Graz - Attractions?
 

During my rapidly upcoming trip to Austria, I'll have a day between my stay in Salzburg and my return to Vienna for departure. I was thinking of going to Graz, just on the thought that it being closer to Slovenia, it might be a little different and worth a stop.<BR>I'd be traveling by train. I would appreciate some observations about the scenery between Salzburg/Graz and Graz/Vienna, as well as advice on how easy the train connections would be. And also, is Graz worth an overnight stop or should I push on back to Vienna in the evening? Thank you very much.

Lizbeth,<BR><BR>We have made that trip before. Got to Graz early evening and spent the next day and night, leaving the following morning for Budapest.<BR><BR>As I recall there is nothing remarkable about the train trip from Salzburg to Graz.<BR><BR>Graz is one of the Austrian Imperial cites along with Salzburg, Vienna and Linz. Have been to Salzburg and Vienna and to quote one of my unfavorite Democrat politicians, "I've been to Vienna, and I've been to Salzburg and Graz, you are no Vienna or Salzburg."<BR><BR>A day is plenty of time or a half day if you are passing through. <BR><BR>Of real interest is the armory. It is a two or three story building crammed with medieval armor for humans and horses. Very interesting and you can try it on and pose for a picture if like Uncle Sam and wife, you've had too much Austiran Stiglbrau beer. <BR><BR>Graz has a fine medieval square and a nice tower atop the typical defensive hill. <BR><BR>Graz, IMHO is most important historically as it served as a buffer for the ruling Habsburgs between them and the Turks. Hungary also served as the same buffer.<BR><BR>Also of some importance...Graz is the home of Arnold Schwarzenegger...the Termiator has a stadium named after him.<BR><BR>Hope this helps!<BR><BR>US

Try this for ideas:<BR>http://www.graztourismus.at/<BR><BR>There's a terrific "armor and weapons" museum in Graz, also the train between Graz and Vienna goes over the Semmering Pass, which is said to be very scenic. We're planning to do this in June.

Thanks, Uncle Sam. Armour happens to be a particular interest of mine, and the museum sounds very worthwhile.<BR><BR>Can anyone tell me how easy the connection from Graz to Vienna is? <BR><BR>Speaking of Linz, can anyone advise about attractions there (besides the linzertorte!)<BR><BR>Thanks again.

Graz to Vienna is about 2.5 hrs. with a change of trains in Bruck a.d. Mur. The German rail site has an English page: www.bahn.de click on TIMETABLES on the left-hand column.