin’ heck!” – expression used to indicate a somewhat negative moment of surprise.
Jo, jo! Signalises agreement – emphasises what everyone knows anyway.
Buar los! See “Na hawi d’Ehre”, but neutral to positive.
Des hot nix zum Sogn! Deflates and qualifies a previous statement: That doesn’t mean anything! 33
G R E E N I S N O T A COLOUR, IT’S AN...
e f i L n o k o o l t u O
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Krakautal
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wINE AND PUMPKIN OIL GREEN Green tastes delicious! Whether as a sparkling wine made of emerald-green grapes or as a velvety salad oil made of Styrian pumpkin seeds.
G R E E N I S : THE FIVE STYRIAN GREENS Strident red, cool blue, piercing yellow, tearful grey? You’ll come across all these – but the dominant colour in Steiermark/Styria is green. It’s the colour of life, of growth and signifies the centre of harmony. You’ll not only feel that on walks through the countryside but also when you meet the people who live and enjoy a good quality of life in the Green Heart of Austria.
HEART GREEN Green unites! It is the colour of inner peace and contentment, the bedrock of a very special kind of Styrian hospitality.
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F O R E S T GREEN LODEN GREEN
Green grows! It’s the colour of pristine nature. It’s the perfect colour for Steiermark/Styria. Nowhere else in Austria will you find more woodland.
Green is attractive! Steiermark/Styria is a place where the centuries-old tradition of “loden walking” meets the latest fashion trends.
HI-TECH GREEN Green researches! Steiermark/Styria is regarded as the centre of environmental science and the home of future-oriented “green jobs”.
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D I S TA N C E S FROM GRAZ Amsterdam Budapest Bratislava Berlin Brno Debrecen Florence Frankfurt Hamburg Ljubljana London Milan Moscow Munich Nuremberg Paris Praque Rome Salzburg Stuttgart Turin Würzburg Zurich
1,145 km 400 km 277 km 888 km 323 km 630 km 665 km 712 km 1,094 km 198 km 1,466 km 687 km 2,123 km 385 km 500 km 1,233 km 520 km 947 km 280 km 619 km 810 km 598 km 697 km
www.flughafen-graz.at, www.oebb.at Publisher: Steiermark Tourismus. Responsible for content: Dir. Georg Bliem. Project manager: Ute Hödl. Photos: © Bildarchiv Steiermark Tourismus (photographers: Gerhard Eisenschink, Leo Himsl, ikarus.cc, Christian Jausovec, Reinhard Lamm, Lanxx, Erwin Petz, photo-austria.at, Pixelmaker, Herbert Raffalt, Maria Rauchenberger, Harry Schiffer, Gery Wolf, www.bighshot.at); iStockphoto (1) und Partner. Title photo: Steiermark Tourismus/ikarus.cc. Concept & design: Raunigg & Partner GmbH. Printed by Medienfabrik Graz. Status: January 2012/Reprinted April 2013.
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STEIERMARK TOURISMUS A-8042 Graz T +43/316/4003/0 www.steiermark.com