The "green heart of Austria" is proud of its largely intact natural environment with its dense forests. In pure unpolluted nature one can still breathe fresh air and relax. The country between the Dachstein in the west and the wine-covered hills in the south-east is characterised by steep mountains, succulent pastures, quiet Alpine valleys, thermal springs, orchards and fields, castles and palaces.

The capital of the province, Graz, which is famous for the Schlossberg with the city's landmark - the clocktower, offers attractions like the generously restored city centre, the biggest medieval arms collection, Schloss Eggenberg, its university, and abundant cultural life. The Styrian Autumn in October and the Syriarte, a festival of classical music in July, are famous well beyond the country's borders.

The abbeys of Admont and Seckau, the palaces of Herberstein, Kornberg, Ehrenhausen and Trautenfels, Mariazell, a centre of pilgrimage, the Lippizan studfarm in Piber as well as the wonderful lakes of the region, like lake Altaussee, are absolute musts for each visit to Styria.

As for spare-time activities the province offers everything from winter sports in the Dachstein-Tauern region to rafting, soaring, hang-gliding and paragliding, golfing, riding, biking and rock climbing.

No matter whether one prefers holidays on a farm or in a five star de luxe hotel - Styria is the right place for everyone.