Travel diary: Day 4

Day 4: Urban Experience in Graz and Tranquility in Filzmoos

On the fourth day of my Austrian road trip, I left the wine region of South Styria and made my way to Graz, Austria's second-largest city. Known for its vibrant culture, historical architecture, and modern art scene, Graz promised an exciting change from the peaceful wine-filled days.

My first stop in Graz was the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. I strolled through narrow streets, passing magnificent Renaissance and Baroque buildings. I was particularly impressed by the Graz Castle Hill, which not only houses an impressive fortress but also offers a fantastic view of the city. The ride up with the Schlossbergbahn was an experience in itself.

Another highlight was visiting the Kunsthaus Graz. This futuristic-looking building, also known as the "Friendly Alien," is a landmark of modern architecture and hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary art. The unique combination of historic and modern architecture in Graz fascinated me.

After a hearty lunch in one of the traditional Altsteirische Schmankerlstuben, where I tried Styrian specialties like Steirerkas with pumpkin seed oil, I continued my journey towards Filzmoos. This small mountain village in the heart of Salzburg was a contrast to the lively Graz.

Arriving in Filzmoos, I found myself in an idyllic mountain landscape. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Dachstein Mountain range, Filzmoos is the perfect place to enjoy nature. I decided to go on a late afternoon hike, which took me through lush alpine meadows and small forests. The fresh mountain air and the tranquility of nature were a welcome change after the hustle and bustle of the city.

The evening was spent at the cozy, family-run Gasthof Krahlehenhof in Filzmoos. Over dinner, which included traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn, I reflected on the day's experiences. Graz, with its cultural richness, and Filzmoos, with its pristine nature, formed a perfect contrast and showed me two completely different but equally fascinating sides of Austria.