D ISCOVER GRAZ. CITY. CULTURE. DELIGHT. HOTELS. PROGRAMME 2014 2 WHY A FLIRTATION WITH GRAZ CAN EAsily TURN INTO A LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP. Only got a couple of days to spare, but still looking to live life to But be warned: a brief flirtation with Graz can easily turn into the full? Then a trip to Graz is just the thing. No other city offers a long-term relationship. Once you’ve fallen for the European so much variety packed into such a small space, together with Cultural Capital 2003, you’ll want to come back again – and that touch of sunny southern flair: futuristic architecture along- again. Even if it’s only for another short – but intense – visit. side medieval houses, alleys and squares; exclusive boutiques overlooking colourful farmers’ markets, cultural and culinary treats on every corner – and all within a few paces of each other. One of the best-preserved city centres in the world – the historic We have specially labelled the top 12 places of interest in the historic city centre of Graz. Unesco World Cultural Heritage since 1999. centre of Graz for you, please see map on pageSeite 39. 3 1 2 3 1. Kunsthaus Graz – the “friendly alien” designed by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, opened in 2003, Graz’s year as Cultural Capital. 2. Ancient cobbled streets such as Sporgasse provide both a visual and gastronomic feast. 3. Specialities from the region – a typical Styrian farmers’ market, right in the middle of the historic centre. 2 –27 36 –60 EXPLORING THE CITY AND ITS SURROUNDINGS BOOKING FOR GRAZ A taste of pleasures to come: The first step towards a new passion: a preview of what awaits you in Graz. a range of packages that are quick and easy to book. 28 –35 61 –67 THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014 EVEN MORE CULTURE Festivals, concerts, opera and theatre – the events of the year. Overview of museums, information about Graz. 4 BECOME ENGROSSED IN THE CITY. NOT IN THE MAP. Enjoy losing yourself in the city without losing your way: a side-by-side, while just three minutes’ walk away lies the future: simple stroll is full of surprises. In the historic centre, a new the enigmatic “friendly alien” Kunsthaus has made itself at discovery awaits around every corner: hidden alleys, romantic home, nestled between the ancient houses. Local people love inner courtyards, ornate façades and magnificent buildings. the unique beauty of this beast, and already see it as the city’s This “best preserved city centre in Central Europe” is des- second landmark. ignated a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO, and with good reason: Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture sit 5 1 2 1. The twin spiral staircase at the Burg palace of Graz in exemplary late-Gothic style. 2. View over the domes of Graz Cathedral and the tiled roofs of the Old Town. 3. The magnificent Landhaus courtyard with its Renaissance arcades. 3 Once a year the historic centre of Graz becomes a lavish dining parade. GRAZ – AUSTRIA’S CAPITAL OF CULINARY DELIGHTS. The city of Graz has been nominated as Austria’s official Capital CULINARY CITY WALKING TOURS 22/03/ – 26/10/2014 of Delights. An accolade that acknowledges the wonderful cater- www.genusshauptstadt.at ing skills of the restaurateurs of Graz, in particular their reliance DELIGHT BALL OF GRAZ 14/06/2014, www.genussball.at on regional produce, and not least the fact that 800 (!) urban DELIGHT SPECTACULAR 14–19/06/2014, www.genussspektakel.at farmers ensure that Graz has the most frequent market days. LONG TABLE OF THE CAPITAL OF DELIGHTS 16/08/2014 Here it is not traders but rather the farmers themselves offering www.genusshauptstadt.at their delicious produce. 7 1. Bottles don’t stay un opened for long. The wine is just too delicious. 2. Tastes delicious: Styrian cream of pumpkin soup with pumpkin seed oil. 3. Graz is a city of outstanding beers, with a tradition of brewing going back centuries. 1 2 3 8 CAPITAL CITY OF DELIGHT 365 DAYS A YEAR. VARIETY IS THE SPICE ... Graz has certainly earned the title Capital of Delight. This mix in the capital city of delights. All year round, lovely fresh produce of sensual, Mediterranean lifestyle and a mild climate in which is grown in what might as well be the city’s own garden, then to fruit, vegetables and wine thrive, provides perfect conditions for be prepared exquisitely in the city’s restaurants. You can track soaring culinary flights of fancy. Colourful farmers’ markets and down the sources of the resulting delicious aromas on culinary excellent catering make Graz simply unbeatable. Fine food lov- walking tours of the city. ers and connoisseurs will find themselves thoroughly indulged 9 THE REGIONAL PRODUCE THAT MAKES GRAZ THE ‘CAPITAL OF DELIGHT’: Specialities available ALL YEAR ROUND: South Styrian “Käferbohnen” (scarlet runner beans)*, Styrian pumpkin-seed oil*, Styrian horseradish*, Volcano-country cured ham* SPRING: Weiz mountain lamb*, Graz “Krauthäuptel” lettuce*, dande- lion-leaf salad, wild garlic leaves, asparagus, new potatoes SUMMER: Lake char fish from the Ausseerland*, Styrian pond carp*, “Forellenschluss” red cos lettuce, wild chanterelle mushrooms, east Styrian apples* AUTUMN: Wild game from the Gesäuse and Hochschwab regions*, pumpkin, Pöllau “Hirschbirne” pears, wild mushrooms, grapes WINTER: West Styrian Turopolje pork*, lamb’s lettuce, endive salad, white cabbage, nuts, dried fruit * Produce from the Regions of Delights. (All of the Regions of Delights can be found under www.genuss-region.at) PRODUCE TO TAKE HOME Whether from the farmers’ markets of Graz or the classic delicatessen counters throughout the city, there are plenty of Styrian specialities to snap up: Wines from regional vintners, ‘schnapps’ spirits and juice from the ‘hirschbirne’ game pear, Styrian pumpkin seed oil P.D.O., pumpkin seeds, ‘Vulcano’ ham, farmers’ loaves, ‘Schlossbergkugel’ cannonball chocolates and much more … THE GRAZ ‘CAPITAL OF DELIGHT’ PARTNERS Capital of Delight partner enterprises are marked by this sign: You can find a compendium of all the masters of delight at: www.genusshauptstadt.at 10 Equally spectacular is the glass lift inside the hill MILLIONS OF FIRST KISSES HAVE HAPPENED HERE. ALTHOUGH THE VIEW CAN BE QUITE DISTRACTING. Sooner or later you’ll end up here, on the wooded hill right tower alone is a fascinating curiosity. The small and big hands in the middle of the historic city centre, and you won’t be are the wrong way round, causing some visitors to check their able to get enough of the view: looking down from the Graz watches in confusion. Anecdote has it that when Napoleon Schlossberg onto the brick-red roofs of the city, it’s an indescrib- wanted to blow up the clock tower, the people of Graz simply able feeling. New lovers, however, are usually less interested bought it back from him … Their vision ensured that one of the than most – and this has always been Graz’s favourite spot for finest views in Graz remains today – not to mention the wide romance. It’s still well worth taking a look around: the clock range of gastronomy to be found up here. 11 1 2 4 3 1. One of the most romantic spots on the Schlossberg: the Starcke-Haus restaurant. 2./4. The restaurants on the Schlossberg are a favourite haunt for locals. 3. The Schlossbergbahn funicular railway: one of three ways to get to the top. 12 DON’T GO LOOKING FOR CULTURE. IT WILL FIND YOU. You’ve just emerged from looking at ancient knights’ armour the main railway station can’t help being culturally inspired: in the Zeughaus, and now suddenly you’ve come across a kind vivid areas of colour and flamboyant textures make it a fasci- of spaceship, a couple of hundred metres up the street. Don’t nating space of illusion. This variety, and a penchant for the panic: the “friendly alien” Kunsthaus is not a UFO; it’s Graz’s visionary, were indeed decisive in Graz being awarded the title international contemporary art gallery. Graz – an abundance of “City of Design”. museums, galleries, exhibitions, architecture and design. Even 2 1. Transformed from a place of transit to a space of magic: the lobby at Graz Railway Station designed by Peter Kogler. 2. Pure culture – available at the freshly redesigned Joanneumsviertel complex in Graz. 1 3. The Graz Armoury houses the world’s largest historically evolved collection of weapons. 3 14 Right at the heart of the “City of Design”: Kastner & Öhler; visit what is indeed Austria’s most beautiful fashion store. SHOPPING WITH CULTURE – IN THE CITY OF DESIGN. A gentle warning: Graz is a city of alluring distractions. It could architectural creations like the Kunsthaus, Mumuth, Botanical easily happen that a new designer shades case is squeezed up Garden, MP09 and many others. And a very lively creative scene close to a bottle of pumpkin seed oil somewhere in the depths ranging from art to commerce, from fashion to technology. of your shopping bag. Yet the city doesn’t only dazzle as a shop Graz is a UNESCO “City of Design” – one of only 10 such cities window for the latest fashion trends, shoes, watches, jewellery, worldwide. cosmetics, household goods, textiles or antiques, but also offers many things sharing the theme of design: spectacular DESIGN MONTH 30/04/– 01/06/2014 www.graz-cityofdesign.at 15 1 2 1. MP09: the latest architectural highlight in Graz; eyewear designer showroom and office building for creative enterprises. 2. The “Murinsel” by Vito Acconci links the historic centre of Graz to the Mariahilf district; it’s a pleasure to run aground at the very modern Murinselcafé.