Styria, Austria - travel review

Austria's Styria region has it all.

Despite being a lesser known part of the country, it boasts a mixture of adventure, relaxation and charm.

Whether you're a thrill seeker or spa goddess, the area covers a vast range of activities with something for everyone.

Staying in the picturesque village of Schladming for the first evening - it could have easily been a scene taken from a Christmas card.

The town itself nestles within the foot of Planai, one of four linked ski mountains, and has hosted a series of World championships.

Stylish apre-ski bars and restaurants are positioned throughout the town, which I’m told is buzzing with skiers during the height of the season from November to early April.

The Dachstein glacier offers skiers and tourists alike the chance to witness breath-taking views across the region.

Attractions such as the suspension bridge, the Sky Walk, the Ice Palace and the stairway to nothingness guarantee an unforgettable experience. Also, the trip up the mountain on the Dachstein panorama gondola is an experience in itself.

The website for the attraction states that German songmaker Reinhard Mey sang "Freedom must be boundless above the clouds" - and there’s no truer word than that when you’re stood at the top of the glacier.

A traditional cuisine is offered in the form of Fritattem soup in herbs, a fish dish comprising of hake and risotto and the charming dessert of Kaiserscharm, which is similar to pancakes with apple puree.

Schladminger beer is the local beverage along with Zirbenschoki – a traditional Austrian drink which comprises of pine cones mixed with sugar and blended with alcohol.

Leaving the colder air behind, a change in the temperature is welcomed to the warmer breeze of the city of Spielberg located in the Bezirk Murtal district in Styria.

Here, hailed as Austria’s ‘must see tourist destination’ sits Projekt Speilberg.

The motor sports park provides plenty of driving fun with an off-road car and bike track, a go-kart track, driving centre and the legendary Red Bull Ring.

From the moment of arriving on the car park you can see dozens of supercars and bikes, and upon entering the site there is no greater sound than the roar of engines that instantly bring out the adrenaline junkie inside.

The race circuit itself was founded as Österreichring and hosted the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix from 1970 to 1987.

It was rebuilt and renamed the A1 Ring, again hosting the Grand Prix from 1997 to 2003.

After being purchased by Red Bull it was reopened in May 2011 and welcomed the Austrian Grand Prix back in 2014.

A diverse range of hotels and restaurants are also situated around the park – offering a selection of culinary pleasures.

A little over an hour away is Styria’s Thermenland. The sunny region in the south-east is only 160km from Vienna and 65km from Graz and is rich in natural treasures.

It’s warm thermal waters are noted for their healing powers from the volcano soil.

The 4-star Falkensteiner Hotel and Spa was an incredible experience. It has a luxurious spa area with various pools, saunas, beauty treatments and its very own golf course which is based on feng shui principles.

This blissful area was a highlight of the trip for me, as not only did it offer spectacular scenery and exceptional cuisine, but everyone seemed to really enjoy a simple way of living by being at one with nature and its presence.

For those who may like to tantalise their taste buds with an alcoholic beverage – a selection of vineyards are also nearby with wine tasting sessions taking place throughout the afternoon.

The speciality of the region is ‘Uhdler’ – a sparkling wine which is similar to champagne made from grapes.

A swift visit to Austria’s second-largest city Graz is also a must.

What is most striking about the place is the beautiful architecture of its medieval and Italian Renaissance buildings.

There are plenty of galleries, museums, cafes, restaurants and shops, in the lively heart of the city, which has a population of around 300,000.

In 1999 it was added to the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage Sites, and named the Cultural Capital of Europe for 2003.

The best way to see what Graz has to offer is by climbing the Schlossberg hill which dominates the old town.

Standing at 473-metres high the views are spectacular.

There are different ways to get to the top, either by taking the Schlossbergbahn funicular railway, steeping into the glass lift inside the mountain or tackling the stairs.

The clocktower, which is a traditional landmark in Graz, dominates the top of the hill and is 28-metres high.

Striking views of red-tiled rooftops and the cathedral - which is a rare monument of Gothic architecture and homage to its catholic heritage - are instantly sighted from this bird’s eye position.

Susanne Holler, from the Graz tourist board, describes the city as a ‘hidden gem’ in Austria – even with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger paying regular visits.

“There is so much here we have to offer, from shopping to dining, walking to relaxing. It is a special place,” she adds.

And I couldn’t agree more.

My short stay in the Styria region was a treat to say the least.

Its vivacious yet revitalising atmosphere is ideal for its many façades of either bringing out the child at heart, the city explorer, or the romantic - as it is draped in boundless natural beauty that has been carved through the years.

And as the Austrian proverb goes - “Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”

factbox:

I travelled with bmi regional – who have launched three new comfortable and affordable European routes this year, with Graz being one of them. Visit www.flybmi.com

• It’s an adrenaline junkie’s paradise at Projekt Spielberg. See www.projekt-spielberg.com/en

• Breath-taking views and perfect for skiers too, the Dachstein Glacier is open all year with plummeting temperatures. Visit www.derdachstein.at/en

• 4-Star spa luxury at the Falkensteiner Bad Waltersdorf www.falkensteiner.com/en/hotel/bad-waltersdorf

• For wine tasting and unique handmade gifts www.glatz-wein.at/home

• For more information about the Thermanland area visit www.thermenland.at/en

• A stately 4-star city hotel within Graz that has really comfortable beds! See www.hotelweitzer.com

• The Helmut List Halle is a former factory transformed in 2002 into a giant glass hall, used for concerts, exhibitions & events in Graz. http://www.helmut-list-halle.com/

• The Aiola restaurant is perfect for breath-taking views across Graz and delicious cuisine. It is situated at the top of the Schlossberg. Visit http://upstairs.aiola.at/en/

• For more information visit www.graztourismus.at/en and www.flughafen-graz.at/en/home.html