🏎️ Spielberg — Yes, That Spielberg

Since we’re already in Styria, let’s visit another famous spot: Spielberg. If the name rings a bell, it’s because it’s home to the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix.

Every July, the world’s fastest circus rolls into town — engines roaring, celebrities arriving, and fans from all over the globe filling the stands. Spielberg is only about 90 minutes from Graz, and the energy is unforgettable. Even if you’re not a racing fan, the atmosphere alone is worth experiencing.

More stories from Austria coming next Wednesday… pack your curiosity and maybe your suitcase.

Servus, 

🍂 Aufsteirern — The Little Sister of Oktoberfest

Last weekend, Graz hosted its beloved traditional festival, Aufsteirern. Imagine the entire city dressed in traditional clothing, music echoing through every square, and over 250,000 people celebrating Styrian culture. Bands everywhere. Dance performances on every corner. And yes — even a crossover moment where line dancing met Styrian folk music. It was joyful, loud, colorful, and absolutely bucket‑list worthy for 2027.

🥾 Walking & Hiking — A National Sport

Fall is hiking season in Austria. Austrians take their walks very seriously — whether it’s climbing the Schöckl, the mountain just outside Graz, or strolling through the golden leaves of the Stadtpark. You’ll see people of all ages out enjoying the crisp air and warm sun. So when we’re in Austria… who’s joining me for a walk? I promise it’s worth every step.

🌰 Fall Flavors — Chestnuts & Sturm

And now… the food. Fall in Styria means roasted chestnuts and Sturm — the lightly fermented grape juice that’s just about to become wine. It’s spritzig, refreshing, and pairs perfectly with warm chestnuts.

Styria still has many chestnut trees, and we cherish this treat throughout the winter.
Fun fact: a blight in the early 19th century wiped out most chestnut trees in the USA — which means another reason to visit Styria in winter and enjoy these delicious treats at the Christmas markets.

🎄 A Gentle Reminder

Our Christmas Market trip is filling quickly, and the sign‑up window is closing in. If Austria has been calling your name — even whispering — now is the moment to say yes. Join one of the Zoom sessions, ask your questions, and let’s make this magical adventure happen.

Servus, 

Marion - your tour guide with 💞💚💞

🌍 Graz Is Having a Moment… and My Brother Told Me So

Something funny happened this week. My brother — who lives right in the region I’m taking you to (and yes, you might even meet him!) — sent me a WhatsApp message with an article titled:

“Graz captures the attention of millions around the world.”

So there you have it. Our charming, not‑yet‑overrun gem of a city is suddenly getting global attention. Another reason to come with me and experience Graz with the locals — before it becomes one of those cities where you have to “pay” to visit (looking at you, Barcelona and Sarajevo).

🍫 This Week's Highlight: The Willy Wonka of Austria — Zotter Chocolate

Last week, I whisked you away to the magical Rogner Bad Blumau Spa. This week, we're diving into something equally delicious — Zotter Chocolates, Austria's very own Willy Wonka wonderland.

This second‑generation, family‑run chocolate factory is all about quality, creativity, and sustainability. They work directly with farmers around the world, ensuring fairness and excellence in every bar.

And here's the fun part: As we wander through the tasting tour, we'll sample around 300 flavors. Yes, 300. And yes, some are delightfully weird. This is part education, part culinary adventure, and part "I didn't know chocolate could taste like that."

Pro tip: Leave space in your luggage. Your family will thank you... or you'll thank yourself later when you find your secret stash at home.

🥃 And Right Next Door... A Whiskey Distillery

Because after 300 chocolate samples, we'll need something to wash it down. Just steps away, we'll visit a local whiskey distillery nestled in the fruit orchard region. You'll learn how this unexpected gem came to life — and yes, there will be tastings.

🎄 A Perfect Counterbalance to the Christmas Markets

Between the spa, the chocolate factory, the distillery, and the charm of Graz, this trip is the perfect blend of cozy city magic and countryside delight.

If you're thinking about joining us, please let me know — space is limited, and I'd love to have you with me.

You can find the full itinerary here: 👉 www.travellikealocaltours.com

Servus, 

(and yes… all of this awaits you on our Christmas Market adventure!)

Dear friends,

If Vienna is the elegant grande dame of Austria, then Graz is her effortlessly cool younger sister — the one who mixes Renaissance courtyards with futuristic architecture and somehow makes it look easy. This week, we’re heading south to explore Austria’s best‑kept cultural secret: Graz, a city that blends Alpine freshness with Mediterranean flair in a way that feels almost mischievous.

And the best part? You’ll experience all of this in person during our Christmas Market trip. Warm lights, mild winter air, Mediterranean café culture even in December — Graz is going to charm your socks off (and possibly your gloves too).

🌿 A City Between Alps & Olive Trees

Graz sits in a sweet spot — close enough to the Alps to feel the mountain air, yet warm enough to enjoy outdoor cafés nearly year‑round. Locals love to sit outside, sip wine, and enjoy the city’s famous fusion cuisine. Graz proudly carries the title “Food Capital of Austria” — and they mean it. Gluten‑free, vegan, vegetarian, carnivore, “I just want dessert”… Graz has you covered.

If you can’t find it here, you might not find it anywhere.

🏛 Old Meets New — UNESCO Style

Graz’s historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, recognized for its harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary architecture.

You’ll wander through Renaissance courtyards, step outside, and suddenly — BAM — you’re face‑to‑face with the “Friendly Alien” (the Kunsthaus Graz), a modern art museum that looks like it landed from outer space.

And then there’s the jaw‑dropping work of Dame Zaha Hadid, the world‑renowned Iraqi‑British architect whose futuristic designs appear in London, Rome, China, Cincinnati, Spain — and yes, right here in Graz.

Did you expect Graz to be on that list? Didn’t think so. But that’s Graz — full of surprises.

The best part? All of these architectural gems live peacefully side‑by‑side and are within walking distance. You’ll see them all during our trip.

🎓 A City Powered by Young Minds

Graz is home to one of Austria’s oldest universities, founded in 1585, with around 27,000 students across six faculties. This infusion of young, ambitious energy gives the city its lively, creative vibe — a perfect contrast to its historic charm.

Imagine strolling through centuries‑old alleys… then turning a corner and finding a buzzing café full of students debating philosophy, design, or the best place to get pumpkin‑seed oil gelato.

🎄 And Now… the Christmas Market Connection

Why does all this matter for our upcoming holiday adventure?

Because Graz’s Christmas season is unlike anywhere else:

• Mild winter weather = more time strolling outdoors

• Mediterranean flair = cozy cafés spilling into the streets

• UNESCO Old Town = fairy‑tale backdrop for twinkling lights

• Food Capital = Christmas treats you’ll talk about for years

• Young, vibrant energy = music, art, and festive surprises everywhere

Graz isn’t just a stop on our trip — it’s the warm, glowing heart of it