Styrian Thermal Spa Land
Location…
With mountains in the north and rural farmland to the south, Styria is an interesting and picturesque region. Its best kept secret is arguably the lesser known corner in the far south east which is known as the Styrian Thermal Spa Land. It is here that Austria offers an abundance of nature’s ancient and natural healing remedy – thermal mineral spring water.
For centuries the healing power of thermal spa water has been widely documented. The “Styrian thermal spa land” offers 6 unique spa centres with hotels, villages and towns to support the growing number of local and international visitors.
Spa…
Whether simple relaxation or serious rehabilitation is required The Styrian Thermal Spa resorts offer the international guest an affordable option for a true wellness holiday. Hot mineral water bubbles up from deep inside the earth, is cooled to 27C – 38C and fed into pools of various shapes and sizes for relaxation or water based exercise.
The spa resorts also offer excellent centres for holistic, medical and beauty treatments with many using organic local products.
More…
However, set in what is locally known as “the fruit bowl of Austria” this region is also rich in culture, cuisine and sporting opportunities offering interest and activities beyond the spa.
Nestled amongst rolling hills with fruit trees, vineyards, pumpkins and sun flowers a common site, this is rural Austria.
Culturally there is much to explore. The town of Fürstenfeld is the capital of the Styrian Spa Region and with quaint buildings, markets and café culture this is a charming place to visit. The countryside and hilltops are peppered with numerous castles of historic interest - some with magnificent views and restaurants. The medieval university city of Graz lies just a few minutes to the north of the region and is a must for those with time. Untouched by war this city remains intact and is a museum in itself!
Farming is taken very seriously and cuisine in the best hotels and restaurants is of a very high standard using locally grown organic produce whenever possible. Gourmet restaurants are to be found but it is worth visiting a traditional “buschenschank” which are family owned pub like eateries where only home grown produce can be sold – wine, beer, fruit juices, bread, cheese and cold meats are typical fare.
The undulating rural countryside lends itself to a wide choice of sporting activities. There are many excellent golf courses designed using natural inclines and challenging features to create individual character. Cycling, hiking and horse riding are all popular pastimes along specific routes and tracks of interest – with plenty of Buschenschenk to pop into for refreshments along the way.