A Short Trip to Graz

When we booked the Vienna weekend, we realized that for about 5 euros more, we could come home by traveling through southern Austria and stopping in Graz. Graz is the second largest city in Austria (about the same size as Linz though) and the capital of Steiermark (an Austrian state). The region around Graz is know for it's mountains and forrests, and it didn't disappoint.

Square in Graz.

The day was actually really rainy, but that didn't stop us from exploring for a short time. We saw the main square, the cathedral and several streets in the old city, then we hiked up (ok, we took a train up) Schloßberg, or castle mountain. There are only a few remains of what once was a huge fortress. When Napoleon took Austria, he had the fortress destroyed since he suffered a defeat there.  Now there is still a clock tower, a bell tower and several scenic walking paths that give you a beautiful view of the city (and the Alps when it isn't raining).

View of Graz from Schloßberg.

It was a Sunday, so there wasn't much to do except walk around. Graz was very beautiful though, and it would have been nice to be there in the sunshine on a day when everything is open.