Rent a holiday home in Styria in the green heart of Austria
The region of Styria in Austria extends from the mighty Alps to the hills and plains bordering Slovenia and Hungary. Long extinct volcanoes contributed to the fertile landscape of Styria, which is known today for its world class spa resorts and vineyards. Styria has many holiday rentals, homes, holiday apartments and holiday houses to choose from.
The land of vineyards
Styria is often referred to as the 'Tuscany of Austria'. Sun kissed hills, meandering slopes, vineyards and castles perched atop remote mountains are characteristic of this region which produces 7% of Austria's wine. Watch out for the Klapotetz, a windmill-like structure designed to scare away errant birds. The regional culture and gastronomy is reflected in the many wine festivals, such as the one at Gmlitz. Try Sturm, a regional speciality consisting of lightly fermented grape juice and best enjoyed with a helping of roast chestnuts while staying at a holiday rental, holiday house or holiday apartment in Styria.
Cultural Styria
Inhabited since pre-Roman times, the regional capital Graz is the second largest city in Austria and is known for its central square and 15th century castle and clocktower which can be reached by a funicular railway. With its miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary, Mariazell is Austria’s most sacred pilgrimage destination welcoming over a million pilgrims every year. Amongst the region's many other attractions are excursions by steam train to Lake Erlauf or by cable car to the Bürgeralpe Mountain. Those fascinated by open-air museums should not miss the Österreichisches Freilichtmuseum at Stübin which features traditional architecture such as the thatched cottages of Burgenland, the stone structures typical of the Danube region and the timber chalets of the Alps. Emerging from the River Enns is Austria's wildest landscape, the Gesäuse Gorge. Defined by its dramatic peaks and brooding forests, the Gesäuse Gorge is an excellent spot to rent rafting and climbing equipment. The crags of the limestone Dachstein massif are another popular destination and, in winter, they are home to a number downhill skiing events.