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Last updated on October 29th, 2025 at 11:03 am
As advocates for sustainable, slow and ethical travel, we were intrigued to explore sustainable travel in Graz, an Austrian city known for its commitment to doing things a bit differently for locals and visitors alike.
Austria’s second-largest city, Graz is considered one of the most sustainable cities in Europe.
But what does that mean and how is sustainable travel in Graz even possible? Keep reading to find out. This sustainable travel guide to Graz has all the answers.
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What Is Sustainable Travel?
If you’ve been reading our blog for a while, you must have realised our passion for sustainable travel. We’ve even published a thorough guide about how to be more responsible travellers.
Also known as ethical or responsible tourism, sustainable tourism is all about respecting the natural environment of any destination you’re visiting, supporting the local economy, giving back to the local community, combatting social injustice and standing against animal abuse.
With the ever-growing negative effects of overtourism, travelling sustainably is the only way going forward for the protection of natural resources and the safeguarding of local cultures and communities.
Sustainable Travel in Graz – Is It Just a Catchphrase?
Sustainable tourism is a very popular term these days. More and more destinations, travel brands and businesses in the tourism industry claim to have adopted efficient sustainable practices.
Sometimes, these practices work. Yet, sadly, in some instances, sustainability is only there as a catchphrase, a trending term that brings no actual benefit to the local communities.
When he heard that Graz is one of the most sustainable places to visit in Europe, we had to check for ourselves. This is why we planned a multi-day trip there.
To our utmost joy, we can confirm that sustainability in Graz isn’t just a buzzword, but a way of life.
With several initiatives that contribute to the protection of the environment, the support of local businesses and the creation of opportunities for future generations, Graz does actually take steps towards a more sustainable future.
Therefore, sustainable travel in Graz isn’t just a catchphrase. Anyone can travel sustainably to Graz thanks to all those things listed below that make Graz one of the most sustainable cities we’ve ever visited.
10 Things That Make Graz One of The Most Sustainable Cities in Europe
1. Green Spaces
With almost 67% of the city’s area covered by green spaces, Graz is Austria’s greenest city, second only to Vienna. No matter which part of Graz you’re exploring, there’s always a relaxing park or elegant garden nearby.
With its sculptures, ponds and elegant benches creating a beautiful setting, Stadtpark is the largest park in Graz. But it’s not alone.
Volksgarten is a green oasis in the heart of the alternative Lend neighbourhood. As its name suggests, the People’s Garden is open to everyone and often hosts cultural and other events.
Stretching along the Mur River, Augarten might just be our favourite green space in Graz thanks to the wonderful river views it offers.
Of course, let’s not forget about Schlossberg Hill.
Apart from being home to some of the city’s most striking landmarks, including the very symbol of Graz, the city’s Clock Tower, the green hill that dominates the city of Graz is also one of the best parks for a relaxing stroll.
Outside the city centre, more green spaces await. A short public transport ride from the historic centre of Graz, you’ll find Eggenberg Park.
Part of the Eggenberg Palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park features several gorgeous themed gardens, ideal for walking around on a sunny day.
That’s just one of countless marvellous green spaces you can easily reach by public transport in Graz, though.
There’s even a list of beautiful urban hikes you can enjoy that will take you through lush forests, past quaint ponds and elegant mansions.
2. Eco-Friendly Public Transport
Speaking of public transportation, Graz boasts an efficient public transport system that’s also eco-friendly. Green buses and trams take you quickly and safely anywhere you want in the city centre and beyond.
What’s more, the historic heart of Graz is a car-free zone. The trams that move within the boundaries of the Old Town of Graz are free of charge to everyone, locals and visitors alike.
Besides the city’s efforts to make its public transport as efficient and eco-friendly as possible, Graz is also doing a great job encouraging tourists to use it by introducing the Graz Card.
Alongside free or discounted entry to several museums and other points of interest, this city card offers unlimited use of public transport, including as many rides as you like on the Schlossberg Lift and the Schlossberg Funicular.
3. Cyclists First
Apart from its superb public transport network, Graz is also a very walkable compact city that you can easily explore on foot.
Yet, what you may not know is that Graz is also one of the most bike-friendly cities we’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
In Graz, cycling isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life, the locals’ favourite way to commute.
Most local people we met during our trip to Graz told us they use their bikes every day to get to work, but also to head to the park for a picnic or get to a friend’s house for dinner.
Visitors can enjoy an equally satisfying experience thanks to the city’s extensive network of cycling paths. There are several bicycle rental shops throughout the city as well as plenty of bicycle parking racks.
4. Drinking Water Fountains
Whether you’re taking a long walk around your own city or exploring a destination you’re visiting on foot, staying hydrated is of the utmost importance, especially in the summer.
Carrying a thermal water bottle is one of the best ways to reduce the use of plastic. However, in some places, once your reusable water bottle is empty, there’s nowhere to refill, so, inevitably, you have to buy bottled water.
But not in Graz. There are about 120 fountains with fresh drinking water around the city, which means that you’ll never have to buy water in plastic bottles during your trip.
5. Family-Run Hotels
One of the pillars of sustainable tourism is the support of local economies. The easiest way to ensure that you give back to the local community and economy is to choose locally based businesses and professionals.
Usually, the largest chunk of anyone’s travel budget goes to accommodation. Therefore, opting for family-run boutique hotels instead of multinational chain ones makes a huge difference.
Family-run hotels aren’t hard to find in Graz. There are several hotels that have belonged to the same families for ages.
A fine example is Hotel Gollner, a cosy hotel in the heart of Graz that has been managed by members of the same family since 1961.
6. Tours With Local Guides
Similar to booking hotels run by locals, another great way to support the local economy is to see Graz through the eyes of knowledgeable local guides.
The latter are passionate about their region and offer an immersive and more meaningful travel experience.
During our trip to Graz, we were overjoyed to see the city in the company of Claudia, one of the best tour guides we’ve ever come across.
We enjoyed two half-day tours with her and we can’t decide what we loved about her the most. Her deep knowledge of the local history and culture or the fact that Claudia is one of those people who immediately feel like friends?
Discovering the charms of Graz with a local expert feels like opening up an entire world that you wouldn’t have known of otherwise.
So, by booking a tour with a local guide, not only do you support the local economy in the best possible way, you also get to experience Graz like a true local.
7. Local Farmers Network
While exploring Graz, you can’t help but notice the city’s many colourful farmers’ markets. Graz boasts more than 20 farmers’ markets, which is an impressive number considering the city’s size.
What’s even more impressive is that all these markets sell fresh local products from the region of Styria – where Graz is located – alone.
Near the city, there are over 300 farms that provide Graz with top-quality fresh produce.
Local farmers often work together, forming cooperatives and ensuring high standards of their produce, most of which is organically grown.
The largest and oldest farmers’ market in Graz is Kaiser-Josef-Markt, near the Opera House.
In the morning, the market’s stalls feature a feast of colour and flavour. Yet, in the evening, the local market comes alive when people flock to enjoy a glass of wine in this so authentic setting.
On the other side of the river, Lendplatz Market is yet another lively hub for the people of Graz to shop their groceries, but also catch up.
8. Vegetarian & Vegan Food
With all this fresh local produce growing on the outskirts of Graz, it comes as no surprise that the city is known as the culinary capital of Austria.
Graz’s food scene is unmatched, especially the city’s vegan and vegetarian restaurants.
With a farm-to-table mentality, chefs create plant-based masterpieces that would satisfy not only vegans and vegetarians, like ourselves, but also anyone who’d wish to try something different.
After all, embracing a meat-free diet is one of the main aspects of a sustainable lifestyle.
Vegetarian diets have a lower environmental impact as the meat industry is responsible for higher greenhouse gas emissions, land deforestation, water shortages and other issues that derive from the mass production of meat.
Contrary to what happens in other Central European cities, vegans and vegetarians won’t have a hard time finding excellent plant-based menus throughout the city.
From strictly vegan fine-dining experiences, like the one offered at Geruechtekueche, to casual vegan or vegetarian eateries to inspired plant-based dishes featured on menus of restaurants that aren’t strictly veggie, meat-free food in Graz is delicious.
Therefore, apart from contributing to a more sustainable way of living (or travelling), it’s no overstatement to say that sampling vegetarian or vegan food made with seasonal ingredients is one of the best things to do in Graz in its own right.
9. Social Impact & Charity Shops
Sustainable travel in Graz can go beyond the obvious. Apart from protecting the environment and supporting the local businesses, certain community initiatives and charities help create a better future for generations to come.
Tag.werk is a skill training, self-esteem improvement and youth employment project that helps young people who haven’t had a proper education acquire a basic skillset that will allow them to have a second chance in their professional lives.
In this charity shop, people aged between 15 and 25 learn how to sew bags from scratch. With each bag you buy, you help more and more young people find their true calling.
Not to mention that, design-wise, these bags are beautiful. And you get to know the name of the person who made your bag.
Another initiative that blew our minds in Graz was a charity project by Martin Auer, the city’s most famed baker. In their shop in the Lend neighbourhood, they sell two-day-old bread and all proceeds go to charity.
The thing is that Austrian bread doesn’t go stale for quite a few days. So, two-day-old bread is not much different than fresh bread.
The only difference is that you get to pay half price for it and your money is spent for a good cause.
10. Preservation of Old Crafts
Last but not least, sustainability is all about creating a bridge between the past and the future. Because only if you understand your past you can ensure a better future.
One of the best ways to achieve a connection between the past, the present and the future is by preserving a destination’s old crafts.
Every summer, the celebrated Design Month showcases Graz’s top designers and spotlights their efforts to adjust old crafts, methods and techniques to modern times.
Apart from this large-scale initiative, though, we’ve also come across individuals who offer one-of-a-kind activities and experiences, like Elisabeth of Die Floesserei, who offers river raft trips along the waters of the Mur River.
A third-generation raft master, Elisabeth learnt how to make rafts from her father. She then adjusted this craft to cater to the needs of travellers and locals eager to discover more sustainable ways of exploring Graz.
Graz Is Heaven on Earth For Responsible Travellers
If you, like us, are passionate about sustainable travel and want your travels to have a positive impact on the destinations you’re visiting, don’t think twice. Book a trip to Graz as soon as possible.
Sustainable travel in Graz isn’t just a buzzword. In fact, Graz is one of the most impressive examples of sustainable tourism.
From what you’ve read so far it’s obvious that the city has set the foundations for a sustainable future and constantly seeks ways for further improvement.
For being the ultimate sustainable travel destination, Austria’s second city should be part of your Central Europe itinerary.
And don’t forget slow travel. For a chance to see more of Austria on the same trip, thus lowering your carbon footprint, Graz can be easily combined with a few days in Vienna, the country’s imperial capital.
WORDS & EDITING: Maria
IMAGES: Katerina
Disclosure: This article about sustainable travel in Graz was produced in partnership with Graz Tourism. All opinions are our own, as always.