Things To Do
in Stainz

Stainz is a small Styrian town set in the rolling hills south of Graz, known for its wine culture and historic landmarks. Its compact old town and surrounding vineyards offer a relaxed base for exploring rural Austria. You can explore Schloss Stainz, hike forest trails, and sample the renowned Schilcher wine and Kürbiskernöl.

In summer and autumn, the region fills with markets, harvest celebrations, and scenic vineyard views.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Stainz
morning
:

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in Stainz, enjoying freshly brewed coffee and traditional Austrian pastries. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the village, admiring the charming architecture and picturesque streets. Don't forget to visit the Stainz Castle to learn about its rich history.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the impressive Stainz Castle for a guided tour, where you'll discover fascinating exhibits related to the region's heritage. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a nearby heuriger, sampling local wines and delicious regional dishes in a cozy setting. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the surrounding vineyards and countryside, perhaps even taking a bike ride.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to a local restaurant to indulge in traditional Styrian cuisine, featuring specialties like pumpkin seed oil and hearty stews. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the village square, taking in the serene atmosphere and the sound of live music from local performers. End your evening by sipping a glass of wine under the stars, soaking in the peacefulness of Stainz.

day 2
Nature Adventures in the Styrian Hills
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, fueling up for a day of exploration in the beautiful Styrian hills. Then, set out on a hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, immersing yourself in the lush greenery and fresh mountain air. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you navigate through the scenic paths.

afternoon
:

After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Post-lunch, consider visiting a nearby farm to learn about traditional farming practices and perhaps even participate in a hands-on activity. Spend the afternoon relaxing in a tranquil meadow, allowing the serene environment to rejuvenate you.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, return to Stainz and treat yourself to dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, where the focus is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the sunset views while savoring delicious dishes prepared with care and creativity. Wrap up your day by attending a local festival or market if available, embracing the culture and community spirit of Stainz.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-6
🏠1-bedroom apartment (city center, monthly)$600-950
Gasoline (per liter)$1.9-2.1
🚌Monthly public transit pass$40-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming small-town atmosphere
  • Rich wine and food culture
  • Close to Graz and nature
  • Quiet and safe
  • Good value for Styrian experiences
  • Limited nightlife compared to big cities
  • Smaller selection of international dining
  • Fewer direct international flight options from Stainz
  • "Grüß Gott" - Hello / Good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
  • "Rechnung, bitte" - The check, please

Places to Visit in Stainz

Visit one of these nice places.

Schloss Stainz

The castle and its surrounding grounds offer classic archival-style exteriors and seasonal courtyard views.

Stainz Parish Church

Historic church with an atmospheric façade and interior details ideal for architectural photography.

Vineyard viewpoints over Stainz valley

Elevated vineyard terraces and rolling hills provide sweeping countryside shots, especially during golden hour.

Culinary Guide

Food in Stainz

Styrian cuisine emphasizes fresh, seasonal produce and regional products like Kürbiskernöl (pumpkin seed oil) and local wines. Expect hearty fare, garden-fresh salads, and rustic breads paired with crisp white or rosé wines from nearby vineyards.

Stainz Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Käferbohnensalat mit Kürbiskernöl

A bean salad tossed with Kürbiskernöl (pumpkin seed oil) and herbs, often served with crusty bread.

Must-Try!

Kürbiscremesuppe

Creamy pumpkin soup finished with a drizzle of pumpkin seed oil and seasonal spices.

Backhendl

Crispy fried chicken, a classic Austrian comfort dish often enjoyed with potato sides.

Brettljause

A traditional Jause board with cheeses, cold cuts, pickles, bread, and seasonal accompaniments.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local farmers market in Stainz

Weekly market featuring fresh produce, honey, cheeses, bread, and regional specialties. Check the schedule for market days.

Graz markets nearby

A short trip to Graz offers broader options like farmers markets and street-food stalls with Styrian twists.

Climate Guide

Weather

Stainz experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons: warm summers, cool to cold winters, and mild springs and autumns. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with occasional heavy rain in late summer and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with 'Grüß Gott' or 'Guten Tag' in a polite, friendly manner.

Punctuality

Being on time is valued in both social and business settings.

Dining etiquette

Keep hands visible on the table; wait for everyone to be served before starting; modest conversation is typical.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stainz is generally safe with low crime rates. Typical travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, use common-sense when hiking remote trails, and stay updated on weather conditions in winter.

Tipping in Stainz

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A tip of about 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and cafés; you may round up the bill or leave a small extra amount.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is still frequently used, especially at smaller venues and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with peak vineyard activity; expect outdoor festivals and long daylight hours. Stay hydrated and enjoy al fresco meals.

Autumn

Harvest season with abundant wine tastings and fall colors in the vineyards. Perfect for scenic strolls and photo opportunities.

Winter

Cold with occasional snow; quieter streets and cozy taverns. Layered clothing is essential.

Spring

Mild temperatures and budding greenery; great time for hikes and market visits with fewer crowds.

Nightlife Guide

Stainz at Night

In Stainz, nightlife centers on wine taverns (Heuriger), cozy pubs, and tapas-style eateries. Graz offers a wider scene with clubs and live music, a short journey away. Expect a relaxed, social atmosphere with a focus on wine, regional dishes, and casual evenings.

Hiking in Stainz

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hiking on vineyard slopes around Stainz

Scenic forest and vineyard trails with views across the Styrian countryside.

Gentler forest walks near the town

Accessible day hikes with well-marked paths suitable for all ages.

Airports

How to reach Stainz by plane.

Graz Airport (GRZ)

Closest airport; about a 30–40 minute drive or train ride to Graz, then local transport to Stainz.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

About 2–3 hours by car; useful for connections through Slovenia.

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Major hub; roughly 2.5–3 hours by rail from Stainz via Graz.

Getting Around

Walkability

Stainz center is compact and walkable, with most attractions within a short stroll. Some hills and vineyard lanes add scenic elevation, but a car makes day trips easier.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Predominantly Austrians with roots in the Styrian region.

Families and retirees

Quiet residential areas attract families and older visitors seeking a peaceful stay.

Tourists and wine enthusiasts

Visitors drawn to Styrian wine culture, markets, and rural scenery.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely played and followed; local clubs and youth programs are common in Styrian towns.

Hiking

Popular in the Styrian hills and forests surrounding Stainz.

Cycling

Road cycling and vineyard loops are common pastime areas for visitors and locals.

Transportation

Traffic

Austria has efficient public transport and good roads. In Stainz, driving is convenient for day trips, with bus connections to Graz. Winter driving may require caution on rural lanes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Stainz.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be enjoyed without meat; look for Käferbohnensalat or Kürbisgerichte and request vegetarian options at restaurants.

Gluten-free

Ask for gluten-free bread or pasta alternatives; many places accommodate dietary needs with advanced notice.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Austria has high-quality healthcare. In Stainz you’ll find local doctors and pharmacies, with regional hospitals in Graz or nearby towns for more specialized care. EU citizens can access services through their health insurance.

Discover Austria

Read more in our Austria 2025 Travel Guide.

Austria Travel Guide