Sometime during the 9th century, nestled between the Mur River and the Styrian Alps, there was a small but impressive fortress called “gradec”. As legend has it, over time, that edifice became the historical namesake for the southeastern city of Graz. Today, it is estimated that nearly 300 thousand people reside in Graz, making it the second largest city in Austria. With 7 different universities and an impressive array of research institutes, archives, and museums, the cosmopolite city is home to some of Europe’s highest-raking universities.
Despite its international reputation of being on the cutting-edge of education in science and technology, the city has lost none of its original “old world charm”. In fact, in 1999, its Old Town was officially recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Visitors to the city can discover the city by strolling along its labyrinth of shop-lined cobblestone streets or hopping on one of the ultra-modern trams that connect the city from A to Z. Graz also has an intensive bicycle path system for those green travel-enthusiasts.
One word of caution, however, for newcomers. When you arrive, be sure to come hungry! From elegant coffee houses with a seemingly endless display of traditional pastries to rustic taverns where guests can sample award-wining wines from the famed Styrian vineyards, Graz offers visitors a maddening selection of delicacies. It is no wonder that the metropole earned the coveted title of “City of Culinary Delights”. For our conference-goers, we have assembled a list of things to do and see during your visit to this great city.