Melting in Graz? Cool Off With a Hike!

Graz is a vibe – until it’s 33°C and your room feels like a hairdryer you can’t turn off. If you’re here too long for a hotel but too short for a lease, you need a summer survival hack that doesn’t involve hiding indoors with your fan on max: Iit’s time to grab your sneakers, fill your water bottle, and hit the trails. Hiking around Graz isn’t just for your step count – it’s your best excuse to cool down, clear your head, and collect a few “damn, that view” moments while you’re here.

What’s this all about?
Your ultimate cheat sheet to the best hikes around Graz for staying cool, moving your body, and making the most of your “temporary local” summer.

Important facts summarized:

• Hikes start near tram or bus stops, no car drama
• Forest shade = free AC, no energy bills
• No gear needed, sneakers and water bottle only
• Perfect for solo clears-the-head missions or a fun after-work activity
• Makes you feel connected to Graz, even if it’s just for a while

Complaining About the Heat?

Here’s the hot take: Graz is (of course) gorgeous, just summer heat hits different when your room feels like a sauna and you can’t escape your own sweat. Hiking is your escape plan that doesn’t require planning a weekend trip to Croatia. The forests around Graz are cool, shady, and full of fresh air your brain and skin will thank you for.

Plus, hiking is the ultimate “I’m doing something good for myself” move while still keeping your freedom. No gym memberships, no intimidating equipment, no pressure. Just you, a playlist (or silence if that’s your vibe), and a trail that lets you take a break from screens and the city’s sticky heat.

A Quick(er) Detour: Want to Feel Like Graz Is Actually Cool?

Maybe your week is packed, your Slack is blowing up, and you can’t slip away for a trail mission. No shame in that! If you want to feel like Graz is actually cool – even when it’s not – book yourself into a Hot Yoga class at hot spot. Yoga Graz. It’s around 40°C in there, and yes, you will sweat like an ice cream cone in the sun.

But here’s the trick: once you’ve done the 90 minutes in that hot hall, Graz feels like a breeze when you step back out. It’s like a mental summer hack you didn’t know you needed. So if hiking is off the table, but you want to clear your head, move your body, and reset your system, this is your go-to. Then, next time you hit the trails, you’ll be like, “Heat? I’ve met worse.”

The Best Hikes Around Graz for Your Hot Summer Reset

Plabutsch: Forest cardio with a view

If you’re ready for a sweat that feels worth it, Plabutsch is your go-to. Grab tram 31, get off near “Plabutsch,” and start your shady climb. It’s about 1.5 hours up, with around 400 meters of elevation that get your heart rate up without being torture. At the top, the Fürstenstand rewards you with a stunning view over Graz. Golden hour here? Chef’s kiss.

Vibe: Sunset mission, post-work power hour, or an energizing start to your day.

Schöckl: For when you’re ready to level up

Want to push yourself a bit more? Schöckl is calling. Take bus 250 to St. Radegund and start your hike up this iconic Graz mountain. You’ll climb about 600 meters, reaching 1,445 meters with a breeze that will make you forget the city heat. Up top, there’s a mountain hut for snacks and the gondola if your legs tap out on the way down.

Vibe: Weekend warrior energy, post-hike ice cream is mandatory, feels like a mini holiday.

Leechwald: Your quick and shady go-to

If your schedule is packed but your brain needs a reset, Leechwald is perfect. Start at Hilmteich and wander under the trees toward Lustbühel or hike up to Platte for a bit of a view. It’s easy to fit in before work or as a “get me out of this apartment” break in the late afternoon. Expect fresh air, bird sounds, and way fewer people than the city center.

Vibe: Low-key mental health walk, shady stroll, “look at me living my best life.”

Buchkogel: Sunset goals without the crowds

Located in the south of Graz, Buchkogel is your sunset escape when the city feels too much. Start from Straßgang or Gasthaus Orthacker and head up to the observation tower for views over the city and the rolling hills of Southern Styria. The golden hour light here is unreal and worth the climb.

Vibe: Chill sunset hike, romantic if you want it to be, main-character energy guaranteed.

What Do You Need to Bring (Don’t Overthink it!)

You don’t need a full hiking kit to hit the trails around Graz, but a few essentials will keep your hike comfortable (and drama-free). Wear sneakers that can handle muddy, rocky, or slippery trails. Bring a water bottle because, yes, it’s hot out there and you’ll need to stay hydrated.

Don’t forget sunscreen, even on shady paths, because the sun still finds a way through the trees. Pack a snack for that “you did it” moment when you reach the top and want to take in the view. And grab your public transport ticket so you can skip parking hassles and get straight to your hike without needing a car.

Hiking vs. Running: Why Hiking is Your Summer Hero

Even if a Hot Yoga class in 40°C somehow cools you down, a run in 30+°C still feels like chaos. Hiking? Manageable. It lets you slow down, soak in the views, and move your body without turning into a puddle five minutes in.

• Pace: Hiking is chill and unhurried, while running is fast and intense
• Impact: Hiking is low-impact and joint-friendly, running puts more strain on your body
• Views: Hiking gives you plenty of views you can actually enjoy, running makes it harder to look around
• Gear: Hiking keeps it minimal with just sneakers and comfy clothes, running often needs special shoes and activewear
• Feels like: Hiking feels like “I’m living,” running in the heat feels like “Help”

Why Hiking Makes Your Temporary Stay in Graz Feel Like Home

Living in a city temporarily can feel ungrounded, but creating routines like morning or evening hikes helps you connect with your surroundings. Hiking gives you a rhythm you can actually keep, and these trails let you experience Graz beyond your neighbourhood coffee spot or co-working space.

Whether you’re studying, working remotely, or exploring the city, hiking adds a layer of adventure and calm you don’t get from staying inside. It’s your space to breathe, think, and feel like you belong here – even if just for a summer.

Fazit

You don’t need a lease to claim Graz as yours, and you don’t have to let the heat drain your summer energy. The trails around Graz are your cheat code to a fresh, active, and feel-good summer. So when the city feels too hot to handle, lace up your sneakers and hit the forest. Cool breezes, pine scents, and unreal views are waiting for you. Let’s hike.

Looking for Graz apartments for rent that won’t eat your entire budget? Done. Colivi offers cheap apartments for rent. And if Vienna is calling your name, Flatshare Vienna could be your next move – because Austria’s too fabulous to stay in just one city.