Graz, Southern Wine Country & Lake District Loop
From Graz to the South Styrian Wine Road, Lake Wörthersee, and historic castles
A southern Austrian loop that steers clear of the main tourist crowds, focusing on culinary delights and relaxed vacationing: the World Heritage Old Town of Graz, Riegersburg Castle, a chocolate factory, traditional wine taverns (Buschenschanken), and the Carinthian Lake District. Driving offers the most flexibility, with daily travel times under two hours. Bypassing high alpine scenery, this route is perfect for return visitors and couples or friends who enjoy fine food and drink.
The grape harvest takes place from September to October, making the wine taverns very lively; book accommodations early.
Day by day
Day 1 · Graz Old Town & Schlossberg
Graz（Hauptplatz、Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus)、Schlossberg、Clock Tower (Uhrturm)）
Travel from the airport to the city center (approx. 20 mins). Explore the Old Town on foot; take the funicular or lift up Schlossberg.
Stay: Graz Old Town
Day 2 · Riegersburg Castle & Chocolate Factory
Graz（Zotter Chocolate Factory、Riegersburg Castle）
Drive from Graz to the Zotter Chocolate Theatre (approx. 1 hour), then continue to the castle (approx. 30 mins), returning to Graz in the evening (approx. 1 hour).
The Zotter factory is not open every day; confirm opening hours and tour availability in advance.
Stay: Graz Old Town
Day 3 · Eggenberg Palace to the Wine Road
Graz（Schloss Eggenberg、South Styrian Wine Road）
Take the tram or drive to the palace in the morning. In the afternoon, drive south to Gamlitz (approx. 1 hour).
Do not drive after wine tasting; stay at a winery guesthouse or use local taxi services.
Stay: Gamlitz
Day 4 · Transfer to Klagenfurt Old Town
Klagenfurt & Wörthersee（Alter Platz & Old Town、Lindwurm Fountain & Neuer Platz、Benediktinermarkt）
Drive via the A9 and A2 to Klagenfurt (approx. 2 hours). Explore the Old Town on foot in the afternoon.
Stay: Klagenfurt Old Town
Day 5 · A Day Around Lake Wörthersee
Klagenfurt & Wörthersee（Maria Wörth、Pyramidenkogel、Velden am Wörthersee、Pörtschach am Wörthersee）
The loop around the lake is about 50 km. You can take a scenic boat cruise between Velden and Klagenfurt for part of the journey.
Stay: Klagenfurt Old Town
Day 6 · Castles & Churches, Return to Graz
Klagenfurt & Wörthersee（Maria Saal Cathedral、Hochosterwitz Castle）
Drive to Maria Saal (approx. 20 mins), then continue to Hochosterwitz Castle (approx. 20 mins), and return to Graz Airport (approx. 2 hours).