Jetsettersblog

Naturally Good For You… Styria: the Green Heart of Austria

March 29, 2006 on 12:19 pm | In Austria |

Styria really is Austria’s greenest province: in the south-eastern corner of the country, half of it is covered with forest. No wonder Steiermark (as it is in German) is such a popular holiday destination. But Styria offers far more than fresh air and an unspoiled landscape: think wine and thermal spas. And think of Styrians themselves: known for their warm hospitality and their sense of humour. 

Variety is the spice of life

Styria offers something for everyone, for couples and families, young and old, outdoorsy people and culture vultures. In the north, for example, there are about 800 peaks all over 6,500 ft (2000m) high. The hiking and mountain biking around the massive Dachstein mountain is spectacular, across mountain pastures, in the national park and through nature reserves. If you are looking for total relaxation, a stress busting break or a chance to recharge your batteries, then southern Styria is ideal, with seven natural thermal spas around the Bad Blumau Hundertwasser Spa.

Then there are the byways and back roads to explore. Eastern Styria is known for its castles and apple orchards; western Styria is known for its magnificent white Lipizzaner horses and for its ‘green gold’. This is pumpkin-seed oil, highly-valued by chefs around the world and described – with a nudge nudge, wink wink – as Styrian Viagra. Down in the south, steep sided vineyards produce award-winning wines. As for Graz, the regional capital, this was the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003. The city, with its beautifully-preserved medieval heart, has also been awarded the status of a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.

Food, glorious food

In Austria, Styria is known for the quality of its produce. Wander round any of the markets and you can see that most of the fruit and veg, meat and cheese is organic. Bakers sell a wide range of wonderful breads and rolls; and then there is the constant temptation of cakes and hand-made chocolates. With such good produce, chefs create dishes that are as full of flavour, as they are healthy. If you have been hiking all day, you can tuck in to hearty dishes without feeling guilty. If you are at a spa, looking to slim and trim, then you are in the right place. Chefs are trained to provide light, balanced diets with nutritious and flavourful dishes that help you to shed weight.

But you can also eat exquisitely complex dishes by renowned chefs. They work in romantic castles and chic, modern restaurants, as well as typical village inns and stylish wine bars, creating dishes such as local rabbit with an orange-asparagus risotto, pork with mushrooms, even pumpkin ice cream

Award-winning wines

With headlines such as ‘Austrian wines seem set to conquer the world’, British winedrinkers are discovering the quality of Styrian wines, grown in a near-Mediterranean climate. Vines were planted here by the Romans, so locals know a thing or two about wine making. But the secret is now out. After blind tastings, British wine writers have sung the praises of the fruity and fragrant white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling and Morillon, Styria’s very own Chardonnay. But look out for outstanding Weissburgunders (Pinot Blanc), Welschrieslings and sweet dessert wines.

Nothing is more fun than a visit to the vineyards of southern Styria, where some of the landscape is so steep that grapes can only be harvested by hand. And you are never far from a Buschenschank, a country inn, where you can taste the wines that grow at the door. To make the visit even more pleasurable, order a platter piled high with home-baked bread, smoked pork, pâté, sausage and cheese. Locals insist that best way to wash it all down is with Schilcher, a special rosé made from the Blauer Wildbach grape that is only produced here.

Pumpkin seed oil

There is an awful lot of fuss made about pumpkin seed oil. But examine the facts carefully, and you’ll agree that it is justified. The oil is an unusual dark green colour, and has a fine, nutty flavour. But it also has special health-giving properties, lowering cholesterol levels, promoting cell oxygenation and reducing prostate problems. Then there is that nickname of ‘Styrian Viagra’: confirmed fans insist on its potency. But in the main, the oil is perfect on salads as well for preparing main course dishes. In fact, whole books are devoted to recipes for pumpkins and the precious oil from its seeds. On the other hand, if you believe that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, Styria grows the best apples in Austria!

Want to know more?

Ask for our folder, Styria – the Land of Pleasure, with listings of the best restaurants, special culinary events and places to stay for the gourmet – and anyone aiming to become one!

You can also find more details on the Internet at: www.steiermark.com 

How to get there: Ryanair has direct, low-cost flights from London Stansted to Graz: www.ryanair.comFor further press information, contact: Steiermark Tourismus, info@steiermark.com www.steiermark.com