The province of Styria is often called the ‘Green Heart’ of Austria, with huge forests and vast vineyards extending across much of its countryside. This is a place to be outside, enjoying a wide range of activities during the day - followed by a hearty meal and a glass of wine in a comfortable restaurant in the evening.
The holiday region of Murtal within Styria is where Spielberg is found. Here are restaurants, bars, cafes and bistros serving up Austrian delicacies, with locally produced wines and an array of beers to be enjoyed too.
The wider surrounding area of Murtal provides a wonderful natural backdrop with a range of leisure opportunities at 700 to 2,700 metres above sea level. From gentle sloping Alpine valleys to more rugged peaks, getting out into the forests and mountains is the order of the day in this awe inspiring landscape.
The cycling path along the River Mur is one of the most enjoyable in Austria, though this region is just as much fun to discover on foot, or by car or motorcycle, through winding mountain trails and roads.
Around an hour’s drive from Spielberg is the capital of Styria, Graz, a bustling university city with a permanent population of just under 300,000 people and a student population of 50,000.
Graz was the European Capital of Culture in 2003 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has less tourist traffic than Innsbruck or Salzburg, but is blessed with a wide offering of galleries and museums, such as the Schloss Eggenberg classic art centre and the remarkable looking Kunsthaus modern art museum.
The old town is an elegant and impressive place, featuring Baroque palaces, churches, houses and courtyards, with quite an Italian feel to it. And when it comes to refreshment, whether you are looking for anything from pub to sophisticated dining room, you are spoiled for choice in this culinary hotspot.