Districts & Neighborhoods in Graz
I. Innere Stadt
Innere Stadt is the first district of Graz, the capital of the federal state of Styria in Austria. It is the area of Altstadt, the Old Town, that contains the Schloßberg and the Stadtpark. District borders are the Mur river between Radetzkybrücke and Keplerbrücke, the Wickenburggasse, the Glacis, Jakominiplatz, and the Radetzkystraße. The district covers 1.16 km2 and has a population of 3,545.
1999 saw the Old Town named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
First district refers to the inner city of Graz.It is the part with the city park, castle hill, and the old town.Its boundaries are Radetzkystraße, Wickenburggasse, Glacis, Jakominiplatz, and Radetzkybrücke and Keplerbrücke.For its outstanding preservation of historical buildings, Graz’s city center (which includes most of the inner city area) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Graz – Historical Center and Eggenberg Castle in 1999.This is also clear from the new street name signs with the UNESCO emblem and black lettering set against a white background in the core zone of the World Heritage Site.
The municipal administration, shopping centers and street markets, museums and galleries, and a multitude of eateries with well-liked outdoor eating areas are all located in the center, which is mostly a pedestrian zone.The central city of Graz is thus among the liveliest and busiest places.
Retail and service companies rule the core city.
All tram lines service a pedestrian zone in the area.Jakominiplatz, the heart of inner-city public transit, is also passed by every bus route heading into the city center.
II. St. Leonhard
St. Leonhard is the second district of Graz.East of downtown Graz, it is along the Leonhardbach.South of it is the St. Peter city cemetery.
St. Leonhard is connected to Guntarn, one of the Graz region’s oldest mediaeval settlements (Guntarn 1043).Here, a document from 1361 mentions the first church.
In 1809, when the French were sieging Graz’s Schloßberg, several battles broke out close to the Church of St. Leonhard.400 Austrians were briefly held as French hostages in the parish church, where many of them lost their lives in the ensuing conflict.In the old school building—now the sexton’s home—a temporary hospital was set up.
West of the present district, on “Holzplatz” (now Kaiser-Josef-Platz), was built the Evangelical Church of the Redeemer in 1824.During the second half of the nineteenth century, the region between the town of St. Leonhard and the center of Graz served as a community.At this time, the Herz-Jesu area and Elisabeth and Leonhard Straße saw the construction of the majority of the bourgeois homes.There, in 1887, was also consecrated the Herz-Jesu-Kirche, a new church.
On December 1, 1900, the II. District of Leonhard and Jakomini were split up, with Jakomini becoming the VI. newly formed district.
The last, and most disastrous, flood of the district occurred on July 16, 1913, when the two streams, Leonhardbach and Kroisbach (now Mariatrosterbach), were diverted into the city.
- Until the middle of the 19th century, Leonhardstraße was the only way from Graz to the east. After that, Elisabethstraße was built parallel to it on the northern border of the district .
- Tram lines 1, 3, 7, 13
- Bus lines 41, 58, 60, 61, 63, 64, 64E, 82.
III. Geidorf
Geidorf is the third district of Graz.Originally a suburb of Graz, the “Gaidorf” (Middle High German for “village in the flat country”) is today located in the heart of the city north of the Schloßberg and old town.Karl-Franzens University and the University Hospital (LKH-Ost) are well recognized to be located in Geidorf.Owing to its closeness to the city core, the district is very quiet in some places and rather crowded in others.
North of the first two districts, Innere Stadt and St. Leonhard, is Geidorf.Its borders are the Mur to the west, the Graz state and university hospitals to the east, and the foot of the Grazer Schloßberg, which is somewhat steep at this point, to the south.The boundary with the district of Andritz in the north is historical and generally corresponds to the line between the city of Graz and the then independent municipality of Andritz more than a century ago.Highest peak in the district is the Reinerkogel.
There was a home during the urn field period, according to excavations done during the Leech Church restoration.That does not, however, suggest that there was continuous settlement for 3,000 years.
German for “suburb,” geidorf.The historic Geidorf lay next to the Paulustor and inside Graz’s mediaeval city walls.Growing population forced the suburb to move to its present location.
The little village that lies between Heinrichstraße and Leechkirche is the historical core of Geidorf.In the latter half of the 1800s, this was expanded to include a middle-class residential area built between Heinrichstrasse and Grabenstrasse.In front of the buildings on different streets were constructed the distinctive Gründerzeit front gardens.Behind it is a villa community that reaches the west and south slopes of the rose grove.The first steam engine in Styria was placed at the Graz sugar mill, which was built in 1825 on the former Mühlgang and was the main economic enterprise in Geidorf at the time.
The neighborhood is presently somewhat densely populated in certain places near the city park and the old center, with historic buildings dominating the skyline.Still, the slopes of the rose forest are little populated, and the areas around the rose grove are well-liked local recreational spots.
Above all, Grabenstraße, Heinrichstraße and Elisabethstraße—the latter of which is situated in the south on the border of the districts of Geidorf and St. Leonhard—are the main thoroughfares for vehicles in the city and district.
The last major road building project in the region, the Grazer Nordspange, opened in 2002 as an underground passageway linking Grabenstrasse and Wiener Strasse, the two primary arterial highways to the north.The northern clasp has eased traffic congestion in the northwest residential area of Geidorf, despite strong objections from residents and homeowners.Today, it is not to be expected that the intended “East Belt”—the streets “Geidorf Belt,” “Rosenberg Belt,” and “Graben Belt” are representative of this idea—will be realized.
The district has highly established public transportation:
- Tram line 1 runs through the district in the southeast in the direction of Mariatrost or Eggenberg, lines 3 and 5 connect the northwestern part of Geidorf with the city center, as well as Krenngasse and Puntigam , as well as Andritz to the north .
- In addition, the bus lines 30, 31, 39, 41, 53, 58, 62 and 63 run to various important places and facilities in the district and increase the public transport offer.
IV. Lend
Lend district is the fourth district of Graz.It lies northwest of the city center on the right bank of the Mur.The Annenstraße runs through it in the south, Calvary in the north, and Alte Poststraße in the west.
The focus of the district is the northern portion of the historic Murvorstadt (the portion of the old town on the right bank of the Mur).From the 17th century, Wiener Strasse and Lendplatz have served as the main north-south road (Vienna-Graz-Trieste or -Ljubljana).Among other things, this caused a significant increase in the number of hotel facilities.From this era also comes the Mühlgang, a right side Mur canal that drew in a lot of commercial companies.There was another boom starting in 1844 when Annenstraße was built as the new Graz main station.Many iron-processing businesses appeared all around the station.Long considered to be a classic working-class area.Originally established at Mariahilferplatz in 1853, the Graz fire service moved to Lendplatz in 1877.When the Volksgarten was built in 1920, the Mühlgang was straightened and directed through the center of the park.
The pedestrian and bicycle routes as well as sections of Annenstraße and the road Mariahilferstraße-Lendplatz were slowed down for traffic, and the four-lane vehicle traffic route that was originally intended in the 1960s across the massive main bridge, now Erzherzog-Johann-Bridge, was canceled.An underground parking lot was built to facilitate motorized traffic, while the Erich-Edegger-Steg over the Mur was built to facilitate non-motorized transport.
Around the Lendplatz, the district center, and the Mariahilferplatz, an urban environment developed during the 2003 Graz Capital of Culture year with the building of the Kunsthaus Graz.Also viewed with suspicion are these tendencies, dubbed gentrification.
- West of the neighborhood lies the major center for public transit in the region, the Graz main train station.Railroad lines depart from here heading north ( Bruck a der Mur, Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, and Villach), east ( Gleisdorf, Feldbach, Fehring, and Szentgotthárd), south ( Spielfeld, Marburg, Laibach, and Bad Radkersburg ), and west ( Köflach, Deutschlandsberg, Wies-Eibiswald ). Several tram and bus lines begin in the forecourt.
- Originally passing via Wiener Strasse and Lendplatz, the main north-south route now travels farther west to the station belt.There is a little bus station on the Lendplatz, nevertheless, providing regional bus services to western Styria.Additionally passing through here are Graz Linien bus lines 40 and 67 (from north to south) and 58 and 63 (from east to west).
- There has been an easterly connection to Grabenstraße (Geidorf area) ever since the B 67b (Graben belt) underground line was built.
- There are several bus lines as well as tram lines 1, 4, 6, and 7.
V. Gries
Gries district is the fifth district of Graz. Borders it shares with the 4th district of Lend (Annenstraße, Eggenbergerstraße), the 1st district of Innere Stadt and the 6th district of Jakomini (Mur), the 7th district of Liebenau, the 17th district of Puntigam (Tiergartenweg, Herrgottwiesgasse, Lauzilgasse, Triester Straße, Hans-Groß-Gasse), and the 16th district of Straßgang.
The Old High German field name Gries refers to a gravel bed or a field with coarse sand that is typical on the banks of the Mur.The Gries was long used as an inexpensive residential and business area by raftsmen, small craftsmen, and traders because of its exposed, vulnerable position in front of the city walls and the possibility of flooding.Not until the 17th century was permanent construction started.The neighborhood has remained cosmopolitan throughout time.
The National Socialists burned down the synagogue on Grieskai on November 10, 1938, during the Graz pogroms.The state rabbi David Herzog is honored with the David Herzog plaza in front of the synagogue. Herzog was attacked by a mob in the streets surrounding the temple.
About three hundred Jews from Graz were detained during the November pogrom, and on November 11, 1938, the bulk of them were deported to the Dachau concentration camp.
Rebuilding of the Graz synagogue was unanimously decided upon on October 21, 1998, by all parties participating in the city parliament.
The center point of the neighborhood is Griesplatz.Regional bus routes in western and southern Styria are connected to city bus lines 31, 32, 33, 39, 40, and 67 through this hub.All other bus routes go straight from Griesplatz to Jakominiplatz, save for number 67.
Additionally in the area is the Karlau correctional institution.
Don Bosco local transport hub with regional S-Bahn connections is located on the western edge of the Gries district.
Gries is traversed by the busiest street in Graz, the Eggenberger Gurtel.
VI. Jakomini
Sixth district of Graz is Jakomini.Named for Kaspar Andreas Ritter von Jacomini. Home district of SK Sturm Graz is Jakomini.
Taking advantage of the unusual opportunity, Kaspar Andreas Ritter von Jacomini bought much of the land south of the Iron Gate in 1784, creating what is today known as the “Jakomini” area.An imperial order commanded the fortress grounds to be sold and the city fortifications to be evacuated in 1782.
On the proviso that they build on it, he sold a number of Graz locals the land he had acquired.This is how the “Jakominivorstadt” came to be in the years preceding 1820.A handful of the petit-bourgeois buildings and little streets built at the time remain in place today.
On December 1, 1900, the II. District of Jakomini was divided from the II. District of Leonhard, and Jakomini became the VI. newly created district.The same rationale led to the relocation of a number of streets and squares from the former second district to the first district.
Having 33,082 residents as of 2016, it is the most populous district in Graz.
- Beautiful mansion Tupay-Schlössl, often called Schönau Castle, is situated on Kasernstraße. Brilliant architect Moritz Wappler created it.
- Easily reached by tram line 5, the Josefskirche is located on the Schönau belt.Built in the historicist style, the church caused controversy and was interpreted as a direct challenge to the Los von Rom movement.Known by its other name, the Jubilee Church was constructed to commemorate three important anniversaries: the 300th anniversary of the restoration of the Catholic faith in Styria, the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s rule, and the 60th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII.
- Tram line 6 is an easy way to get to the contemporary Münzgrabenkirche edifice.The address is Münzgrabenstrasse.Sadly, World War II destroyed the Church of St. Anna, the forerunner of the Münzgrabenkirche. It is significant in history because it was the six-year workplace of preacher and writer Abraham a Sancta Clara.One is reminded of the original church structure by the little Anna chapel.
- Located on the left side of the Mur River, the Seifenfabrik event complex was formerly the Graz soap factory.Originally built in 1872, the complex was revitalized in 2003 and then converted into an event venue.Using Fröhlichgasse will get you to the soap plant.
- At the Graz Exhibition Center is held the Graz Spring and Autumn Fair.
VII. Liebenau
Liebenau is a Graz district. Situated east of the eighth district of St. Peter and north of the sixth district of Jakomini. Western boundary with Puntigam’s 17th district is the Mur River.
Der Name stammt from “lieb(liche) Au”.Nothing suggests a relationship to the County of L(i)ebenau.
Reportedly, in 1531, Sultan Suleiman and his Turkish troops slept at Liebenau as they invaded Styria. The camp is reported to have been burnt down by the Sultan, who gave the order on the night of September 11 and 12. Attacking the Murvorstadt, he crossed the Mur under the cover of the morning fog.
The Liebenau district was formed in 1946 from a number of villages that had been included into the Graz metropolitan region in 1938.Numerous towns now include Liebenau, including Neudorf, Murfeld, Engelsdorf, and the original Liebenau, which was called Vatersdorf until 1648. Liebenau’s history began in 1164 when it was initially documented. Liebenau also includes portions of the once hamlet Thondorf, whose settlement is today part of the nearby community Gössendorf.These five sections are still regarded as parishes with cadastres.
Liebenau was one of Graz’s biggest detention camps throughout the National Socialist period. In those days, it was a major barracks camp.Known as “Camp V” officially, the site provided a stopover for Hungarian Jews on their death marches.This building was used as “Am Grünanger” refugee camp following World War II.Although sixty dead in all were found on his property, it is thought that the true toll may be far higher.There’s a chance this place has more burials.Bones were found in 1992 while a kindergarten was building its legally required protective basement. The project was therefore put on hold and the kindergarten was decided to be finished without a basement.Steyr Daimler Puch AG sold the campground to the city of Graz in July 1947.
Part of the Hermann Göring works, the Steyr Daimler Puch AG Thondorf facility was built in 1941 on 300,000 m² of expropriated rural land.Being a weapons complex, the plant—which mostly produced armored vehicles and aircraft engines—was a major target for Allied bombers.Built right in the center of the plant grounds, the enormous bunker, which can hold up to 3,000 people, is still a monument to its past.88 people tragically lost their lives in a bombing at the Liebenau barracks camp on July 26, 1944, most of them were foreign immigrants.By the time the war ended, the factory had sustained considerable damage and was essentially destroyed. Not until 1952 was production started again.
Under Zone IV (historic suburbs) of the Old Town Preservation Act 1980, the area around the old cadet school in Alt-Liebenau was declared a protected zone in 1982.
Numerous businesses, including well-known artisan and agricultural enterprises, are located in Liebenau. Commercial zones with contemporary retail malls like the Murpark shopping area, which covers around 36,000 m², and the Ost shopping center also include industrial enterprises like MAGNA.Situated in the southern section of the region, on the site of the former Puch plant, is one of Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik’s most important manufacturing locations.
1925 saw the tram cross the district boundary.Later on, the Liebenau tram terminal to Thondorf trolleybus line—which ran from 1952 to 1964—was turned into a bus route.
The area has links for public transportation to many GVB (Graz AG Verkehrsbetriebe) lines. These include bus lines 34, 64, 74, tram line 4 (which starts running at 7 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays), and night bus line N4 (also called Nightline).Ever approximately April 2007, the Murpark retail mall has served as the main hub for public transportation.
The Murpark shopping area is just near to the Park & Ride, and you may get there by using the Graz Ost feeder road.To get to the city center, utilize tram lines 4 and 13 or bus lines 64 and 74. Situated in front of the Magna facility, near the southern city exit, is the Thondorf multi-story parking lot in Graz. Both commuters and tourists might find this parking to be a handy choice because of its easy proximity to the bus route.
One important route is the southern highway.Two-lane highway borders the district to the south.Taking the Graz Ost exit, which conveniently goes through the area, will get you to Liebenau in a few minutes.
VIII. St. Peter
St. Peter is the Graz district number eight.The previous street communities of St. Peter, Messendorf (which appears in a 1233 record), Neufeld, Peterstal, and Petersbergen were combined to form it in 1938.
The German-speaking settlers of the eastern Graz basin most likely started in the middle of the eleventh century.St. Peter is still referred to as Tremendorf in the Babenberger Urbar dated 1220/30.Among the witnesses in the 1258 donation document to the Rein monastery is “Wulfing von St. Peter” (Wluingus miles de Sancto Petro). The village name had obviously changed since then.The text also stands for the earliest documented proof of a church at St. Peter.The results of the archaeology show that there was a little Romanesque church there, perhaps for a long time.Being in the center of the vast royal domain, Tremendorf could have been built before Graz was founded. It is said to have functioned as a lower nobility private church.
An Ortolf von St. Peter pastor is mentioned in a document from 1294.St. Peter’s was a “Eternal Vicariate” inside the Graz city parish until the 20th century. It is noteworthy, therefore, that the vicars of St. Peter were always called “pastors” and had benefices and other unique powers, which put them on par with ordinary pastors.
Turkish attacks struck St. Peter in 1532.Though it was partly destroyed, the church was reopened in 1535.The Court of St. Peter dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries.Since the Middle Ages, a big parish has had its center in the village with market privileges.The locals worked either in trade or agriculture.
Building materials were much in demand in Graz throughout the Wilhelminian era. Large brick factories were therefore built in Messendorf and St. Peter beginning in the middle of the 19th century.The families Aita and Eustacchio became well-known.One of the homes in the garden town community in 1900 was occupied by poet Rudolf Hans Bartsch.Apart from Thalerhof, St. Peter was also considered as a potential site for an airport. Nevertheless, in 1929 the project was finally shelved.Rather, a radio station was built.
Once Austria was annexed in 1938, Graz was included into the metropolitan area. Since then, the village’s uniqueness has been significantly eclipsed by the start of massive development projects.Especially during the reconstruction phase following World War II, the brick industry in the eastern area of Graz saw tremendous expansion. But finally this business peaked and ended in 1967 with the closure of the final brick plant.The diminishing clay layers required for this technique was another factor in the decreased demand.
1906–1969 saw the functioning of the tram line that linked to St. Peter’s center. Still, the line was limited to the school center as of 1970. The line was not extended to Peterstal again until 2007.At the moment, St. Peter School Center is served exclusively by bus routes.
It took seventy years to build the terraced home settlement. Then came the development of the Eisteichsiedlung and other housing complexes.As seen by the continuous building projects and the ensuing decline of green areas, St. Peter is still a very sought-after residential neighborhood.
Extended to Peterstal in November 2007, tram line 6 links the district to St. Peter’s school. In the evenings and on Sundays, it also ran as tram line 26 until November 2021.Connecting to many bus lines run by Graz Linien and private operators are the 63, 64, 64E, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73U, 75U, and 76U. It also provides links to several other regional bus lines.
The district is crossed by St. Peter’s main street, one of the important eastbound roads.Near the district boundary on the southern A2 highway is the Raaba exit. It is reachable by putting on the St. Peter belt.
IX. Waltendorf
Waltendorf is the ninth district in Graz.It is situated on a ridge between Ragnitzstal and Peterstal in the eastern portion of the city. There are peaks of the Lustbühel and Ruckerlberg on this crest.It is unknown whence the name originated exactly.Some people think the name comes from the idea of a forest village since, before the town was incorporated, it was located behind a forest.
About 1100, the Gut Sparbersbach estate was established here. Later on, Friedrich Haller, the proprietor of the castle in the eighteenth century, was honored with the name Hallerschloss.Waltendorf as a village is first recorded in 1230. One of the first immigrants of Waltendorf was called Walto, Waltfried, or Walter.The spiritualist Maria Silbert became well-known in the years around 1920 going by the moniker “Seherin von Waltendorf.”
Originally separate villages renowned for their villas, the districts of Waltendorf and Ruckerlberg were later combined.Waltendorf-Ruckerlberg municipality was awarded market privileges in 1929. A coat of arms with the Hallerschloss in green and silver was also created at this period.That was included into Graz in 1938. The district limits were then established in 1946, and they now encompass a portion that was formerly a part of the Hart municipality.The district name “Ruckerlberg” is still in use even if it was taken from the official name.
One of the biggest housing complexes in Graz was built in the 1960s and is known as Berliner Ring. The name was selected to show sympathy with Berlin’s divided city.It lies close to the Ries district in the Ragnitztal.Up to the winter of 2002–2003, the hamlet had an oil-fired central heating system. Summer 2003 saw the installation of Graz district heating in its stead.On the rooftops was erected the biggest solar system available at the time in 2004. With a 2600 m² heat collector area, it furnished 10% of the system’s heat turnover all year round.
Planned between 1958 and 1964, Eisteichsiedlung takes its name from the traditional Eustacchio brickworks process of removing natural ice from clay pits. This method was applied in the winter for cooling. Situated next to the former brickworks, on Eisteichgasse, lies the Eisteichsiedlung.The street names Obere and Untere Teichstrasse currently act as a reminder of the ponds that were located in the northeastern section.
For a long while, Marktgasse was the eastward access road. But the Waltendorfer Hauptstraße was rerouted towards Plüddemanngasse in 1960, creating a curved segment to the southwest.After a committed cyclist took the initiative, the small Marktgasse—which had previously been off-limits to cars—was formally made bike-only in 1995.An historic street called Schörgelgasse that stretches radially toward the center has changed since around 1993. It is currently a popular cycling route to Waltendorf with a 30-kilometer-per-hour speed restriction and one-way traffic.
For many years, Waltendorfer Hauptstrasse has been planned to be widened in order to build a neighborhood plaza. The renowned Kotzbeck bakery building will also be demolished under these proposals.Despite opposition, especially with regard to the demolition, the Kotzbeck building and a number of outbuildings were finally destroyed in the summer of 2017.I apologize but your request is unclear. Would you perhaps elaborate or explain?Apart from this huge project, there has been a new trend of erecting contemporary residential complexes in place of villas.The district now has far less green area overall.
X. Ries
Ries is the Graz district number ten.
It borders the districts of Mariatrost and Geidorf on the west. It is next to Waltendorf and St. Leonhard to the south.Stifting and Ragnitz are the two cadastral communities in the district.The Graz-Ragnitz parish’s Brother Klaus Church, situated in the district, was dedicated in 1987.
East of Graz, Ries became a separate municipality in 1850.Up to 70,000 people saw the so-called “giant races” that took place between 1904 and 1948.Opening in 1969, the segment of the A2 highway that between Graz and Gleisdorf offered a safer substitute for the formerly dangerous Ries route. But over time, the increasing amount of traffic has lessened the advantages of this new route.
In 1850, when Styria started to organize communities, Ries joined the Kainbach community close to Graz.Ries and the neighboring Graz districts were formally included into the city of Graz in 1938.There were once intentions to include the Purgstall village and the neighboring Kainbach. These communities did, however, succeed to stay out of the inclusion.A 1946 scheme called for renaming Ries Kainbach. Nevertheless, the name change was averted thanks to the effective opposition of the Kainbach municipality.The area was named for the hill that separates the two valleys within it, Stiftingtal and Ragnitztal.
The Riesstraße is the primary route, which links to Gleisdorf and crosses the Ries ridge.Eastern Styria and Hungary were connected by the significant commercial route known as the “Hungary Route”. It is succeeded by the present road.Starting in 1907, the steep gravel route was used for the enormous races.1948 saw the end of the just uphill races.By way of the Riesstrasse, the Red Army also made it to Graz.Restaurants abound in the eastern area of Graz during the post-war era. But the bulk of these businesses have closed down over time.
The district lacks a historically recognized core, unlike other fringes of Graz.One relic of the former Graz tax border is the ancient toll booth next to the LKH Graz at Riesplatz.The Stiftingtal and Ragnitz areas have long been popular destinations for rural trips. There are a ton of eateries there as well.Building and construction projects increased dramatically after World War II ended.One well-known example is the 1972-built Berliner Ring near Ragnitz.Before the district line was changed in 1963, the LKH Graz was part of the Ries district. The location has been Geidorfer Boden ever since.
XI. Mariatrost
The eleventh district of Austria’s Graz is called Mariatrost. 9,082 people call the city home, and it has a total area of 13.99 square kilometers (5.40 square miles).The region is home to the Graz Tramway Museum and the well-known pilgrimage site, Mariatrost Basilica.
The center axis travels to Geidorf by following the Mariatroster Bach valley’s southwesterly direction.
The Geidorf district’s southwest boundary is defined by Schönbrunngasse, which runs from Hilmteichstraße to Franzosenkreuz.Apart from Mariatrost, there’s another little neighborhood named Mariagrün, where you may find the quaint Mariagrüner Church. Situated in the center of the Mariagrüner Forest, it is significant since it was the site of Peter Rosegger’s marriage.A little distance from the church, the Peter Rosegger memorial trail ends as it follows Mariagrüner Straße into the woodland. This route, which has several quotations by Peter Rosegger, is meant to provoke thought.
The area’s northern limits are made up of the more gentle peaks of Hauenstein (650 m) and Platte (651 m), which stretch to the eastern part of Rosenberg (Ferdinandshöhe, 490 m) to the west of Mariatrost.The district’s former Hilmteich is the southeast boundary, which continues to Graz State Hospital before heading down Roseggerweg to the Mariatrost Basilica.
On the outskirts of the area, in Graz, are two noteworthy local recreation complexes. There is the Platte in the north and the Leechwald in the south.Situated between Platte and Kogelberg, the Rettenbach Gorge is a well-liked attraction in the region.
The pond in Mariatrost (Purberg) is situated at the foot of the Kirchberg. In the summer, it’s used as a fish pond, and in the winter, it becomes an ice skating rink.
The name Maria Trost remained unknown outside of the hamlet of Fölling until the 1930s, when the pilgrimage brought it to light.There was a formal market town called Maria Trost that comprised the cadastral villages of Wenisbuch and Fölling, just before it was absorbed into Graz.A group of homes at the foot of Mariatroster Kirchberg, as well as the settlements of Kroisbach, Rettenbach, and Maria Grün, are all included in the Wenisbuch area. It also covers the settlement of Wenisbuch itself as well as the Platte-affected region along Mariatroster (Reichs-)Straße.Some of the primary characteristics of this categorization have persisted, such as the strong sense of emotional connection that the former Mariatroster group still feels today.
The Maria Trost market was made up of twenty-four separate groups in 1937.The volunteer fire department and the electrical firm Wenisbuch were two significant local organizations. The fire department has departments at Maria Trost and Fölling in addition to its main headquarters in Kroisbach.Two well-known sanatoriums in the Graz region were the Maria Trost sanatorium, which is now known as Landesjugendheim Blümelhof and is located at Blümelhofweg 9–11, and the Maria Grün sanatorium, which is now known as Haus des Kinds at Schönbrunngasse 30.There is a trail in the Neusitzgraben named for the former mayor, Franz Herzog.
The Maria Trost municipality was formally renamed as the “administrative unit northeast of Groß Graz” in 1938 after merging with a portion of the Geidorf district.Following its formal separation from Geidorf in 1946, Mariatrost is now the eleventh district of the city of Graz. It has a surface area of around 14 km^.
The region is traversed by the B72 (Weizer Straße), which runs across the valley.This is the location of Mariatroster Straße, the district’s principal thoroughfare.Hilmteichstrasse is the only other main street in the area, however it is only partially contained within the district limits.Furthermore, the district is mostly crossed by narrow roads that meander through the many communities, hills, and forests.
The most important public transportation route in Graz Linien is the tram line 1.The tramway begins at the Hilmteich and travels through the neighborhood, going beside the Mariatrosterbach, until it terminates at the Mariatrost Basilica and the Tramway Museum Graz.Because the line from the Mariagrün station travels a separate tram path, it is not affected by traffic on the roads.This route is paralleled by the R23 cycling route.
The ÖBB post buses run on Mariatrosterstraße, providing service to Schöckl and Weiz.Additionally, on weekends, Graz Linien’s Nightline N1 travels in the direction of Park&Ride Fölling.Graz Linien also operates the bus number 58. It passes through Mariagrün on its route between Ragnitz and the main rail station.Line 41 travels from St. Leonhard to Dürrgrabenweg, stopping at the Hilmteich in Mariatrost.The Gersin firm runs lines 81 and 83 that connect Mariagrün to Rosenhain and Platte, in addition to its other services.
XII. Andritz
Andritz is Graz’s twelfth district and the biggest by area.In the northern section of Graz, there is a territory that includes the ancient settlements of Oberandritz, Unterandritz, and St. Veit, as well as the scattered community of Neustift.
Andritz is located on the left bank of the Mur River, which forms the border with the adjacent district of Gösting.The northern district or city boundary extends across the southern half of the Grazer Bergland.The Lineckberg is the tallest point in the area, as well as on the city’s left bank of the Mur River.Other well-known hills in the vicinity are the Admonter Kogel and the Reinerkogel.
The Andritzbach River passes through Andritz before joining the Mur River.Its source is in the adjacent municipality of Stattegg.Andritz-Ursprung is sometimes mistaken owing to its name.
The Mühlgang, which is located in the top left region, was filled in during 1976-1977. This stream was redirected by a weir above the ancient Weinzödlbrücke and used to run through Andritz, eventually reaching the Schloßberg.The new Weinzödl power station on the Mur was opened and started operations in 1982. It is situated on the northern outskirts of Graz.As a preventive step following flood damage in the region, retention basins and stream cross-section enlargements were built between 2015 and 2018. These safeguards were put in place to help lessen the effects of major floods.
The Riel-Teich, commonly known as Rielteich, and the surrounding meadow regions on Stattegger Straße are protected as nature reserves.The pond’s preservation is warranted by the exceptional diversity of its animal population. For example, the pond supports a diverse spectrum of creatures, including an amazing 49 distinct dragonfly species.The area of the nature reserve is 11,734 square meters.
The Andritz district has been settled since Roman times.Weinzödl has a cemetery that dated from the late Roman period.The name “Andritz” was first attested as “Endritz” in 1265.The geographical name comes from the Slavic phrase “jendrica,” which means “fast flowing water.”Many of the village and field names in this region have Slavic roots. For example, Gabriach derives from the former name for St. Veit, Gabraw. Weinitzen derives from the Slavic word “vinica.” Other examples include Zapuden, Schuritz, Glim, and Rannach.
In 1852, Josef Körösi created an iron foundry and a machine factory, now known as Andritz AG, which changed the nature of the traditional rural settlements.The Kranz paper plant, which evolved from a paper mill built in 1790, was founded in 1913.The Arland family of entrepreneurs took over in 1939 and maintained control until 1990.
Andritz became an autonomous municipality in 1850. However, it was merged into Graz in 1938, together with St. Veit and the southern portion of Weinitzen.The incorporation resulted in a new name, “Graz North.”The city council decided to create Andritz’s district limits and name in 1946.
The tram station known as Andritzer Maut (Maut Andritz) is still operational today. It is situated at the northern end of Grabenstrasse and Körösistrasse. Prior to 1938, this facility collected tolls from cars entering the city and levied taxes on different items.
The Graz tram comprises two lines: line 3 and line 5, which link the city center to Andritz. The following bus routes travel there: 41, 45, 47, 52, and 53.
The Weinzöttlbrücke is a road and rail bridge that spans the Mur River and connects Gösting.
The water protection area south of the Weinzödlbrücke limits the Murufer’s usage as a natural cycling or pathway.
XIII. Gösting
Gösting is the 13th district of Graz.The region is located in the northwest of the city, between Mur and Plabutsch. This range of hills to the north is most known for the Gösting castle remains, which may be located at its highest point.
Gösting’s name is derived from either the Slavic word “gostinca,” meaning “hostel,” or “gozd,” which means “mountain forest.”Aribonen Swiker von Gösting erected the castle atop the present-day Göstinger ruin mountain, now known as Annenberg, as well as the settlement of Gösting about 1138.In 1430, the community had 33 farms and a modest number of artisans. Among them were two millers in the Müllerviertel, which is still known today, as well as along the Thalerbach.
The castle and lordship were purchased by the Counts of Attems in 1707.In 1723, a lightning strike started a fire that nearly destroyed the castle. As early as the 18th century, the castle began to deteriorate.
Gösting was an autonomous municipality from 1850 until 1938, managed by its own municipal officials. Beginning in 1919, mayors were selected to rule the municipality.Certain street names, such as Franz Weixelbaum and Josef Pock, maintain their historic importance.Gösting obtained market rights in 1931. It was incorporated into Graz in 1938 and has served as the provincial capital’s 13th district since 1946. The area also contains Raach, which is located further north.
XIV. Eggenberg
The district of Eggenberg is the fourteenth district of Graz.The district is adjacent to the districts of Lend and Gries to the west and is bordered by Plabutsch to the west.The name is derived from Eggenberg Castle and its founding family.
Since 2010, the palace and extensive areas in the central part of the district have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Graz – Historical Center and Eggenberg Palace.
The district has a rich and impressive history, named after the Eggenberg family who constructed their residence, Schloss Eggenberg, in this area back in 1625.Archaeological findings suggest that a settlement has been present since the early Stone Age.Two Roman cemeteries were discovered in Algersdorf.The Alte Poststraße can be traced back to Roman times as well.During the Middle Ages and up until the 19th century, the landscape was primarily influenced by arable farming and viticulture on the slopes of the Plabutsche.The Baierdorf estate was situated in the village of Baierdorf near Graz, which is now part of Eggenberg.
The local community of Eggenberg was formed in 1850.The area was divided into three cadastral communities: Algersdorf, Baierdorf, and Wetzelsdorf.Furthermore, there were two additional villages named Plawutsch and Krottendorf, which are now located in Wetzelsdorf.The establishment of the Reininghaus brewery in 1853, along with the subsequent growth of the industrial area surrounding the station, brought about a significant transformation in the once rural castle village, turning it into a bustling working-class community.This is further exemplified by the construction of the workers’ suburb of Neu-Algersdorf during the late 19th century.The Gaststätte Zur Einsiedelei used to be situated behind Algersdorf Castle until the interwar period. Even today, there is a path that serves as a reminder of its existence.
Eggenberg was surveyed in 1906.While Wetzelsdorf gained independence in 1914, Eggenberg held the distinction of being the most populous market town in Austria during the interwar period, boasting a population of over 15,000 residents.During the February fighting in 1934, intense conflict arose between the Schutzbund members and the Heimwehr, as well as the federal army soldiers, in Eggenberg. This area was predominantly influenced by the Social Democrats and also housed the Konsum headquarters.In the consumption building alone, there were numerous casualties, including both dead and injured individuals, as well as a total of 130 prisoners.
Eggenberg was incorporated into Graz after the “Annexation of Austria” in 1938.
During the latter part of the 20th century, significant improvements were made to the district, particularly in the areas of social services and education. These upgrades included the construction of the ASKÖ Sportstadion, the establishment of the Pedagogical Academy in 1969, the development of a spacious indoor and outdoor pool in 1974, the opening of an accident hospital in 1981, and the establishment of LKH – Graz West in 2002.
XV. Wetzelsdorf
Wetzelsdorf is the 15th district of Graz.The location is situated to the west of the city, specifically on the “right side of the Mur”. It is positioned between the districts of Eggenberg to the north and Straßgang to the south.
The earliest written evidence of the name is from 1144, where it is recorded as “Wercelsdorf”.The name can be traced back to the Old High German personal name Wecil/Wezzelo.It has developed from several founding villages that belonged to different rulers throughout the centuries.One example of this is the Benedictine monastery of Admont.In 1906, the village of Eggenberg was administratively separated. It has a rural, suburban character and later became its own municipality in 1914.In the 19th century, the area began to develop as an industrial hub with workers’ quarters along the southern railway line and Alte Poststraße.After Austria’s annexation in 1938, Wetzelsdorf was incorporated into the city of “Groß-Graz”.In 1946, it was finally granted the status of being a distinct district within Graz.
The transportation options in the area include the Wetzelsdorf stop on the Graz-Köflacher Bahn, as well as several bus lines (31, 33, 62, 65, and 66). Additionally, there are tram lines 7 and 4 available. Tram line 7 terminates at the northern edge of the district, while tram line 4 travels north through the Reininghaus district starting from Wetzelsdorf.The EU-supported program Urban Link Graz-West is promoting the urban development of the industrial district.A new district is currently under construction on the Reininghaus grounds.The Mount of Olives, standing at a height of 555 meters, is situated on the western district border within a forested area. It is intersected by the Plabutsch tunnel, which is part of the Pyhrn Autobahn A9.
XVI. Straßgang
Straßgang is the sixteenth city district of Graz, located in the Austrian province of Styria. It is situated in the southwestern part of Graz, nestled at the foot of the hills Buchkogel and Florianiberg.
The locality of Straßgang is situated along an ancient traffic route that has been in use since Roman times. In 1938, the village of Straßgang, along with the village of Puntigam, merged to form the 16th city district of Graz. In 1988, Puntigam was officially designated as the 17th city district of Graz.
The Church Maria im Elend zu Straßgang is located approximately 50 meters above the center of the district.
Since 1938, the province of Styria has owned the prominent Castle St. Martin. The Church of St. Florian was built in the year 1597. The Rupertikirche, a church located in Graz, was first mentioned in 1354. However, there is a possibility that it was actually built in the 9th century, making it potentially the oldest church in the area.
The district is home to various small industrial and commercial facilities, such as a printing press. There are also several malls in the area, as well as the Landesnervenklinik Sigmund Freud (LSF), a psychiatric and neuropathic clinic. The clinic was established in 1872 under the name “Irrenanstalt Am Feldhof”. In addition, there is the Alt Grottenhof agricultural and forestry school, as well as a natural open-air pool. The pool boasts a water surface of 11,000 m², a natural gravel floor, and spacious green areas.
One of the major thoroughfares in the southwestern part of the city is Kärntnerstraße. This street, along with the city highway and a section of the Pyhrn Autobahn (A9) motorway, contributes significantly to the traffic congestion in the district.
The south portal of the Plabutsch tunnel on the Pyhrn Autobahn was opened in 1987.
The Graz-Köflacher Railway is a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for reaching both the city center of Graz and western Styria. The purpose of its original construction was to facilitate the transportation of coal from the Köflach mining area. The city buses numbered 31, 32, 62, and 64 also provide connections between the district and the rest of Graz.
XVII. Puntigam
Straßgang is the sixteenth city district of Graz, located in the Austrian province of Styria. The location of the place is in the south-west of Graz, situated at the base of the hills Buchkogel and Florianiberg.
The locality of Straßgang is located along an ancient traffic route that has been in use since Roman times. In 1938, the village of Straßgang and the village of Puntigam merged to form the 16th city district of Graz. Puntigam became the 17th city district of Graz in 1988.
The Church Maria im Elend zu Straßgang is located approximately 50 meters above the center of the district.
The province of Styria has owned the prominent Castle St. Martin since 1938. The Church of St. Florian was built in 1597. The Rupertikirche, a church located in Graz, was first mentioned in 1354. However, there is a possibility that it was actually built in the 9th century, which would make it the oldest church in the area.
The district is home to various small industrial and commercial facilities, such as a printing press. There are also several malls in the area, as well as the Landesnervenklinik Sigmund Freud (LSF), a psychiatric and neuropathic clinic. The clinic was established in 1872 under the name “Irrenanstalt Am Feldhof”. In addition, there is the Alt Grottenhof agricultural and forestry school, as well as a natural open-air pool. The pool boasts a water surface spanning 11,000 m², a natural gravel floor, and expansive green areas.
One of the major thoroughfares in the southwestern part of the city is Kärntnerstraße. This street, along with the city highway and a section of the Pyhrn Autobahn (A9) motorway, experiences heavy traffic and contributes to the traffic congestion in the district.
The south portal of the Plabutsch tunnel on the Pyhrn Autobahn was opened in 1987.
The Graz-Köflacher Railway is a convenient and efficient mode of transportation to both the city center of Graz and western Styria. The purpose of its original construction was to transport coal from the Köflach mining area. The city buses numbered 31, 32, 62, and 64 also provide connections between the district and the rest of Graz.
