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Some sights in Graz
Architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier designed the spectacular Kunsthaus; it was built in 2003. The exciting interplay between the new structure on the banks of the Mur and the old Clock Tower on the Schlossberg has already become the trademark of this city and reveals how productive the tension between tradition and avantgarde can be. The Kunsthaus houses temporary exhibitions (N.B. closed Mondays!), the “Camera Austria” (photographic exhibitions) and a restaurant.
Built in the cultural capital year of 2003, the “Murinsel” is an unusual landmark that sits in the water. It was designed by New York artist Vito Acconci and takes the form of a floating shell linked by footbridges to the banks on either side of the Mur. It houses a café and an amphitheatre.
On the right, next to the entrance to the Schlossberg tunnel system, stands the oldest documented building in Graz, the 13th-century Reinerhof, which once belonged to the Rein monastery. The Schlossbergstiege stairs are one of four ways to get to the top of the Schlossberg. They were carved into the cliff by prisoners of war during the First World War; originally there were 260 steps.
The 28-meter-high clock tower is the traditional symbol of Graz with a wonderful view of the city. The originally medieval defence tower aquired its current structure in around 1560.
The “Schlossberg slide” is the highest underground slide in the world at 64 metres long. Visitors can take the rapid 175-metre route from the Schlossberg hill to the Schlossberg tunnels. The slide starts right next to the Schlossberg lift and speeds downhill at up to 25 km/h through alternating bends. The Schlossberg slide in Graz offers a more than 40 seconds long exceptional experience on specially made slide mats for all ages.
Further tips and excursion destinations in and around Graz can be found at Graztourismus (click picture beside)
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