stay affordable, sleep sustainable
World’s largest Hostel Chain - With 30,000 Beds
Summer Holidays in Graz: Discovering Styria's Cultural Capital with the Family
When the sun shines over the Styrian capital and the historic lanes come alive, Graz shows itself at its finest. The UNESCO World Heritage city on the River Mur isn't just known for its culinary delights, but is also a fantastic destination for families with children. Between baroque architecture, green parks and modern attractions, unforgettable summer experiences await you.
Why Graz Is the Perfect Summer Holiday for Families
Graz uniquely combines history with modernity whilst offering a perfect balance between culture and relaxation. The compact old town can be comfortably explored on foot, distances are short and there's something to discover everywhere. Particularly in summer, when a southern European flair flows through the streets and street performers appear everywhere, the city unfolds its full magic.
Especially practical for families: Many attractions are close together, there are numerous playgrounds and shady parks for breathers, and the city is safe and child-friendly. With the a&o Hostel Graz Hauptbahnhof, you also have an ideal, central base for your explorations.
a&o Graz Hauptbahnhof: Your Homebase for the Family Summer
Located directly at Graz's main railway station – just 100 metres away – the a&o Hostel offers the perfect accommodation for families. The modern facilities and central location make it the ideal starting point for your Graz adventures.
The Benefits for Families:
- Family Rooms: Spacious rooms with private bathrooms for the whole family
- Unbeatable Location: Main station on your doorstep, old town reachable in 20 minutes' walk
- Leisure Facilities: Pool table and table football in the lobby – perfect for teenagers
- 24-Hour Reception: Helpful tips and free city maps for your tours
- Free WiFi: So your holiday photos can be shared instantly
- Affordable Prices: More budget for experiences and ice cream
The perfect connections enable you not only to explore Graz, but also to take spontaneous day trips into the beautiful Styria region.
Top Sights for Families in Graz
The Schlossberg: Graz's Landmark with Wow-Factor
High above the city towers the Schlossberg with its famous clock tower – Graz's landmark. For families, there are several ways to climb the hill:
- Schlossbergbahn: The historic funicular railway from 1898 conquers gradients of up to 60% and is an adventure especially for younger children
- Schlossberg Lift: The glass lift inside the mountain is a futuristic alternative
- On Foot: Via the Friedenssteig with its 260 steps or the gentler route from Karmeliterplatz
Once at the top, not only does a spectacular view over the red roofs of the old town await you, but also:
- A large playground for the little ones
- Shady garden areas – perfect for a summer picnic
- The clock tower interior with its fascinating clockwork
- The magical Märchenbahn (fairy tale train)
- Various dining options such as Aiola Upstairs
Insider Tip: Plan plenty of time – at least 2-3 hours – because there's lots to discover up top!
Graz Old Town: UNESCO World Heritage You Can Touch
The historic old town is like a living open-air museum. Stroll through winding lanes, discover hidden courtyards and marvel at magnificent buildings:
- Hauptplatz: The heart of the city with the historic town hall
- Graz Cathedral: Impressive church with free admission
- Gemaltes Haus: Façade art that makes children marvel
- Kapistran-Pieller-Platz: With new playground – ideal for a break
In summer, the squares transform into open-air stages with street performers, musicians and an Italian lifestyle that delights young and old alike.
The Murinsel: Floating Artwork in the Middle of the River
An absolute highlight is the Murinsel, which floats in the Mur like a giant shell pavilion. This walkable sculpture connects both riverbanks and offers:
- A café with terrace right on the water
- A play platform for children
- Regular small concerts and events
- Brilliant photo opportunities
Summer Special: In the warm season, the city beach on the Mur is also a lovely spot with deckchairs, food and music – perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.
Schloss Eggenberg: Baroque Jewel with Guaranteed Peacocks
Slightly outside the centre lies the magnificent Schloss Eggenberg, surrounded by an extensive landscape park. A real insider tip for families:
Highlights for Children:
- Free-roaming peacocks everywhere in the park – with a bit of luck you'll see a fanned tail!
- Large playground with lots of shade for hot summer days
- Expansive lawns for running about and picnicking
- Exciting palace tours for older children
Entry to the park is even free with the Styrian Family Pass. The palace itself can be visited – a journey back to the Baroque era.
Museums for Curious Minds
Children's Museum Frida & Fred: Learning Through Experience
Located in the Augarten, the children's museum Frida & Fred is a paradise for knowledge-hungry kids. The interactive exhibitions change regularly and are specially tailored to different age groups:
- For the younger ones: Hands-on stations for experimenting
- For older children: More complex themes such as media literacy, history and science
- Exciting special exhibitions
Tip: Combine your museum visit with time in the beautiful Augarten – there's a great playground there and in summer the Augartenbad for cooling off!
Universalmuseum Joanneum: Variety for Every Taste
The Universalmuseum Joanneum has several locations in Graz and covers topics from natural history to art and history. Particularly interesting for families:
- Natural history museum with dinosaurs and native animals
- Kunsthaus Graz – the futuristic "Friendly Alien" architecture impresses from outside alone
- Landeszeughaus with the world's largest historical weapons collection (for older children/teenagers)
Many locations offer special children's tours and workshops.
Outdoor Activities for Sunny Summer Days
Raft Trip on the Mur – Adventure on the Water
A real summer highlight is a leisurely raft trip on the Mur. From the water, you'll experience Graz from a completely new perspective. The tours are family-friendly and provide refreshment on hot days.
Graz Parks – Green Oases in the City
Graz is a green city with numerous parks, perfect for breaks between sights:
- Stadtpark: Centrally located with large lawns and playground
- Augarten: With the fantastic children's museum and summer swimming pool
- Burggarten: Quiet park with shade and views
Cycle Tours Along the Mur
Graz and its surroundings can be excellently explored by bicycle. Well-developed cycle paths run along the Mur, which are also suitable for families with children. Bicycles can be hired in the city.
Excursions to the Surrounding Area
Thanks to the perfect location of the a&o Hostel directly at the main station, spontaneous excursions into Styria are child's play:
- Austrian Open-Air Museum Stübing: 15 minutes by train – historic farmhouses and old crafts
- Lurgrotte Peggau: One of Austria's largest stalactite caves
- Stubenbergsee: Swimming lake with water park, about 45 minutes away
- Riegersburg: Impressive castle on a volcanic rock
Culinary Discoveries for the Whole Family
Graz is Austria's culinary capital – and you notice it! You must try:
- Pumpkin Seed Oil: The "Styrian gold" – for example on a salad
- Ice Cream: Numerous excellent ice cream parlours in the old town
- Buschenschänke: Traditional inns with hearty cuisine
- Weekly Markets: Fresh fruit and regional specialities at Kaiser-Josef-Platz
Practical Tips for Your Graz Holiday
- Getting There: By train directly to the main station – the a&o Hostel is then only 100 metres away. By car via the A9.
- Getting Around: The old town is within walking distance. For longer distances, there's a well-developed tram network and buses. Children up to 6 years travel free, family tickets are available.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September – warm temperatures, many outdoor events and festivals
- Budget Tip: Graz Card for free admission and public transport use. The affordable a&o Hostel leaves you more budget for experiences and treats.
- Summer Packing List: Sun protection, comfortable shoes for cobblestones, swimwear for pools/lakes
Graz: Where Culture Meets Family-Friendliness
Graz proves that city breaks with children are anything but boring. The perfect mix of culture, history, nature and modern attractions makes the Styrian capital an ideal summer destination for families. Whether you're climbing the Schlossberg, strolling through medieval lanes, watching peacocks in the palace park or simply enjoying an ice cream by the Mur – Graz enchants at every corner.
With the a&o Hostel Graz Hauptbahnhof as your base, you have the perfect starting position: central, family-friendly, affordable and with all the comfort you need. From here, you start each new day of discovery relaxed – and in the evening you can enjoy the sunset over the rooftops of the UNESCO city with a drink in the skybar, whilst the children play pool in the lobby.
Graz is waiting for you – pack your bags and experience an unforgettable summer holiday in one of Austria's most beautiful cities!
