Graz
Graz is the second largest city in Austria and is located in Styria in the south of the country. We visited it on a long weekend over Pentecost. In contrast to the situation on the highways, the crowds in the city were moderate.
We want to spend the Saturday before Whitsunday in the city itself. Mainly because I had reserved a table for the evening and we don't want to make our route planning dependent on having to be back in Graz at a certain time.
But Graz itself also has enough to offer for a whole day. Although Graz was bombed during the Second World War, the medieval city center is well preserved. In addition, modern buildings can be found on the outskirts of the old town. All in all, Graz has a nice relaxed atmosphere.
Already on the evening of our arrival we go to the Mur for the late blue hour and have a look at the Murinsel [↗], which is currently illuminated blue-green. However, at this time of year at least, it is closed in the evening.
We start the day with a visit to the double spiral staircase in Graz Castle [↗]. At this point, we are still expecting a large number of tourists. That's why we get there early. Fortunately, our worries are unfounded. When we arrive, a family was just leaving and it was only when we leave the staircase that the next couple arrives.
We leave the castle grounds via the moat and go to the cathedral [↗], which is right next door.
One of the landmarks that can be seen from all over the city center is the Graz Clock Tower [↗] on the Schlossberg. Nevertheless, it is not easy to photograph. There is usually some building or tree in the way and if not, it likes to show itself at an unfavorable angle. However, if you walk around long enough, you can still find suitable lines of sight. One of the best places is the viewing terrace of the Kastner & Öhler department store.
We walk criss-cross through the old town to the art museum and on to the train station. Outside the old town, the character of the buildings changes and there are more and more rather boring buildings from the 60s and 70s. There you will also find some graffiti.
But walking around you can find other interesting motifs as well:
