Things To Do
in Knittelfeld

Knittelfeld is a compact town in the Mur valley in Styria, serving as a practical base for exploring the Murtal region. Its center blends traditional Styrian architecture with modern shops, cafes, and outdoor-friendly streets. Set along the Mur River, it offers easy access to hiking, cycling, and nearby alpine landscapes.

With good rail links and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, Knittelfeld makes a comfortable base for a Styrian adventure.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day by visiting the historic center of Knittelfeld, where the charming streets are lined with colorful buildings and small shops. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sipping on freshly brewed Austrian coffee while indulging in a delicious pastry. Take a stroll through the town square to admire the stunning architecture and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

afternoon
:

After a delightful morning, head to the Knittelfeld Museum to learn more about the town’s rich history and cultural heritage. Spend some time exploring the exhibits, which include artifacts and displays that showcase the region's past. For lunch, choose one of the nearby restaurants offering traditional Styrian dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant for dinner, where you can savor local specialties such as pumpkin seed oil salad or hearty Wiener Schnitzel. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the beautifully illuminated streets of the town, enjoying the peaceful ambiance. To wrap up the evening, stop by a local bar for a nightcap and perhaps some live music.

day 2
Nature Walks and Scenic Views
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike in the surrounding hills, where you can breathe in the crisp mountain air and enjoy the stunning landscapes. Follow well-marked trails that lead you through lush forests and offer breathtaking views of the Mur Valley below. Take your time to appreciate the natural beauty and perhaps spot some local wildlife along the way.

afternoon
:

After your hike, find a scenic picnic spot to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby nature reserves, where you can observe various flora and fauna while walking along easy trails. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a bike to explore the area more extensively.

evening
:

As evening approaches, return to Knittelfeld and treat yourself to a hearty dinner at a local tavern. Sample some Styrian wines that pair beautifully with your meal, adding a touch of local flavor to your experience. End your night with a stroll along the river, taking in the peaceful sounds of nature and reflecting on your day's adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🚌Public transport ticket$2-4 per ride
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$90-130
🍷Glass of wine$5-9

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming Styrian town with easy access to nature
  • Good value for money and strong hospitality
  • Central location for exploring the Murtal region
  • Efficient rail and road connections
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • Smaller-town amenities may require short drives for some services
  • "Grüß Gott" - Hello
  • "Bitte" - Please
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist die Toilette?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Knittelfeld

Visit one of these nice places.

Knittelfeld Town Center

Colorful façades and historic architecture around the main square, ideal for street photography.

Mur River Promenade

Scenic walks along the river with bridges and reflections, great at sunrise or sunset.

Rail Viaduct and Old Station Area

Industrial-yet-charming spots along the Murtal railway line with period textures.

Culinary Guide

Food in Knittelfeld

Styrian cuisine emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, pumpkins seed oil, hearty meat dishes, and comforting soups. In Knittelfeld you’ll find casual eateries that celebrate local produce and robust flavors.

Knittelfeld Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Backhendl

Crispy fried chicken, commonly served with potatoes or a simple salad.

Must-Try!

Käseknödel

Cheese dumplings in a rustic sauce or soup, a favorite alpine dish.

Gröstl

Pan-fried potatoes with onions and meat, often topped with a fried egg.

Kürbiskernöl-Salad

Salad dressed with Styrian pumpkin seed oil for a nutty finish.

Kürbiscremesuppe

Creamy pumpkin soup, especially popular in autumn.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local farmers market

Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and local specialties.

Bakeries and street snacks

Pastries, pretzels, and sausages from neighborhood bakeries and stalls.

Climate Guide

Weather

Knittelfeld has a temperate continental climate with four seasons: warm summers, cold winters with snow, and mild springs and autumns with variable rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with Grüß Gott or Hallo; use formal Sie with strangers unless invited to du.

Punctuality and queues

Be punctual for appointments and observe queue lines in shops and cafés.

Litter and order

Keep public spaces tidy; avoid loud behavior in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for visitors. Take standard precautions: keep valuables secure, watch for traffic near busy roads, and follow weather advisories in winter. In case of emergency, dial 112 in Austria.

Tipping in Knittelfeld

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common in Austria if service is good.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payment is common; ATMs available in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with long evenings; occasional thunderstorms; pack light clothing and sun protection and enjoy outdoor cafés and hikes.

Winter

Cold with snowfall possible; best for winter sports in surrounding mountains; layer up and check road conditions.

Spring

Mild temperatures with growing greenery; showers common; perfect for city strolls and short hikes.

Autumn

Crisp air and harvest markets; colorful foliage; great for scenic drives and wine-tasting nearby.

Nightlife Guide

Knittelfeld at Night

Knittelfeld offers a low-key nightlife with bars, cafés, and occasional live music; in nearby towns you can find more venues and events, especially on weekends.

Hiking in Knittelfeld

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Murtal Valley Trails

A network of trails through forests and meadows with scenic river views.

Seckau Abbey Trails

Gentle hikes starting near Seckau with monastery scenery and surrounding countryside.

Teichalm region hikes

Shorter hikes to alpine pastures and viewpoints in the Teichalm area.

Airports

How to reach Knittelfeld by plane.

Graz Airport (GRZ)

Nearest major airport with connections to European destinations; about 1-2 hours by road/train from Knittelfeld.

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Austria's largest gateway with extensive international connections; longer transfer from Knittelfeld.

Salzburg Airport (SZG)

Regional airport offering limited international flights; alternative for some travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most sights, shops, and cafés reachable on foot within 15-20 minutes; some outskirts and nearby hills are best reached by bicycle or car.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Austrians/Styrians

Predominantly German-speaking residents with a mix of families and commuters.

Tourists and seasonal workers

Visitors drawn to the Murtal region and nearby Alpine areas.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular local and regional clubs; matches may be visible around town.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Nearby Alpine resorts offer winter sports within a short drive.

Cycling

Seasonal activity on the Murtal cycle route and back roads.

Transportation

Traffic

Rail and road transport connect Knittelfeld to Graz, Leoben, and Judenburg; the Murtalbahn provides regional train service; car travel along the A9 and local roads is common; parking is available in town.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Knittelfeld.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for dumplings with cheese or salads with Kürbiskernöl; inform staff if you need vegan options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Knittelfeld relies on local GP clinics and a regional hospital network; for major services, larger facilities are in nearby cities like Graz, Leoben, and Judenburg. Austrian residents use the e-card system; pharmacies (Apotheke) are common in town.

Discover Austria

Read more in our Austria 2025 Travel Guide.

Austria Travel Guide