Styria is known as "the green heart of Austria", because around 60 percent are covered by forest and another 25 percent by meadows, pastures, orchards and vineyards. As a counterpoint, the provincial capital Graz, is Austria's second biggest city. Graz is a place where there's always something happening, ideal for an urban dash to your countryside holiday.

The Styrians are regarded as being particularly friendly and hospitable. Styria is a front runner as a culinary holiday destination, and has something to brag about in honey-coloured Schaech regional wine and Styrian pumpkin seed oil. A visit to a vineyard for a snack and wine or cider tasting is an absolute must on every holiday - perfect for families, gourmets and lovers of the great outdoors.

Styria is perfect for cyclists and hikers, with 800 peaks over 2,000 metres, Dachstein mountain soaring to over 3,000 metres, 3,500 mountain pastures, seven nature conservation areas and a national park. Styria’s ever-changing mountain scenery and incredible natural variety is something really special and ideal for a vacation in Austria's alpine heart.