Between the majestic Alps and the serene Danube River lies Austria, a land of timeless beauty and rich heritage. Born amidst the cobbled streets of Vienna, I was cradled by its history and culture. Yet, destiny had other plans. At the tender age of 20, the winds of change swept me away to Toronto, Canada’s bustling multicultural mosaic.
As I navigated through the skyscrapers and diverse neighborhoods of my new home, the memories of travel in Austria‘s picturesque landscapes and familial bonds remained etched in my heart.
For a decade, my annual pilgrimages to Austria were like a balm to my soul. The familiar faces of my father, my doting grandma, and my protective brother awaited me, bridging the miles with warmth and love. However, life, with its unpredictable twists, cast a shadow on these reunions. The untimely demise of my mother shortly after my move to Canada was a blow, and the subsequent losses of my father and grandma left a void that words can scarcely describe. With no aunts, uncles, or grandparents to call my own, I found myself adrift in a sea of memories, leading to a self-imposed exile from my homeland.
Yet, the call of Austria was irresistible. A decade later, the 20th anniversary of my high school graduation beckoned me back to the land of my birth. The allure of Styria, with its verdant meadows and historic charm, was too potent to resist. And when the milestone of my only brother’s 50th birthday dawned, it wasn’t just an occasion; it was a clarion call. I yearned to see Austria not just as a native but through the discerning eyes of a travel writer, to immerse myself in its splendors and share its stories with the world.
Join me as I embark on this nostalgic journey, retracing the steps of my youth, and discovering the hidden gems of Austria’s Styria region. Let’s unravel together memories, adventures, and the undeniable magic that is Austria.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, The Travel Bunny will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you!
The journey begins — flights to East Styria
The sun was just beginning its descent as I made my way through Toronto’s bustling airport, the anticipation of my journey to Austria palpable in the air. With a ticket to Vienna in hand, I felt the familiar thrill of adventure coursing through my veins. However, travel, much like life, is full of surprises. As the plane soared above the clouds, an announcement revealed an unexpected detour: a stopover in Montreal. While this added a couple of hours to my journey, it gave me a chance to witness the aerial beauty of two Canadian cities in one trip.
Being a seasoned traveler, I’ve always been on the hunt for deals, weighing the balance between cost and comfort. My choice of Air Transat over the likes of Air Canada or Austrian Airlines was driven by a significant price difference. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The close-knit seating arrangement on the plane was a stark reminder of this adage. The moment the passenger in front of me decided to recline, I was taken aback, half-expecting an unintentional dental appointment right there at 35,000 feet!
Yet, amidst the minor inconveniences, there was a silver lining. The substantial savings on the ticket price and the ability to drift into a peaceful slumber amidst the hum of the aircraft engines. The journey to Vienna, with its little hiccups, was a testament to the essence of travel: it’s not just about the destination, but also the experiences along the way. As we prepare to explore the wonders of East Styria, remember that every journey, no matter how meticulously planned, is sprinkled with unexpected moments. Embrace them, for they make the best stories.
Want to travel in Austria faster? Take advantage of the best deals for flights to East Styria!
Travel in Austria by car
The golden hues of dawn painted the skies as I stepped onto the tarmac of Vienna Airport. The crisp Austrian air, tinged with the promise of adventure, greeted me. Vienna, with its imperial charm, was just the starting point of my journey. The real destination? The enchanting landscapes of Styria.
Having done my homework, I had pre-emptively scoured the web for the best car rental deals. My diligence paid off when I stumbled upon a gem of a deal. The process was seamless, and before I knew it, I was handed the keys to a sprightly Volkswagen Polo. While it might not have been the most luxurious of vehicles, it was perfect for what lay ahead. Compact, yet robust, it was tailor-made for the winding roads that snake through the Austrian Alps. And in a continent where fuel prices can be steep, its fuel efficiency was a boon.
As I set off from Vienna, the urban landscapes gradually gave way to the lush green expanses of Lower Austria. The road to Styria was a visual treat, with every turn revealing postcard-perfect vistas. Verdant meadows stretched as far as the eye could see, punctuated by quaint villages that seemed untouched by time. The towering Alps stood sentinel in the distance, their snow-capped peaks gleaming under the sun.
Driving in Europe, especially in a region as picturesque as Austria’s Styria, is not just about getting from point A to B. It’s about savoring every moment, every view, every unexpected detour. It’s about the thrill of discovery, the joy of the open road, and the stories that unfold along the way.
Come along, dear reader, as we journey through Styria, with its myriad treasures waiting to be uncovered. Let’s make memories, one mile at a time!
A trip down Memory Lane in Weiz, the heart of Styria
The road stretched ahead, a ribbon of possibilities, as I steered my car onto the A2, the arterial highway connecting Vienna to Graz. Leaving behind the urban sprawl of Vienna, the landscape transformed, revealing the heart and soul of Austria. The Wechsel mountains stood tall, their majestic peaks guiding me toward the enchanting realms of Eastern Styria.
As I journeyed, signs heralding theater festivals in Burgenland caught my eye. These festivals, set against the backdrop of ancient castles and fortresses, seemed like a poetic ode to Austria’s rich history. It was a testament to how Austria Styria had preserved its medieval heritage, breathing life into age-old stones and stories.
The sun cast a golden glow, its rays dancing on the car’s dashboard. Even with the comfort of air conditioning, I couldn’t resist rolling down the window, letting the warm Styrian breeze play with my hair. It whispered tales of yesteryears, of childhood memories and forgotten lanes.
Turning onto the Hartberg highway, the landscape unfurled like a storybook. Rolling hills, dotted with picturesque villages, beckoned. And then, there it was – Weiz, the town that held a piece of my heart. As I drove through its familiar streets, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. It felt as if the hands of time had paused, preserving the essence of my childhood. The fields, still tended to with the same care, the mountains standing unchanged, and the valleys echoing with memories.
Yet, amidst this familiarity, there was a renewed vibrancy. Houses, once old, now stood restored in their pristine glory. The towns were immaculate, their architectural beauty a testament to the pride and care of the Styrian people. There wasn’t a hint of decay, only the promise of a bright future built on a rich past.
This is the magic of Austria. A land where time intertwines with memories, where the past is not just remembered but relived, and where every journey feels like a heartwarming trip down memory lane. Join me, as we explore the timeless beauty of Styria, and discover the soul of Austria.
Styria first law — the unchanging beauty of the land
As the wheels of my car came to a halt in Weiz, the familiar embrace of the town enveloped me. While my brother, Tobias, was still immersed in his work, Anna, my gracious sister-in-law, was there, her smile a warm beacon of homecoming. With her by my side, we meandered through the streets of Weiz, her stories filling the gaps of time since my last visit.
The town, while still retaining its age-old charm, had evolved. Modern edifices stood tall, juxtaposed against the ancient structures, a testament to Styria’s ability to blend the old with the new. Yet, amidst this evolution, there was an underlying constant — the Styria First Law, if you will. A principle that spoke of the unchanging beauty of the land, where time seemed to pause, allowing nature and architecture to coexist in harmonious splendor.
As Anna and I walked, it became evident that the heart of Styria remained untouched. The cobblestone streets whispered tales of yore, while the verdant meadows hummed lullabies of seasons gone by. It was as if Styria had its own rhythm, a timeless cadence that danced to the tunes of history and progress.
That evening, as Tobias and I reunited, the essence of Styria’s unchanging beauty became even more pronounced. Over shared memories and laughter, we marveled at how, despite the march of time, the soul of Styria remained steadfast. Its commitment to preserving both its natural splendor and architectural marvels was unwavering.
In a world that’s constantly evolving, Styria stands as a beacon of constancy. A place where the past is not just remembered but revered, where every brick and blade of grass tells a story, and where the importance of preserving the land’s innate beauty is paramount. This is the charm of Austria Styria — a land where time, in its gentle embrace, cradles the essence of unchanging beauty.
Adventures in Styria along the Raab River and beyond
Dawn broke with a promise of adventure as Tobias, Anna, and I set out for the bustling farmers’ markets of Gleisdorf and Weiz. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of local produce. Stalls brimming with vibrant vegetables, succulent meats, and artisanal cheeses painted a picture of Styria’s rich culinary tapestry. As Tobias meticulously selected ingredients for his birthday feast, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the symphony of flavors that awaited us.
But before we could indulge, there was an adventure to be had. With Tobias engrossed in his culinary preparations, Anna and I embarked on a journey to explore the mesmerizing Raab River Gorge. The path, flanked by towering cliffs and lush greenery, led us through a world where nature reigned supreme. The gentle murmur of the Raab River played a soothing soundtrack as we traversed its winding trails, each turn revealing a new facet of Styria’s untouched beauty.
Our wanderlust then beckoned us to the majestic Goller Mountains. Standing tall against the azure skies, these peaks whispered tales of ancient times and valiant explorers. Our journey continued to the old mining town of Arzberg, a testament to Styria’s rich history. The town, with its cobblestone streets and historic edifices, felt like a step back in time, a living museum of days gone by.
As evening descended, we returned to Tobias’s abode, where a gastronomic extravaganza awaited. Course after course of delectable dishes graced the table, each a testament to my brother’s culinary prowess. As we feasted, laughter and stories flowed, making it an evening to remember.
Culinary delights — a taste of my Styria
The heart of Styria, I’ve come to realize, beats not just in its scenic landscapes and historic towns, but also in the rich tapestry of its culinary traditions. Every bite, every aroma, tells a story of the land and its people, a narrative that’s been passed down through generations.
Strolling through the bustling farmers’ markets of Gleisdorf and Weiz, one can’t help but be enamored by the bounty of Styria. Plump tomatoes, bursting with flavor, sit beside fragrant herbs that seem to capture the very essence of the region. Crisp apples, kissed by the Styrian sun, jostle for space with artisanal cheeses that melt in the mouth. This local produce, nurtured by the fertile soils of Styria, forms the foundation of its culinary heritage.
And then there’s Tobias, my brother, a maestro in the kitchen. His passion for cooking is evident in the way he meticulously selects each ingredient, ensuring it’s of the highest quality. But it’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the love and tradition he infuses into every dish. Under his expert hands, these raw ingredients are transformed into culinary masterpieces that are quintessentially Styrian.
One can’t talk about Styria without mentioning its signature dishes. There’s the Steirischer Backhendl, a crispy breaded chicken that’s golden on the outside and succulent within. Or the Kürbiskernöl, a rich pumpkin seed oil that adds a nutty flavor to salads and soups. And who can forget the Verhackertes, a spread made of finely chopped bacon, seasoned to perfection?
As we sat down to a meal prepared by Tobias, it felt like a journey through Styria’s culinary landscape. Each dish, from the appetizers to the desserts, was a celebration of the region’s flavors. It was a reminder that food, much like travel, is about experiences, memories, and the stories we weave along the way.
If you embark on your own journey through Styria, remember to savor its culinary delights. For in every bite, you’ll find a piece of Styria’s soul, a taste of its rich heritage, and a glimpse into its vibrant culture. Join me at the table, and let’s feast on the flavors of my Styria as we travel in Austria.
Travel in Austria on a Styrian odyssey and beyond
As the sun sets on my Styrian sojourn, I find myself enveloped in a tapestry of emotions. The winding roads of Weiz, the culinary symphonies of Tobias, the whispers of the Raab River, and the timeless tales of Arzberg — each memory is a thread, intricately woven into the fabric of my heart.
Travel in Austria is not just a journey through picturesque landscapes; it’s an odyssey through time, culture, and tradition. Styria, with its verdant meadows and historic towns, stands as a testament to Austria’s enduring charm. Every cobblestone, every bite, and every sunset speaks of a land that cherishes its past while embracing the future.
But my tales, as enchanting as they may be, are but a glimpse into the vast expanse of wonders that Austria holds. Beyond my stories lie countless adventures, waiting to be discovered, savored, and cherished. The allure of Austria is endless, its embrace warm and welcoming.
As I continue to enjoy my stay in Styria, I leave you with an invitation. An invitation to embark on your own journey, to create your own tales, to find your own slice of magic in this land of alpine beauty and cultural richness. Austria beckons, with its myriad treasures and timeless allure. Answer its call, and let the wonders of this beautiful land etch everlasting memories in your heart.
Born amidst the picturesque landscapes of Austria, Sarah Grossman‘s roots are deeply embedded in the rich tapestry of Styrian culture and traditions. Her profound connection to her homeland, combined with her extensive knowledge of travel in Austria, positions her as a leading authority in the region. From the intricacies of the Styria First Law to the nuances of flights to East Styria, Sarah’s insights are both comprehensive and unparalleled.
Having relocated to Canada post-college, Sarah’s global perspective has only broadened. Yet, her heart always finds its way back to “My Styria”. As a meticulous planner and organizer of worldwide travel, she masterfully intertwines her personal narratives with invaluable travel advice. For those yearning to explore the depths of Austria and beyond, Sarah Grossman stands as a beacon of inspiration, guidance, and expertise. Her tales are not just stories; they are compasses guiding fellow travelers on their own unforgettable journeys.
You too can become a guest blogger on The Travel Bunny. Submit a free guest post!
Other travel blog articles you should read on The Travel Bunny
Innsbruck and other travel destinations in Austria off the beaten path
Best things to do and places to visit in Vienna
Wonderful day trip from Salzburg to visit Hallstatt, Austria