For years, Graz’s Lend neighbourhood (District 4) was averted by the bourgeois residents of the Interior Stadt. The “different facet”, because it was usually dubbed, was seen as shady, with bars, brothels and retailers continually passing by means of on one of many major commerce roads linking Vienna with Italy. Quick ahead to as we speak, and Lend is now each town’s coolest neighbourhood and my hands-down favorite of Graz’s 17 districts.
Lend’s reimagining is undoubtedly one of many major causes Graz has been labeled as a UNESCO Metropolis of Design, although it shouldn’t be glossed over that this has led to some gentrification. Nonetheless, with unbiased boutiques, eating places with flavours from all over the world, loads of second-hand bargains to be discovered and a robust group spirit, as showcased within the annual Lendwirbel pageant, Lend retains its particular ambiance. Listed below are my favorite “different facet” spots.
Lend’s Greatest Sights, Sights & Occasions
Uncover Graz Excursions
There’s no higher introduction to the “different facet” than Uncover Graz’s Lust and Vice tour. Over just a few hours, you’ll meander between brothels-turned-bars, be taught the key intercourse lives of Lend’s former residents, and contact on the social and political features which have formed town as we speak.
The Murinsel
The Murinsel – actually that means “the Island within the Mur” – is an icon and a legacy of Graz’s 12 months as European Capital of Tradition in 2003. Like the primary bridge constructed to attach Graz’s Interior Stadt and the Lend district in 1833, a good looking chain bridge that lasted lower than 50 years, the Murinsel makes use of a few of the greatest expertise of its time. It’s additionally predicted to have an analogous lifespan, though this time, as supposed.
Designed by NYC artist Vito Acconc in curved metal and glass, the half bridge, island, gallery, amphitheatre and cafe is definitely extra of a ship, constructed to adapt to the Mur’s rising and falling water ranges. Take a stroll by means of the lined archways, which double as a gallery, or get pleasure from a espresso on the tiered terraces’ deckchairs. It’s fairly one thing to really feel cocooned on a river within the coronary heart of Austria’s second-largest metropolis.
Initially, the Murinsel was meant to stay just for the Capital of Tradition 12 months. Nevertheless, native affection grew for his or her new island – it had initially obtained a good few objections – and in the long run, town determined to maintain it anchored in place, making it a semi-permanent landmark.
Kunsthaus, aka the Pleasant Alien
Affectionately referred to as The Pleasant Alien, because of the tentacle-like additions on the rooftop, Graz’s trendy artwork museum opened in 2003, throughout Graz’s 12 months as European Capital of Tradition. As you possibly can see from the glass, curved facade, it’s a quite out-of-place design, the work of Sir Peter Cook dinner and Colin Fournier.
When this “Pleasant Alien” plonked itself down on the sting of the district, alongside the Mur River, it’s honest to say that a few of the residents weren’t greatest happy. Over time, although, the cultural house with its curved, tentacle-like components on its roof has turn into a beloved a part of town’s skyline. The Kunsthaus is a part of the rationale Graz grew to become a UNESCO Metropolis of Design in 2011.
Entrance is free for Graz Card holders, and it’s properly value a go to even when simply to understand the structure rapidly. There’s additionally a wonderful, elevated viewing platform fronting the constructing, with sweeping views of the river, Previous City and Schlossberg. Discover the “tentacle” that factors instantly in direction of Graz’s iconic clock tower, framing it completely.
Go to ten minutes earlier than the hour, and you’ll hear the Alien emitting an odd noise. This sound, performed outdoors the constructing, is likely one of the museum’s authentic works: Max Neuhaus’ Time Piece Graz.
Lendplatz farmers market
Graz’s Farmers Markets are about far more than simply native produce, and Lend’s assembly place isn’t any exception. By day, you’re in a position to purchase native apples, lettuce, Styrian specialities like pumpkin seed oil and wild berries – or no matter is in season – from the very farmers who produced it. However by afternoon, Lendplatz turns into a go-to social hub.
Within the far nook, skaters observe their tips. At lunch and into sundown, the terraces of eating places and bars overflow, whether or not it’s locals having fun with a glass of seasonal sturm, an indigenous younger wine that’s served nonetheless fermenting and solely out there round September, or award-winning ham from Vulkanland, one other of Styria’s areas, at V-Vau.
There are craft beers, tacos, and, each week over the summer time, an al fresco salsa class that brings pals and strangers collectively to bop, drink, and snicker. The remainder of the 12 months, Pierre’s bar hosts the salsa inside. Browse the stalls, get pleasure from a snack or drink, and soak within the spirit of Lend.
Mariahilferplatz & Mariahilferkirche
Lend’s sq., with entry to the Murinsel and beautiful views of the Schlossbergrecurrently hosts occasions, musicians, actions and considered one of Graz’s most lively Christmas markets.
Set within the shadow of the Seventeenth-century Mariahilferkirche’s twin towers, the church is value a peek. However don’t miss the lovable, tucked-away courtyard entered through a small gate on the left-hand facet of the church.
Lendwirbel
Greatest referred to as the title of Lend’s annual community-powered pageant every spring, Lendwirbel is definitely far more than a calendar spotlight. It’s a group mission and volunteer-led affiliation centered on making certain town stays honest and inclusive for all residents by opening up group areas and organising group occasions. The HQ additionally doubles as a retailer promoting items by native artists. Have a look inside to search out some actually distinctive, handmade items.
Volksgarten & Pleasure
Leafy and inexperienced, Volksgarten is considered one of Graz’s greatest parks. It’s sliced down the center by the Grazer Mühlgang, one of many final remaining waterways of the Thirteenth-century Graz Mill Canal, constructed to energy mills all through town. Whereas the Mühlgang stretches for some 25 kilometres, nearly all of it has both been constructed over or drained.
Volksgarten is the primary venue for town’s annual Pleasure occasion, Graz CDS. The parade ends right here with a implausible get together, which fits on till after sundown.
Raum117 Artistic Collective
Raum117, Graz’s artistic collective, are answerable for a lot of the road artwork you’ll see within the Lend district and past. Presently, they’re primarily based in a big former manufacturing unit close to Graz’s Good Metropolis, although, sadly, funding and relocation points imply they are going to possible need to reallocate within the not-so-distant future. Typically the house is open to the general public for live shows, exhibitions or mini-festivals; check their Instagram to see extra of their work and any upcoming occasions.
Avenue Artwork Past the Station
Move by means of Graz’s prepare station – search for in the primary ticket corridor to see Austrian artist Peter Kogler’s 3D-effect mural – to achieve the previous water tower on the western fringes of Lend, and also you’ll discover an space within the midst of modernisation as a part of Graz’s “Good Metropolis”.
Stepping out of the station, you’ll be greeted by a nonetheless semi-industrialised space. Since 2022, native mural painters and avenue artists from afar have been invited to depart their mark right here, including vibrant splashes to this former industrial neighbourhood. On Daungasse, you possibly can see works by native artists, together with Seas (see-as) and David Leitner, now primarily based in Vienna.
Behind the residence blocks, two massive murals mix traditional and modern designs as a part of the Kaiserschild Partitions of Imaginative and prescient avenue artwork mission. These items used paintings housed in Graz’s Alte Galerie within the Universalmuseum as their historic start line. The wall on the alternative facet of Daungasse, behind the grassy space, consists of the Flemish grasp Denis van Alsloot’s “Forest Panorama with a Noble Looking Occasion”. The mural is by Argentinian avenue artist duo Malditas Ternura.
Close by, Höring Areal, a former espresso manufacturing unit become an artwork mission, options current portray, spraying and tagging from 2025’s Design Month occasion (sadly paused in 2026). For a extra in-depth overview of the district’s avenue artwork and murals, ebook a guided street art tour with Discover Graz.
Good Metropolis & Helmut Listing Halle
The Good Metropolis, on the fringe of Lend, is Graz’s most trendy, still-evolving district. Most of the former industrial warehouses right here have already been transformed, although some stay.
The “Smart” in the Smart City refers to superior development strategies used to promote sustainability. Probably the most notable instance is the futuristic tower, which additionally serves as a analysis and science centre. Geothermal and photovoltaic energy warmth and funky the constructing.
Under is the Helmut Listing Halle. Till 2002, this acclaimed live performance corridor was a manufacturing unit. Completely reimagined, the constructing was rearranged and reconstructed with glass, metal, and concrete, and is now considered one of the acoustically pleasing efficiency areas in Austria.
Schell Assortment
One among Graz’s smaller and extra distinctive museums, the Schell Assortment, barely past Lendplatz, is a quite area of interest assortment specializing in caskets and locking mechanisms. Whereas not included with the Graz Card, cardholders do obtain a reduction.
This text was written throughout a running a blog residency in Graz hosted by Graz Travel Deeper. As all the time, all opinions and phrases are my very own.
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