The Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring is one of the highlights of the European leg of the Formula 1 calendar. Nestled in the Styrian foothills just outside of Spielberg, the circuit combines fast straights, sweeping corners, and exciting racing. But there\u2019s much more to the region than that.<\/p>\n
From exploring charming towns and castles to hiking through the Styrian hills and countryside, or stopping at a local cafe for regional treats, the area has plenty to enjoy. Spielberg rewards those who take some time to explore beyond the race weekend.<\/p>\n
Introduction to Austria<\/p>\n
Population: 9.1 million (approx.)<\/p>\n
Time Zone: UTC +2<\/p>\n
Language: German<\/p>\n
Currency: Euro (EUR)<\/p>\n
Power socket: Type F and C<\/p>\n
Weather: Humid but cool<\/p>\n
The weather in early July is typically warm and at times humid. Average daytime highs sit around 20-23 degrees Celsius, with nights cooling to a chilly 11 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is definitely possible too.<\/p>\n
Attractions<\/p>\n
Hike the Styrian mountains<\/p>\n
There are over 1,600 hiking trails in Styria covering a total of 15,000km, so pull on your walking boots or hire a bike and enjoy the beautiful surroundings in this incredible region. The rolling hills around Spielberg are made for outdoor enthusiasts. There are easy trails with panoramic views for family treks and more challenging mountain paths for those more experienced.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the perfect excuse to soak in the alpine scenery and perhaps channel your inner von Trapp\u2026 or at least enjoy the fresh air and take in the area\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n
Take a day trip to Graz<\/p>\n
If you can, make time for Graz. Its red rooftops and relaxed charm are watched over by the Schlossberg, once a mighty fortress and now a green hilltop with sweeping views, easily reached by funicular railways. Afterwards, wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town and pause for coffee in one of its tucked-away courtyards, or perhaps even visit the museum nearby dedicated to Arnold Schwarzenegger.<\/p>\n
Visit the emerald waters of Gruner See<\/p>\n
About an hour from Spielberg, Gruner See feels almost unreal. Known as the \u201cGreen Lake\u201d for its bold emerald colour, it transforms each spring as the melted snow from the surrounding mountains raises the water level dramatically. Swimming is no longer allowed to protect its delicate beauty, but the walking trails and viewpoints around the lake make it more than worth the trip.<\/p>\n
Head high into the Seetal Alps<\/p>\n
Around 45 minutes from Spielberg, Winterleitenhutte sits 1.8km above sea level in the heart of the mountains. Surrounded by clear alpine lakes and open landscapes, it\u2019s a favourite for hikers, climbers and anyone who just wants fresh air and big views. With trails for all abilities, plus fishing and even archery nearby, it is a fun family location too.<\/p>\n
Food and drink<\/p>\n
Styrian taverns and alpine huts<\/p>\n
Around Spielberg and the wider Styria region, it\u2019s the traditional taverns and mountain huts where you\u2019ll find authentic local cooking \u2013 including schnitzel, roast pork, dumplings and hearty soups that are often served in cosy wooden dining rooms or on terraces with mountain views.<\/p>\n
Pumpkin seed oil and Brettljause<\/p>\n
Styria is famed for its deep green pumpkin seed oil which is drizzled over salads or even ice cream if you\u2019re feeling adventurous. Keep an eye out too for a Brettljause \u2013 a wooden board piled high with cured meats, cheeses, pickles and fresh bread and made for sharing with friends.<\/p>\n
Head to Graz for cafes and creative dining<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re heading into Graz, you\u2019ll find a more modern food scene. There are plenty of independent cafes dotted around the squares, bakeries that serve up a variety of pastries, and there\u2019s a mix of traditional Austrian dishes alongside lighter, contemporary plates \u2013 perfect for a day trip.<\/p>\n
Try local wines and schnapps<\/p>\n
Styria is one of Austria\u2019s best wine regions, known for crisp white varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Welschriesling. Many restaurants showcase their local bottles, and after dinner you might even be offered a small glass of schnapps.<\/p>\n
Travelling around Spielberg<\/p>\n
Camping is a popular option for race-going fans, but if you are looking to get around the Styrian hills on your trip, you have a few transport options.<\/p>\n
Getting around Spielberg and the wider Styria region is pretty straightforward, though renting a car gives you the most flexibility \u2013 especially if you\u2019re planning to explore the lakes and mountains nearby.<\/p>\n
Trains connect major hubs like Graz to smaller towns, while regional buses serve the surrounding villages and the Red Bull Ring on race weekend. Taxis and ride services are available too, making it easy to move between the circuit and your accommodation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring is one of the highlights of the European leg…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":737475,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[441],"tags":[49,48,578,576,577,82],"class_list":["post-737474","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-formula-1","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-f1","tag-formula-1","tag-formula1","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/737474","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=737474"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/737474\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/737475"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=737474"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=737474"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=737474"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}