Warm rays of sunshine make your skin tingle and the summer wind heralds the evening. The smell of fresh black bread is in the air, and juicy tomatoes are waiting to be cut. The Murtal Steirerkäs cheese and fresh farmhouse bacon are ready to be enjoyed. And with a glass of white wine in your hand, the evening finale is ready to begin. Styria extends from the northernmost point, the Dachstein (2,995 m above sea level) to the southernmost point of the Vulkania spring (2,843 m above sea level). In between, Graz lies at 353 m above sea level and is therefore the unique, urban center. The variety this region has to offer is barely tangible and yet so captivating that you cannot help but be affected.

Over hill and dale
A lush and green spring, the vines are slowly beginning to grow and a real sea of blossoms adorn the countryside: the perfect backdrop for a bike ride. Trees providing shade and cosy cabins with homemade dishes which entice a vast number of hikers during the summer. The autumn bustles with a blaze of colours and invites you again and again for a stroll. In addition to the vibrant orange colours of the pumpkins and the array of red-brown colours of the leaves, the young wine also tempts you to just sit and enjoy and linger. 788 peaks above 2000 meters call out to any hiking enthusiast. A particular highlight is the hiking route „From the Glacier to the Wine“. The northern route  takes in 548 km and takes you through 35 stages from Bergkönig Dachstein to the healthy thermal springs and on to Bad Radkersburg, whilst the southern passage takes you through 25 stages along 382 km from Dachstein into the wine country and on to Leibnitz. At the latest when the ice crystals are glistening and ski resorts present  fresh slopes, even the remaining sceptic is now convinced. A special highlight is the FamilySkiFestival Styria in December, which heralds the active winter season especially for children.
The experience of landscapes that reflect a contrast between the alpine north around Dachstein, Gesäuse and Hochschwab with mountain lakes, alpine pastures and cabins and the gentle hills around wine, apples and pumpkins in the south, is a unique spectacle of nature. Whether skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, cycling, mountain biking or golfing – everything is possible.

Gusto with a view
The greenest state in Austria not only reveals a breathtaking natural setting. Styria is, especially in the south, the most fertile state in Austria, yielding an array of high-quality luxury foods, from apples to arolla pines, as well wine which has been grown here for two and a half thousand years. Styrians are fully aware of this natural bounty  relating to the culinary trilogy of wine, pumpkin (seed oil) and apples, which are such an important part of the Styrian way of life. Vineyards cover approximately 5,000 hectares of Styria farmland. Every year, grapes grow here to produce 220-280,000 hectolitres of wine. The large 5,100 hectare apple-growing area, with a harvest of  40,000-180,000 tonnes of apples, is primarily used to produce juice, cider and vinegar. The vast 9,000 hectare pumpkin-growing area too produces an impressive harvest, which is turned into 3.2 million litres of pumpkin seed oil.

The power of water
The abundance of water between Dachstein and the wine region is always extremely appealing. Rivers with drinking water quality, gushing waterfalls, taps from which healthy drinking water flows – this natural resource is the perfect basis for a period of relaxation and a unique experience of nature. Relaxation comes in many forms, whether it‘s at the largest Styrian lake, the Grundlsee, at the end of the Riesach waterfall or in one of the nine thermal springs with pure thermal water. The slogan for this Austrian state is „Grünkraft Steiermark“ – Green Styrian Energy. This „green energy“ goes all the way back to that inner balance and fresh energy of life. This is backed by regional products, from apples to arolla pines, and the thermal waters with their proven stress-reducing qualities.

Towns and villages – urban jungle
When creative minds and history come together, the result is something quite unique. The state capital Graz is a perfect example. The futuristic-looking island in the Mur and the art museum fit harmoniously into the old town. The opera, theatre, open-air and cabaret theatres as well as the cathedral in the mountain offer everything the heart desires. And don‘t forget the Graz Advent with the heavenly lighting, ice nativity and atmospheric Christmas markets.
No matter what you experience, the relaxation and peace offered by Styria will remain with you forever. Even in the middle of the city of Graz you‘ll find havens of peace and tranquillity through art and culture. „The green heart of Austria“ welcomes anyone longing for the perfect time-out.

EDITOR's TIPS:
Bad Aussee Alpine Garden
Hauptstraße 48, 8990 Bad Aussee

Mariazell Basilica
Benedictus-Platz 1, 8630 Mariazell

Brewery of the Senses
Raffaltplatz 19, 8850 Murau

Burg Gallenstein
St. Gallen 86, 8933 St. Gallen

Gsellmann World Machine
Kaag 12, 8332 Edelsbach

Hiking Route From the Glacier to the Wine
The 546-kilometre north route which takes you through 35 stages as far as Bad Radkersburg in the thermal springs country or the 377-kilometre south route which takes you through 25 stages to Leibnitz in the Southern Styria Nature Reserve.

For more information on Styria:
www.steiermark.com

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