What are the best places to go to get a panoramic view of Graz? Look no further, here is a summary of every freely accessible places to peek over the rooftops of the Styrian capital.
Schloßberg
This is the obvious one. Climb up the hill at the centre of the city to get a 360° view of the city. You can also go up with the lift or with the funicular.
Kastner und Öhler
The recently renovated rooftop of the Kastner und Öhler department store is already well-known and a hit for tourists. Even if there is a café, you can still walk to the panorama terrace and enjoy the best view of the Schloßberg from high and up close. You can also see the hustle and bustle of the main square. If you have time, enjoy a drink at Freiblick too.
Gigasport
Unbeknownst to many, inside Gigasport there is a nice little café/restaurant called La Place, which has an open terrace on the exact opposite side of Freiblick. From here you have a great view of the Mur river and the Kunsthaus (modern art museum).
Kalvarienberg
Close to the mur and to the centre of Graz, Kalvarienberg is a man-made cemetery on a hill which I think is completely unique and should be a must-see by anyone coming to Graz. Walking there is also a pleasure, as you can walk all the way along the river and it feels like you have left the city from how green and quiet it is (just be careful because of the cyclists).
M1
M1 is a very hip bar placed on a rooftop of a house in the dead centre of Graz, in Färberplatz. To get here you can only take an elevator, which is placed outside and easily identifiable. From here you also get a wonderful view of the Schloßberg and the Uhrturm.
Area 5
Area 5 is a student restaurant/pub that can be found at the last floor of the highest building in Jakominiplatz. Go inside the building and take the lift up. Breathtaking views of the Schloßberg await you.
It’s a perfect place for your instagram shots.
Lendhotel
The Lendhotel is a new hotel in Graz which was built a couple of year ago near Lendplatz. It is a beautiful, modern hotel and has a cool rooftop bar from which you can see the Schloßberg from the “other” side.
Mausoleum
If you can brave the steps going up the tower of the mausoleum, you get rewarded with a lovely view directly from the centre of Graz in one of the highest points there is. It is definitely worth a visit!
Schloß Sankt Martin
On the outskirts of Graz there is a castle dedicated to Sankt Martin. It is a prime location for weddings and it also houses a school. Whilst the castle itself is worth a visit, you should also come up here for the views over the city. You are just outside the city and it is surrounded by countryside, so it can be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Straßgang.
Kronprinz-Rudolf Warte
Coming from the Schloß Sankt Martin, you can walk up the hill to the top where you can find this viewing tower, built in 1879 and offering great views on the southern part of Graz. The way up is not that easy, mind you!
Mariatrost Basilica
Take the tram 1 to the end station at Mariatrost and hike up the hill to the basilica. What you can see is a slice of the city between two hills. On a clear day you can see the Schloßberg completely but unfortuntely not the Clocktower, the Schloßberg hides it.
Café Rosenhain
In Mariatrost is also the Café Rosenhain. This is a favoured spot for weddings and events, due to it’s classical architecture, location and views. In summer, this is one of the best places to sit outside and enjoy a spritzer in the sun while admiring the Schloßberg. And they also offer brunches at the weekends!
Schöckl
THE mountain of Graz, where you can go up either by hiking or by taking a gondola to the top. There is a lovely Gasthaus where you can have something to eat and enjoy the view over Graz. Definitely worth a visit, especially in summer. There are also many activities here on the mountain to keep you well entertained.
If you want more information on what to see in Graz, head over to my other blog post: What to do in Graz.
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