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Winter with frozen lakes and snow-covered mountain peaks are in complete contrast to the crisp mountain lakes, green karst mountains and flowering daffodils in times of summer. While both seasons offer plenty of opportunities to visit Ausseerland, winter simply has something magical about it. Make the most of your trip to Styria by combining a visit to Graz, Austria's culinary capital, and Ausseerland. Be enchanted by the charm of winter in Graz with our highlighted tips for Ausseerland!
Winter tips for a fun city break Graz
Graz is the second largest city in Austria and the capital of the state of Styria. It was named the cultural capital of Europe in 2003. But recognition doesn't stop there. For example, Graz is also called the ‘City of Design’ and is known as the culinary capital of Austria. All this together makes Graz a very interesting destination and without a doubt worth exploring.
The best winter tips for in Graz
Graz is the ideal base for exploring the surrounding mountainous landscapes, but be sure to make time to explore the historic center of this still-unknown city. These are the best tips for the winter months in Graz.
1. Visit the Christmas markets in Graz
Austria and Germany are the countries par excellence to get into the Christmas spirit during the winter months. Christmas markets in Graz take place in the historic city center. The most atmospheric Christmas market is the Christkindlmarkt on the city's central square, Hauptplatz. Christmas markets are incredibly cozy, especially when night falls and the lights come on. Stroll past the various stalls with a warm glass of mulled wine and purchase fun souvenirs for your Christmas tree at home. Something we haven't heard of before but are hugely excited about is the so-called Adventzug, a festively decorated old streetcar that takes you from one Christmas market to another in Graz.
Here you will find more information on all Christmas markets in Graz.
2. Eating out in Graz
As we shared, Graz is the gastronomic capital of Austria, so a visit to Graz is not complete without tasting some culinary delights. In Graz you will find several restaurants of class where, among other things, they use a lot of products from their own region. An absolute recommendation is Restaurant der Steirer where you can taste the flavor of region Styria in the form of Styrian tapas. Think of dishes with ingredients such as duck breast, rhubarb and much more.
Having breakfast at the hotel every morning is also so standard, why not go outside and visit the farmer's market on Lendplatz? Every Monday to Saturday from 06:00 to 13:00 you can buy all kinds of fresh products from local farmers. So a great tip is to put together your own breakfast here.
A unique location to eat out in Graz is Murinsel which is located on the island in River Mur. The building is a steel structure built in 2003 as a project for ‘European Capital of Culture. You can come here all day for snacks and drinks.
3. The most beautiful sights in Graz
In the winter months, we can greatly enjoy walking through a city. It may be chilly outside, but you can dress for that. And it's all the more fun to pop into a coffee shop while strolling past the city's highlights. Extra fun is that in Graz you also have the chance to walk through a snow-covered city. This always gives such a cozy feeling. Therefore, the very best tip is to take a walk along the most beautiful sights of Graz. Icons of the city are of course the Kunsthaus, Eggenberg Palace, the colorful Hauptplatz and the view from the Schlossberg.
Ausseerland
Styria is a state in Austria and the Ausseerland area is located in the north of this state. You may already be familiar with this area because of the famous ski resort of Tauplitz and the Salzkammergut Lake District. If not, it's time to plan a trip to this impressive mountain and lake region. And then especially during the winter months. There are four places in Ausseerland where we recommend you stay, these are Bad Mitterndorf, Bad Aussee, Altaussee and Grundlsee.
These are cool winter activities in Ausseerland
Those who love winter sports can indulge in Ausseerland. You will find wonderful places where you can bring out the adventurer in you. Even if you can't ski or snowboard, there are plenty of activities to do in this stunning area. These are the best winter tips for in Ausseerland.
1. Winter sports in Ausseerland
In our opinion, winter in Ausseerland lends itself perfectly to outdoor activities including, of course, skiing and snowboarding, but also cross-country skiing (or just hiking) and taking a sleigh ride. Winter sports give you the ultimate feeling of freedom and it is simply wonderful to be active outdoors. There are three winter sports areas in Ausseerland. These are the areas Loser, Tauplitz and Zlaim.
2. Play curling just like the locals
An activity that is not so well known in the Netherlands but which the Austrians enjoy immensely is curling. A well-known place where you can play this winter activity in Ausseerland is at the ice rink Zum Troadkastl in the village of Bad Mitterndorf. Bet you've never played curling in such a beautiful place before. After all, you are surrounded by stunning mountain views here.
3. Ice skating in the Salzkammergut lake region
The icon and a breathtaking destination in Ausseerland is the Salzkammergut Lake District. In the summer months you can hike beautifully here, but in the winter months this is the place to go ice skating par excellence. And the place to be then is on the Hallstätter See.
4. A day of wellness
After all that exertion in the mountains of Ausseerland, there is also time for relaxation. And the best place to do that is at the Narzissen Vital Resort in the village of Bad Aussee. The spa here consists of five pools filled with spring water and salt water. Another wonderful place to unwind is Grimming Therme which is located in the middle of the mountains of the Ausseerland area in Bad Mitterndorf. There are saunas and relaxation rooms from which you can enjoy magnificent views of the mountains.
Discover state of Styria
Did you know that Graz and the state of Styria are also very beautiful in spring? We have also collected great tips for a visit to Styria in the spring!
Ausseerland is one of the beautiful areas in the state of Styria, but there are other beautiful areas to explore as well. If you get excited by rolling hills and endless vistas of vineyards, then you should definitely explore Schladming-Dachtstein. But if your heart beats faster with hours of hiking through forests and mountains where you will encounter the clearest rivers, then the Murtal area will undoubtedly appeal to you.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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