© Graztourismus - Harry Schiffer

Across the Mur and back again

The spectacular contrast between traditional and modern Graz. Here is where the “Cultural capitalof Europe” project has left its clearest traces.

A couple of steps across the Mur – the river that divides Graz – providea welcome contrast. Ever since 2003, the year when Graz was cultural capital of Europe, this has been home to the future: the enigmatic “friendly alien” Kunsthaus has made itself at home, nestled between the ancient houses. Local people love the unique beauty of this beast, and see it as the city’s new second landmark. A floating shell in the river connects the two sides of the city: the island in the Mur.

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Facts

Über die Mur und wieder retour I outdooractive.com

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Start of the tour: Tourist Information Graz Region, Herrengasse 16

End of the tour: Graz main square

Follow Herrengasse to the Hauptplatz and from there go left via narrow, shady Franziskanergasse into the Franziskanerviertel quarter. Take a look inside the Franziskanerkloster monastery: the Gothic cloisters leading to the Jacobean chapel are an oasis of calm and peace right inthe middle of the hubbub of the city.

From Franziskanerplatz it is just a couple of paces to the “Erzherzog Johann Brücke” (main bridge). Here you will find the staircase down to the “Mur Promenade”– an ideal spot to take a short break and maybe dangle your tired feet in the waters of the Mur.

Across the Hauptbrücke (main bridge) walk along the other side of the river – before you rises the new, second landmark of the city: the Kunsthaus.

Crossing the river by the Mursteg footbridge brings you to Sackstrasse and then to Schlossbergplatz square – with a wonderful view of the Schlossberg and the Schlossbergstiege stairs.

Continuing along Sackstrasse towards Graz Hauptplatz main square, passing antiques shops and second-hand dealers, the town hall comes into view ahead.

The Kunsthaus Graz is part of the Universalmuseum Joanneum and cantherefore be visited using a Joanneum 24 or 48 h ticket. Detailed information can be found in our “Museums and Galleries” folder.

In the old town of Graz, you are spoiled for choice: Should the car be parked in one of the numerous underground car parks, in the blue zone in the city centre or at a park-and-ride (P&R) site.

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