Austria's second-city is Graz. It stands in the southeast of the country on the Mur River, a tributary of the Danube. Visitors with a hire car in Graz can explore this green and forested region. The highlights of the Graz area include the huge Lurgrotte cave complex, the vineyards of Steirische wine country and the spa region to the east of the city. Look out to for Riegersburg Castle, an impressive medieval castle perched on the 1ft-summit of an old volcano, the farms where famous Lipizzaner horses are bred in the Piber area and Stubing's huge national rural life museum.
The university city of Graz has a wonderfully preserved historic centre with over 1,000 historic buildings that have been designated a World Heritage Site. If you hire a car in Graz you'll be able to tour the major attractions. Look out for the Uhrturm clock tower, an important local landmark that stands on the steep hill overlooking the old town. There's a funicular to the top and spectacular views. The Landhaus is a 16th-century Renaissance palace, the Dom is a grand gothic cathedral, and Burg Castle was a former Imperial residence. More modern sights include the Kunsthaus Graz modern art gallery and Murinsel, a contemporary man-made island in the river with a café, theatre and playground.
