Graz Castle

Photo provided by © Austrian National Tourist Office/ Diejun
Photo provided by © Austrian National Tourist Office/ H.Wiesenhofer


In Graz’s Old Town, visit this 15th-century castle, which is famous for its double staircase and a courtyard decorated with a series of busts.

Grazer Burg (Graz Castle) is a notable landmark and popular tourist attraction in the heart of Graz’s historic centre. Come here to admire its mixture of architectural styles, see busts of famous Austrians and walk in the footsteps of ancient kings. Founded in 1438, Grazer Burg served more as a showcase of royal opulence rather than as a defensive fortress. It was built by Frederick III, one of the longest-reigning emperors of the House of Habsburg.

Enter via the main gate, Burgtor (Castle Gate), on the complex’s southern side. It features a row of arches on the ground level and arcades on the upper floors. The gate’s construction preceded the castle and was originally part of the city’s medieval walls. Step through the arches to discover examples of Renaissance, Gothic and Biedermeier designs.

One of the castle’s most striking aspects is the Doppelwendeltreppe, a Gothic-style double spiral staircase located in the Maximilianbau tower. It has two staircases that merge at each floor, separate and then rejoin again. Climb the steps to experience the sensation of being in a real-life optical illusion.

Go to the north side of the grounds to the castle courtyard, home to sculpted busts of well-known figures from Austria’s Styrian region. These include the sculptor Erwin Huber, the Baroque composer Johann Josef Fux and the engineer Viktor Kaplan. Afterward, stroll amid the grassy lawns and water features of the Burggarten (Castle Garden). This is a great picnic spot during warmer months.

Grazer Burg is part of the Graz City Crown district, an ensemble of historic buildings located in the Old Town. Other attractions within the area include Graz Cathedral and the Mausoleum of Ferdinand II. Also nearby is the Künstlerhaus Graz art gallery and Stadtpark public gardens. All of these are about a 30-minute walk from the city’s central train station.

Ask at the entrance about access and opening hours some areas of the building are used as administrative offices and are therefore off-limits to visitors.

Plan a trip to see Graz Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Blackhome Graz
Apartment in Fohnsdorf Near Thermal Baths
EKONO by Leva Hotel Strasser

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Erzherzog Johann Palais Hotel

Erzherzog Johann Palais Hotel

3 out of 5
Sackstraße 3-5, Graz, Styria
Erzherzog Johann Palais Hotel
PLAZA INN Graz

PLAZA INN Graz

Conrad-von-Hötzendorfstraße 96, Graz
PLAZA INN Graz
IntercityHotel Graz

IntercityHotel Graz

4 out of 5
Finkengasse 2, Graz
IntercityHotel Graz
Grand Hôtel Wiesler Graz

Grand Hôtel Wiesler Graz

4 out of 5
Grieskai 4-8, Graz, Styria
Grand Hôtel Wiesler Graz
Radisson Hotel Graz

Radisson Hotel Graz

4 out of 5
Annenstrasse 67, Graz, Graz
Radisson Hotel Graz
NH Graz City

NH Graz City

4 out of 5
Karmeliterplatz 4z/4b, Graz
NH Graz City
Hotel Weitzer Graz

Hotel Weitzer Graz

4 out of 5
Grieskai 12-16, Graz, Styria
Hotel Weitzer Graz
Hotel Daniel Graz

Hotel Daniel Graz

4 out of 5
Europaplatz 1, Graz, Styria
Hotel Daniel Graz
Schlossberghotel

Schlossberghotel

4 out of 5
Kaiser Franz Josef Kai 30, Graz, Styria
Schlossberghotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Graz Castle

Graz Castle offers a variety of activities for visitors, including scenic walking tours of Graz and the iconic Schlossberg, which can be explored on foot. Don’t miss the thrilling Schlossberg slide for a unique descent. Cultural enthusiasts can enjoy opera and theatre performances nearby, enhancing your experience in this charming city. Consider joining guided tours to discover the rich history and beauty of Graz Castle and its surroundings.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Graz Castle, visit the Farmers Market on Kaiser-Josef-Platz, only 186m away, for local produce. Sporgasse Shopping Street, just 124m away, offers charming shops. MURPARK Shopping Centre, 1.2km away, is perfect for family entertainment if you're up for a drive.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Gut Freiberg Golf Club, located 7.5km from Graz Castle, where you can soak up the outdoor, sports atmosphere. Alternatively, the Golfclub Erzherzog Johann Maria Lankowitz, 11.2km away, and Golfclub Schloss Frauenthal, 12.4km away, offer similar invigorating experiences.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of winter sports at Teichalm Ski Resort, located 11.8km from Graz Castle, offering excellent skiing opportunities. For family-friendly adventure, hop on the Schlossberg Cable Car, a mere 249m away, or enjoy the scenic ride on the Schockl Cable Car, 5.0km from the castle.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Graz Castle! Dance the night away at Dom im Berg, just 249m away, or enjoy a captivating performance at Graz Playhouse, only 62m from the castle. For thrills, visit Hexenexpress, a mere 5.6km away for an exhilarating amusement ride.

Find the best attractions near Graz Castle

Graz Castle offers a wealth of attractions, including the charming piazzaSquare, the intriguing artMuseum, and the historic oldTown. Ideal for culture enthusiasts and families alike, visitors can explore the nearby Schlossberg Castle and indulge in sightseeing around Graz. Don't miss the chance to discover the iconic sights in Graz, making your trip an enriching experience in this beautiful Austrian city.

  • Graz Opera House: Situated a mere 124m from Graz Castle, this stunning venue is a hub of culture and entertainment. With its grand architecture, it offers an enchanting atmosphere for opera lovers and a romantic setting for couples, embodying the vibrant city vibes of Graz.
  • Jakomini Square: Located 249m away, Jakomini Square is a lively piazza that serves as a social gathering point. It's steeped in local culture, making it an ideal spot to relax and soak in the energetic city atmosphere.
  • Graz Old Town: Just 62m from the castle, Graz Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history and culture. Strolling through its charming streets offers a glimpse into the city's past and a unique experience of its architectural beauty.

Best time to go to Graz Castle

The best time to visit Graz Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Graz Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Graz Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.5°F (-0.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February34.2°F (1.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
April50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December33.3°F (0.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Graz Castle

To save money on your visit to Graz Castle, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help secure the best rates, especially on Mondays, which are typically cheaper than Saturdays. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Take advantage of free activities in Graz, and explore the city using its affordable public transport options to maximise your experience without stretching your wallet.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Graz Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Graz Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Graz Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Graz Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Graz Castle with your flights and activities.