Graz: Private Old Town Highlights Bike Tour

Graz, the historic capital of Austria’s Styria region, offers visitors an enchanting blend of old and new. Discover the city’s timeless charm on a private bike tour through its picturesque Old Town. Cycle past iconic landmarks, learn about the unique architectural landscape, and uncover the eco-friendly, sustainable side of this vibrant destination. Whether you opt for the standard tour or the extended version featuring a visit to the UNESCO-listed Eggenberg Palace, you’re in for an unforgettable experience that showcases the very best of Graz’s historic heart. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the highlights of this captivating bike adventure.

Key Points

• This private bike tour offers an eco-friendly way to explore the historic landmarks and hidden gems of Graz’s picturesque Old Town.
• Cyclists will visit iconic sights like Graz Cathedral, Graz Opera, Murinsel, and Kunsthaus Graz, gaining a unique perspective of the city.
• The extended 4-hour tour option includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed Eggenberg Palace, the tranquil Volksgarten, and the impressive Mariahilferkirche church.
• Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy Graz’s rich cultural heritage, admiring the blend of old and new architecture.
• The tour starts at the Lemur Bike & Bones rental shop, conveniently located in the heart of Graz, providing a seamless start to the exploration.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private bike tour through Graz’s Old Town offers an eco-friendly way to experience the city’s highlights and hidden gems, with a duration ranging from 2 to 4 hours.

Guests will cycle through the historic streets, taking in iconic sights like the Graz Cathedral, Hauptplatz, Graz Opera, Murinsel, and Kunsthaus Graz.

The extended 4-hour option also includes visits to Eggenberg Palace and its gardens, as well as Volksgarten and Mariahilferkirche.

Travelers will be accompanied by a licensed guide and provided with city bikes and optional helmets. The tour starts at the Lemur Bike & Bones rental shop located in the Griesgasse 24/Innenhof area of Graz, Austria.

Eco-friendly Exploration

Cycling through Graz’s picturesque Old Town offers an eco-friendly way for visitors to experience the city’s historic highlights and hidden gems.

The private bike tour provides a sustainable alternative to traditional sightseeing methods, allowing guests to explore the urban landscape while reducing their carbon footprint.

Riding through the charming streets on a sturdy city bike, travelers can easily navigate the compact city center and access areas inaccessible by car.

This mode of transportation not only minimizes environmental impact but also offers a unique vantage point to appreciate Graz’s architectural wonders, such as the Graz Cathedral and Kunsthaus Graz.

Old Town Highlights

The private bike tour immerses guests in Graz’s historic Old Town, allowing them to discover the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems up close.

Riders will cycle past the impressive Graz Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that dominates the Hauptplatz, the central square at the heart of the Old Town.

The tour also includes a stop at the Graz Opera, one of the city’s architectural jewels, and the whimsical Murinsel, an artificial floating island in the Mur River.

Participants will also have the chance to explore the Kunsthaus Graz, a modern art museum with a unique futuristic design.

Throughout the tour, the guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the Old Town’s rich history and culture to life.

Cathedral and Opera

Towering over the Hauptplatz, the impressive Graz Cathedral stands as a striking example of Gothic architecture, its soaring spires and ornate facade instantly recognizable as a symbol of the city.

Nearby, the Graz Opera house, with its grand neo-Renaissance design, serves as another architectural highlight, hosting a vibrant performing arts scene that draws visitors from around the world.

The cathedral’s intricate stone carvings and stained-glass windows offer a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage, while the opera house’s grand auditorium and world-class productions showcase Graz’s thriving arts community.

Both landmarks provide a glimpse into the city’s past and present, making them must-see stops on any comprehensive tour of Graz’s Old Town highlights.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Murinsel and Kunsthaus

Continuing the tour, visitors can’t miss the Murinsel, an artificial floating island in the Mur River that serves as a unique public gathering space and performance venue.

Nearby, the Kunsthaus Graz, a striking modern art museum, captivates with its distinctive ‘friendly alien’ architectural design.

The highlights of the Murinsel and Kunsthaus Graz include:

1. The Murinsel’s innovative design, which features a café, children’s play area, and stage for cultural events.
2. The Kunsthaus Graz’s futuristic, bubble-like exterior that stands in stark contrast to the historic buildings surrounding it.
3. The museum’s impressive collection of contemporary art, showcasing works by renowned artists from around the world.
4. The opportunity to explore the unique blend of old and new architecture that defines Graz’s vibrant cityscape.

Extended Tour Option

For those with more time, the tour offers an extended 4-hour option that explores additional highlights beyond the Old Town.

This lengthier version includes visits to the grand Eggenberg Palace and its beautifully landscaped gardens, as well as the tranquil Volksgarten and the impressive Mariahilferkirche church.

Eggenberg Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens.

The Volksgarten, a peaceful public park, provides a serene respite from the city’s bustle.

The tour also includes a stop at the Mariahilferkirche, a grand 18th-century church with an impressive interior.

This extended tour allows visitors to delve deeper into Graz’s rich history and natural beauty.

Palace and Gardens

The tour’s extended option whisks visitors to the grand Eggenberg Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and meticulously maintained gardens.

This 4-hour tour option allows guests to explore the palace’s opulent interior, which features over 600 lavishly decorated rooms.

The palace gardens are a particular highlight, offering:

• Beautifully landscaped terraces and fountains
• A geometrically designed parterre garden
• Sweeping views of the surrounding countryside
• A visit to the Volksgarten, a picturesque public park nearby

This extended tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Graz’s historical and cultural treasures, offering a deeper dive into the city’s rich heritage.

Meeting and Directions

Riders meet up at the bike rental place Lemur Bike & Bones, located at Griesgasse 24/Innenhof in the heart of Graz, Austria.

From there, the guided tour sets off to explore the city’s Old Town highlights.

The meeting point is conveniently situated in the city center, making it easy for participants to find and start their adventure.

Once everyone is ready, the tour guide leads the group through the charming streets, sharing insights and fascinating stories about the historic landmarks.

The meeting location provides a seamless start to the bike tour, allowing riders to dive right into the eco-friendly exploration of Graz’s hidden gems and iconic sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Age Limit for Participants?

There is no specified age limit for participants on this tour. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children, as it involves biking through city streets. Participants should have some experience riding a bike.

Can We Bring Our Own Bicycles?

Participants can bring their own bicycles for the tour. The tour company provides city bikes, but if guests prefer to use their own, that is an option. Helmets are available if needed.

Are Guided Tours Provided in Other Languages?

The tour operator offers guided bike tours in multiple languages, including English, German, and others upon request. Guests can choose to use the provided city bikes or bring their own bicycles for the tour.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Guests can work with the tour provider to adjust the route and attractions based on their interests and time constraints. This allows for a personalized experience.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy typically allows customers to cancel or modify their tour reservation up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time without penalty. Cancellations made within 24 hours may incur a fee.

Recap

Graz’s Old Town offers a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, which can be explored on a private bike tour.

The tour showcases the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Graz Cathedral, Graz Opera, and Kunsthaus Graz.

Visitors can also opt for an extended tour to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Eggenberg Palace and its stunning Baroque gardens, seeing Graz’s picturesque public spaces.

You can check if your dates are available here: