Enjoying Autumn in Graz: 13 Top Student-friendly Tips
**Autumn in Graz: A Cultural and Scenic Delight**
Autumn in Graz, the green heart of Styria and its capital city, offers a myriad of attractions and activities that capture the city's charm, history, and vibrant cultural scene.
- **Explore Schlossberg and the Clock Tower**: The Schlossberg hill, with its stunning autumnal views, is home to the iconic Clock Tower, a must-see symbol of the city. For an added thrill, try the Schlossberg slide for a fun descent from the hill [1][2][3].
- **Stroll around the UNESCO-listed Old Town (Altstadt von Graz)**: The old town’s red roofs, pastel facades, shaded arcades, and lively squares create a picturesque setting that is particularly beautiful in autumn. Wandering through the courtyards and streets reveals a blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary architecture including the distinctive Kunsthaus Graz, nicknamed *the friendly alien* [1][2][3][4].
- **Visit Schloss Eggenberg**: This Baroque palace, a top attraction, is a great choice for an autumn day, allowing visitors to appreciate its art, gardens, and historical interiors [1][4].
- **Discover Graz’s markets and culinary delights**: Autumn is perfect for visiting farmer's markets to sample regional Styrian cuisine and enjoy seasonal produce. Try the local specialty open sandwich at Deli Frankowitsch or sip a Hugo cocktail with a view in one of the city’s atmospheric spots [1].
- **Explore museums and galleries**: Kunsthaus Graz offers contemporary art exhibitions in striking architecture. The Styrian Armoury, one of the world’s largest historic armories, is another cultural highlight. The Natural History Museum also presents engaging exhibits for a cozy indoor experience [1][2][4].
- **Experience the city’s neighborhoods**: The Gries and Lend districts are lively areas where you can discover local shops, artisanal crafts, and a bohemian café scene offering the chance to warm up with a hot drink as autumn chills set in [1][3].
- **Day trips around Graz**: Consider visiting the Austrian Open Air Museum in Stübing or Rein Abbey, both close to Graz and enriching autumn cultural outings [1].
Autumn in Graz also boasts special events such as the Autumn Fair, which takes place from 30 September to 4 October, and the Styrian folk culture festival, Aufsteirern [5]. For music lovers, Haus.kultur, the Styrian neighbourhood concerts, create meeting places for artistic journeys throughout the city [13].
For those with a sweet tooth, the Zotter Chocolate Manufactory, with around 500 different chocolates available, is an autumn excursion tip around Graz [10]. The factory's chocolate enjoyment tours and chocolate shop theatre make for a delightful visit [10]. The factory's opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 9am - 6:30pm [10].
More free activities in Graz can be found online, making it easy to plan an autumn adventure in this charming city [6]. Whether you're an athlete, a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or a chocolate lover, Graz offers a wonderful mix of outdoor scenic beauty, historical exploration, and rich culinary and cultural experiences perfectly suited for the season [1][2][3].
[1] https://www.graz.info/en/ [2] https://www.graz-tourismus.at/en/ [3] https://www.graz.at/ [4] https://www.schloss-eggenberg.at/en/ [5] https://www.aufsteirern.at/ [6] https://www.graz.info/en/freetime/events/ [10] https://www.zotter.at/en/ [13] https://www.haus-kultur.at/en/
- Embark on a journey of fashion and beauty by visiting the artisanal shops and cafes in the vibrant neighborhoods of Gries and Lend, offering an array of local crafts and bohemian ambiance [3].
- Indulge in the food-and-drink scene by savoring Styrian cuisine from local farmer's markets or enjoying a Hugo cocktail at one of the city’s atmospheric spots [1]. For sweet treats, explore the Zotter Chocolate Manufactory and immerse yourself in the world of over 500 different chocolates [10].
- Complement your exploration of Graz's rich cultural offerings with a trip to the Austrian Open Air Museum in Stübing or Rein Abbey, perfect autumn day trips [1]. Additionally, expand your education-and-self-development by visiting museums and galleries such as Kunsthaus Graz and the Styrian Armoury [1][2][4].
