an independent travel guide about Austria
We are not in the tropics but in southern Austria, where the river Mur forms part of the border with Slovenia. This landscape, a combination of floodplains and forest, is very unlike what we expect from mostly alpine Austria. Nonetheless, we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. Austria’s second-largest river landscape The river Mur makes […]
Our first visit to Burg Deutschlandsberg was on a grey and cloudy day, which gave the Castle a slightly scary appearance. This is probably the meaning of a castle, anyway. However, we later visited the Castle several times on lovely sunny summer days, when it showcased itself from a more welcoming side. Hotel, restaurant, and […]
Weinebene is the highest point (1668 m / 5472 ft) in the pass over the Koralpen, where the east-west road between Deutschlandsberg in Styria and Wolfsberg in Carinthia crosses over. Instead of pointed peaks, the ridges along the mountain range are broad and rounded. We have tested a few more accessible hiking opportunities starting from […]
A study by IMAS showed that 9 out of 10 Austrians think protecting and keeping Austrian traditions alive is vital. Many traditions are connected to the catholic church, others are part of rural folklore, and some celebrate the end of harvest time. Nonetheless, most of these festivities are lively, colourful, and folksy, with a high […]
Hochlantsch at 1720 m / 5643 ft above sea level is the highest peak in the Almenland region. The starting point for my hike is Teichalm, which is located about 30 km / 19 miles northeast of Graz. Together with the nearby Sommeralm, Teichalm is the largest continuous area with alpine pastures in the Alps. […]
Once a year in late September, a so-called “pressfest” takes place in the south-eastern Styrian village Klöch. Regional wine farmers showcase their products along with some culinary treats. Everything accompanied by live music and folklore performances. In Klöch they block off the main road and turn 150 meters of the road through the village into […]
Most people who visit Bad Radkersburg most likely come to enjoy a stay at the spa outside the historic centre. Nevertheless, during several visits we have walked up and down most streets and alleys and become acquainted with idyllic Bad Radkersburg. Within the old fortress walls, which are partly well-visible, you will find a relatively […]
I arrived in Bad Waltersdorf on a sunny, warm day in late June. Even though it was too hot for a hike at 32 °C (90 °F), the local tourist office suggested a route which partly took me through small forests. And I did not regret taking up the tip, as the so-called Roman Vineyard […]
If you are travelling on the A9 motorway from the south toward Voralpenkreuz (A1) near Rottenmann, you cannot miss the castle at the top of the cliff. The red and white painted window shutters, defence walls and towers fit well as a movie backdrop in a Hollywood movie. The castle Major had not seen acts […]