Nature Getaways in Graz

I am an international student at TU Graz in Austria and I come from a small town in Slovenia, which is surrounded by nature. So it was obvious for me to start looking for green spaces in Graz to escape everyday routine. I needed to find some time for myself to overcome all the big changes of moving to a new country and a new city. And it worked, because these places somehow gave me a familiar feeling.
So, if you want to know where to find a tropical rainforest in Graz, have a picnic with new friends, find a quiet spot to recharge from university, go for a walk or a run, or you just want to explore and get to know a new city that you live in a bit better, you are on the right track here.

So, if you want to know where to find a tropical rainforest in Graz, have a picnic with new friends, find a quiet spot to recharge from university, go for a walk or a run, or you just want to explore and get to know a new city that you live in a bit better, you are on the right track here.

Graz and the surrounding natural world

Graz is the capital of the Austrian province of Styria known as the green heart of Austria, which means that the city is surrounded by hills, mountains, forests, lakes and vineyards, all of which give you a lot of possibilities for different outdoor activities and weekend trips. 

You can read more about it in my colleague Matko’s blog post about outdoor activities in Graz and its surroundings.

Green Spots in Graz

Like its surroundings, the city is also full of parks, and paths for running, walking, and cycling along the River Mur, and there is also a botanical garden. You can find a peaceful place for yourself around one of Graz’s ponds or at many lesser-known places that are waiting to be discovered. One of the best known Graz attractions is Schlossberg. Here you can go for a walk, spend some time on your own in the company of trees and views over the whole city and it is a great place to meet with friends as well.

If you want to know more about Schlossberg and things to do in Graz, check out Sara’s blog post about living in Graz and Gergo’s post about the main attractions of the city of Graz.

Parks in Graz

Graz is full of parks and they are very popular and are full of life and different activities, especially in the warmer months. So, if you are looking for a place to meet with your new friends, want to have a picnic, play some outdoor games, or just enjoy the sun and fresh air with a book or on your own, here are a few recommendations for you to check out.

Stadtpark

Stadtpark is the biggest and probably the most famous park in Graz, located right in the center of the city. It’s part of UNESCO World Heritage for its nature reserve and historical monuments. The park is well known for its countless, white-blossoming chestnut trees as well as for numerous monuments and sculptures of famous artists from past and present. In the park you will also find facilities such as  Forum Stadtpark for cultural events in the field of music and art.  There are also many small bars and cafés around the park that welcome you to enjoy a drink in a pleasant atmosphere.

Burggarten

If you are looking for a more peaceful and less crowded place to enjoy the company of trees and flowers in the city center, Burggarten would be the right spot for you. It overlooks the livelier and more crowded Stadtpark and is located behind the Styrian State government, but it is very close to Stadtpark right next to the famous Café Promenade. The hidden Location of the garden on the former castle bastion and a former winter garden for tropical plants give this place a charming and tranquil atmosphere. It is perfect for reading a book, enjoying some peace and quiet on your own and recharging your batteries after a long day at the university.

Augarten

Another popular free-time destination located right by the River Mur is Augarten Park, which has a beach on the promenade right next to the river, where you can sit and enjoy the sun. You can go for a walk along the river and grab a drink or a snack as well from the many small sales stands. Augarten is also a great location for various other outdoor activities, such as jogging or cycling along the river.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden, run by the Institute of Biology (Plant Sciences Division) at the University of Graz, is a perfect place to enjoy diverse plant life and climate zones from around the world. Here you will find plants from tropical rainforests, deserts around the world and other places. This place is perfect, especially for colder months of the year, to enjoy exotic plants in a much warmer atmosphere. The fact that the admission to the green houses is free allows you to visit it as often as you want to enjoy the greenery and to escape to another climate when you need a change from the weather in Graz.

Check the website of the Botanical Garden for their opening hours and interesting exhibitions that they offer.

Rosenhain

Another tranquil place perfect for a walk and to enjoy a beautiful view over Graz is Rosenhain. Here you will find a lot of opportunities for sports activities, but you can also just sit and enjoy the view while having a drink at the Rosenhain café. Nearby Rosenhain there is also the USI – the sports center of the University of Graz.

You can check their courses and activities on the website of the USI, as well in Fjolla’s blog about activities for students.

Find your own place in Graz

Graz is full of secret green courtyards and beautiful hidden places that are waiting to be discovered. Going on an adventure around the city to look for these quiet places and to find your own spot to get away from everyday routine is also a great opportunity to discover the city that you live in a bit better and gain a new perspective. My advice is that you should not forget to take some time for yourself, especially during the stressful exam months. Try to get some fresh air and give yourself time to recharge your batteries.