Things To Do
in Köflach

Köflach is a charming Styrian town in southern Austria, set amid rolling hills and a short drive from Graz. Its compact center blends historic architecture with modern cafés and family-run eateries, making it easy to wander on foot. The town serves as a gateway to the surrounding countryside, where gentle trails and scenic viewpoints are within easy reach.

Visitors can enjoy hearty Styrian cuisine, welcoming locals, and convenient access to both culture and nature in the region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Köflach and check into your cozy accommodations. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets, admiring the local architecture and charming shops. Stop by a nearby café for a traditional Austrian breakfast of pastry and coffee.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby St. Paul’s Monastery, where you can take in the serene surroundings and learn about the local history. Explore the nearby hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the scenic spots along your hike.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant to savor authentic Styrian cuisine. Engage with locals and get recommendations for hidden gems to explore later in the week. End your evening with a leisurely walk through the town, taking in the twinkling lights.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Visit the Köflach Museum to learn about local history, art, and culture. Interact with the exhibits and find something unique that captures your interest. A quaint café nearby serves a perfect mid-morning coffee.

afternoon
:

Join a guided walking tour through the historic town center, where you’ll get to hear intriguing stories about the landmarks. Enjoy the afternoon at the beautifully manicured Stadtpark, relaxing and perhaps reading a book or people-watching. Grab lunch at a local snack bar for a taste of traditional fast food.

evening
:

Visit a local wine tavern for a relaxed dinner featuring wines from the Styrian region. Engage with the friendly locals and maybe even join in on a folk music session. Reflect on the day over a glass of regional wine under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-15
Coffee at a café$3-5
🥗Lunch at a mid-range cafe$15-25
🚆Public transport single ride$2-3
🍽️Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town center with easy access to local sights
  • Warm, welcoming locals and authentic Styrian cuisine
  • Close proximity to nature and gentle hiking routes
  • Good rail and road links to Graz and surrounding regions
  • Fairly affordable compared with bigger Austrian cities
  • Limited nightlife and fewer international dining options
  • Smaller selection of large-scale attractions within town
  • Public transport may require a short ride to reach some sites
  • "Grüß Gott" - Hello / good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich hätte gern ..." - I would like to have ...

Places to Visit in Köflach

Visit one of these nice places.

Market Square and Town Hall

Classic Austrian market-town architecture, especially picturesque in morning light.

Baroque Parish Church and surrounding lanes

Narrow streets and a Baroque church provide charming composition opportunities.

Outskirts viewpoints and woodlands

Gentle hills and forest edges offer sunset shots and tranquil landscapes.

Riverside meadows near town

Calm waters and open skies ideal for serene landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Köflach

Köflach sits in Styrian heartland where pumpkin seed oil is iconic; the local cuisine emphasizes seasonal produce, hearty farm dishes, and bread baked in village ovens.

Köflach Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kürbissuppe mit Kürbiskernöl

Creamy pumpkin soup finished with a drizzle of Styrian pumpkin seed oil.

Must-Try!

Steirisches Backhendl

Crispy fried chicken served with potato salad and a side of vegetables.

Brettljause

A traditional platter of cold cuts, cheeses, pickles, and rye bread—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

Krautfleisch or Krautgerichte

Hearty cabbage-based dishes common in Styrian home cooking; often enjoyed with bread and picks.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Market Square Market

Farm-fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and regional specialties on market days.

Street-food and casual stalls in the town center

Casual bites and simple snacks from local vendors during weekends and events.

Climate Guide

Weather

Köflach experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, winters are cold with possible snow, and spring and autumn offer mild days with changing foliage. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with some wetter periods in late spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Greet with 'Grüß Gott' (formal) or 'Servus' (informal). A brief handshake is common when meeting someone new.

Etiquette in public

Polite, quiet conversation in public spaces; punctuality is valued; remove hats indoors in traditional spaces.

Dining etiquette

Ask for items to be placed on the table; wait for everyone to be served before starting; keep hands on the table during meals.

Safety Guide

Safety

Austria generally has a high level of safety. Köflach is a small town with low crime rates. As with any travel, keep valuables secure, be mindful of traffic when walking near roads, and carry emergency numbers (112) for medical or safety needs.

Tipping in Köflach

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Austria, rounding up or leaving about 5-10% as a tip in restaurants and bars is customary if service is good. Some places include a service charge; check the bill first.

Payment Methods

Cash (EUR) and card payments are widely accepted; contactless payments are common, including mobile wallets. ATMs are readily available in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with occasional showers. Great for outdoor walks, market days, and al fresco meals; stay hydrated and wear sun protection.

Autumn

Harvest season with golden foliage and pleasant hiking weather; pumpkins and produce are at their best.

Winter

Cold temperatures with possible snowfall; cozy cafés and occasional winter markets provide atmosphere and shade-free strolls.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming countryside; ideal for outdoor activities and photography in softer light.

Nightlife Guide

Köflach at Night

Köflach's nightlife is relaxed and town-centered, with cozy cafés, wine bars, and small welcoming pubs. Live music and seasonal events appear at local venues, especially around weekends and festivals. Expect a friendly, low-key atmosphere rather than large clubs.

Hiking in Köflach

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Nearby Styrian Hills

Forested hills and gentle trails suitable for easy day hikes with scenic viewpoints near Köflach.

Countryside Trails

Rural lanes and meadow paths ideal for relaxed walks and photography, with opportunities to encounter local flora and fauna.

Airports

How to reach Köflach by plane.

Graz Airport (GRZ)

Nearest major airport, offering domestic and international flights; about 60-70 km from Köflach. Accessible by car or rail via Graz.

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Larger international hub with broad connections; roughly 200 km from Köflach; accessible by train or car with a transfer via Graz.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

Slovenia's main airport; approximately 160-180 km from Köflach; convenient for southern and regional routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Köflach has a compact, walkable town center ideal for exploring on foot. Most sights, cafés, and restaurants are within a short radius, though some natural spots and viewpoints require short bus or car trips. The surrounding countryside is enjoyable by bike or on foot with well-marked trails.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Predominantly Austrian nationals with a mix of small immigrant communities; families and older residents are common in this regional town.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Commonly played and supported in the region; local clubs and matches can be found closer to nearby towns.

Skiing and Winter Sports

Nearby Styrian and Alpine areas offer accessible winter activities within driving distance.

Cycling

Rural lanes and gentle hills provide good routes for day trips and scenic rides.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate, with good road connections to Graz and surrounding towns. Public transport includes regional trains and buses, which are reliable for day trips, though schedules may be less frequent on weekends. Driving offers flexibility to explore the countryside at your own pace.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Köflach.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many menus offer salads, Kürbissuppe (pumpkin soup), and vegetarian pithata or cheese platters; mention Kürbiskernöl for flavor if desired.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local healthcare includes general practitioners and pharmacies in Köflach. For more extensive treatment or specialized care, residents typically use facilities in Graz or nearby towns such as Voitsberg, with major hospitals and clinics available there. In case of emergencies, dial 112 for rapid response.

Discover Austria

Read more in our Austria 2025 Travel Guide.

Austria Travel Guide