Summer retreats in Styria
Pause, take a deep breath, draw new strength and inspiration from nature in the multi-faceted federal state of Styria, and then treat yourself to some culinary delights: Summer in the green heart of Austria is a joy for all senses.
Experience Austria's alpine charm in Styria
Many people want one thing above all while on holiday: to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind. This is why city dwellers have always been drawn to the countryside for their summer holidays. One of their destinations has long been the green heart of Austria – and for good reason. Nature, art, culture and culinary delights: Take your time to consciously take in the many impressions and stunning surroundings.
On the alpine pastures of Styria, the clocks still go a little slower: Starting in the early morning hours, locals make wonderfully aromatic cheeses and freshly baked farmer's bread. Together with home-smoked bacon and other alpine specialities, the hearty delicacies are then served to the hikers stopping at the huts for a break. Animal lovers are drawn to the alpine pastures as well. An annual highlight is the cattle drive in autumn when cows and calves are festively decorated and then return to the valley for winter.
Tip: With 125 pastures, the Almenland in East Styria is the largest connected alpine pasture area in Europe. The nature park stretches from the Bärenschützklamm gorge in Murtal valley to the Feistritzklamm gorge between Birkfeld and Weiz and from Rennfeld in the north to Schöckl in the south. Hiking, cycling, golfing, swimming or simply relaxing: Everyone can pursue their favourite pastime here – always with a view of the beautiful surrounding mountains and valleys.
SUMMER RETREAT-EXPERIENCES
Are you the active type who climbs mountains and goes on bike tours? Or do you prefer walking and being guided through culturally remarkable towns? In any case, the Styrian summer retreat is the right place for you. The diverse landscapes of Styria offer recreation, from glacier regions to gentle vineyards. And after every summer-fresh experience, a culinary reward is not to be missed.
Enjoying nature during a summer picnic
A cosy picnic with regional delicacies and exquisite wine promises wonderful summer moments in Styria. At Lake Grundlsee, a breakfast picnic on a flat-bottomed boat is an experience of the extraordinary kind. In the north of Styria, you can enjoy tasty delicacies during a picnic in the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region surrounded by lush mountain pastures and scenic views of Riesneralm. With a basked filled with hearty contents such as fried chicken or homemade spreads, a scarlet runner bean salad and a bottle of wine, you go on a tour on the wine roads in the south.
The perfect Mountain-Summer
The summer cable cars take holidaymakers in Styria quickly and comfortably up the mountains. This leaves them with plenty of energy to marvel at the peaks in all their beauty and take relaxed breaths of fresh mountain air.
Those who prefer to make their ascent on foot can choose from numerous hikes to the mountain lakes in the green heart of Austria. And they're quite literally twice the fun: The surrounding summits are not only reflected in the water. A break at the lake is also the perfect opportunity to cool off in summer. On hot summer days, you can keep cool on hikes through gorges or to waterfalls.
Experience the beauty of Styria
Styria is a popular destination for bikers of all kinds:
- Mountain roads with rich scenic views are perfect for sporty tours on a road bike.
- Varied trails make the hearts of mountain bike enthusiasts beat faster.
- And with a gravel bike, you can explore both with ease.
Extensive cycling routes lead through quaint villages, historic cities and picturesque nature in several stages. They invite you to taste a variety of culinary delicacies and discover regional culture and the arts. On the Enns Cycling Route, the river Enns in the Gesäuse National Park shows itself from its adventurous side. The Mur Cycling Route leads cyclists through the mountain world around Murau and Murtal valley, but also through urban areas and cultural sites. In a pleasantly warm and Mediterranean climate, the Styrian Wine Country Cycling Route runs along the numerous wine roads and invites you to treat yourself to a tasty glass of wine at the many local taverns on balmy summer nights. Tip: After a sporty or leisurely bike tour, the next opportunity to cool off at a lake or river is never far away.
By the way: The green heart of Austria has become a paradise for e-bikers in recent years. Visitors are delighted to find a comprehensive network of charging stations, specialised accommodation options and rental shops all over Styria.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the bathing lakes
There's nothing quite like a visit to the glittering bathing lakes that shimmer like diamonds in the sun. If you take a swim in the bathing lakes of Styria, you'll be surrounded by imposing mountains in the alpine north and garden landscapes in the Mediterranean south. At the accommodation options right by the lake, you can marvel at the beauty of the crystal-clear water both in the early morning and at sunset.
Camping by the lake will have you feeling even closer to the water. Those who decide early might even be able to get one of the sought-after pitches in a prime location. At the camping grounds, summer visitors can enjoy pure relaxation while fishing or while gliding comfortably over the smooth surface of the lake on a stand-up paddleboard.
JUST GIVE IT A REST
Far too rarely do we allow ourselves to simply do nothing. But facing the sun in a beautiful landscape is an opportunity to slow down and take a much-needed breather.
The Styrian countryside is the perfect place to unwind - if you just give it a rest.
Time to treat yourself to something special
Culinary accompaniments
Styria's nature is full of surprises. Exploring well-hidden, secret gems and natural treasures is an exciting experience that awakens the spirit of adventure. The various culinary offers will be a constant companion on your personal tour of exploration in the green heart of Austria.
Visitors get a taste of typical Styrian hospitality in rustic alpine huts, traditional inns and excellent restaurants. That's where regional delicacies are prepared and served with a passion and love for local ingredients.
