Holiday idea: Austrian city has some of country's best beers

Graz is Austria’s second city but it rarely features on the country’s list of tourist destinations so I was keen to learn more.

Known as Austria’s Capital of Culinary Delights, the area enjoys a unique Mediterranean-style climate, ideal for growing vegetables and grapes.

Farmers markets are a daily occurrence and when it comes to drinks, Graz does not disappoint either. It has a long tradition of brewing and its beers are some of the best in Austria. The region also claims to grow more grape varieties than any other European region. It has a good reputation for light dry wines and the yield is deliberately limited in order to maintain high standards.

The most well-known regional product is Pumpkin Seed Oil and around six days a year are set aside for tasting events. The oil is widely used in cooking but has other medicinal applications.Truffles are a local delicacy

Perhaps a less well-known local product is truffles. Seven different varieties, including the prized burgundy truffle, have been discovered in local forests and specially trained dogs are used to find them. There is an annual truffle festival which includes guided hikes, a truffle market and top quality truffle dishes.

With all the great food and drink produce available, getting it to market is an important issue. Gut Schlossberg is a delicatessen shop at the foot of the Schlossberg offering over one thousand items from local small farms and handicraft businesses.

Gut Schlossberg (Image: Mike Pickup)

Another route to market is provided by a shop called ‘s Fachl. The shop has numerous square display boxes which producers can rent for between 11 and 14 euros a week, depending upon the length of the rental. The shop takes a commission of 10% on all items sold. The shop is based in the city centre and it’s a simple, efficient and economic way for small producers to reach a mass market.

Graz is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in part because of the wide range of architectural styles that live happily together. Even the Park Hotel, where I stayed, was originally established in 1574.

Park Hotel, Graz (Image: Mike Pickup)

Perhaps the most modern is the Murinsel, a glass island in the middle of the river Mur. Originally created as a temporary structure during the city’s role as Capital of Culture back in 2003, the locals liked it so much they decided to make it permanent. It is linked to both sides of the river bank. As well as providing a pedestrian bridge from one side to the other, the island itself is a venue for eating and drinking.

Murinsel glass island (Image: Mike Pickup)

The city is dominated by the Schlossberg (Castle Hill), at the top of which is a clock tower. With an uninterrupted view of the city it was, for many years, occupied by someone who kept watch for fires. When he saw one he rang a bell and indicated the direction of the fire to the people below. Visitors can walk to the top of the hill or take the lift or funicular, but for the adventurous there is a tube slide down. It’s narrow, so those brave enough to try it are put into a sort of sleeping bag so as not to get injured. It’s forty seconds of pure terror or delight, depending on your view of things.

Graz may not have a singular big tourist attraction, but its reputation for great food and wine, music from Opera to Jazz and a unique Mediterranean climate makes it an enjoyable place for visitors to relax and enjoy some of the finer things in life.

For more information, go to www.graztourismus.at