Hello from Austria - A walk through the Raabklamm and a visit to Graz - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Posted by GOO | Posted in Austria , Heritage , imagination , memory , Raabklamm , Through , UNESCO | Posted on 17:59
Inspired from my cave adventure yesterday, I met my friends Andrea and Herbert early morning on a hike through the gorge Raab (Raab River Gorge), via the mountains of limestone, which is more than 700 caves, including the famous hole cat and keep the lawn surrounding the cave, two caves open to the public and the main attractions of the region of Weiz.
Once again, we drove through the rolling hills of the mountain Goettel, Haselbach, Lesko and Dürntal for our car near a parkPoint of entry of the throat of Raab. Andrea had given me some Nordic walking sticks, which I wanted to try for the first time called Nordic walking, also known as pole walking or fitness walking is a sport that is walking with modified ski poles. Originally popular in Finland and Scandinavia, Nordic Walking has become extremely popular throughout Europe, although not quite yet caught on in North America.
Initially I was a bit 'skeptical about the concept, butwhen I tried walking, I realized that he was walking up and down, is much easier, because the sticks extra support and balance is established. And the constant movement of the arm burns calories up to 40% more than walking alone and speeds up the movement, even on flat terrain. The additional benefit of Nordic walking is that some of its own weight at the poles, which is distributed reduces pressure on shoulders and knees and hips.
Now convincedThe Benfits of walking pole, we started our descent towards the valley Raab on a first floor, then steeply sloping street. Raabklamm gorge is the longest in Austria, is split into "Big Raabklamm" (large Raab Gorge) with a length of about 10 km, and the "Little Raabklamm (small Raab Gorge, about 7 km in length). We were just on Great Raabklamm the wildest of the two routes, which is characterized by vertical limestone rocks, wooden bridges, the point of suspensionBridges, walks along the river and parts of the trail moving out of the water and take a higher part of the track. I had already explored the small Raabklamm past Saturday, my sister-in-law Anneliese.
Raabklamm the same has to be very natural and just and is home to a diverse group of animals such as foxes, badgers and wild sheep, a species of wild sheep, also known as "Antelope goat" means. Amphibians asSalamanders and a selection of different birds of prey have Raabklamm as protected designation of Natura 2000 area, at European level of reserves made. The plant life along the steep limestone also contains remnants of ancient forests of pine and a variety of alpine plants.
We have covered only a fraction of the total size Raabklamm and occasionally walked along the river, and other times we walked away from the river at the foot of the gorge. MyFriend Herbert uses some of the bridges to demonstrate the laws of physics and began to shake the contraption, while Andrea and I went together. Fortunately, the suspension bridges are very robust and all the paths and stairs are well maintained. After an hour and a half of walking we reached the dam that is part of a local hydroelectric generation. This area of Austria was electrified by the end of 1800, mainly at the initiative of local electricity --Pioneer Franz Pichler.To this day of supply of electricity from hydroelectric power about two-thirds of all electricity in my home town of Weiz in Austria and has been used, one of the first centers of hydro-electricity production.
After admiring look for some very old equipment, hydroelectric generation, we returned to the local road and went back to my car, we had parked earlier, the starting point. Andrea and Herbert had to leave and I am planning my trip to Graz, thenProvincial capital. But first I had to keep my appetite and I was only a minute away from a famous local restaurant, whose Austrian dishes were sure to take the place of work. Reisinger Inn is one of the restaurants near the Raabklamm. In fact, the Austrian concept of the "Inn" is much more rustic and down to earth compared to North America "restaurant". A guest house (literally translated as "inn") will serve as a rule, solid traditional Austrian cuisine;often you will also have a terrace, because the food is fresh air is very popular in Austria, and many guest houses also offer bed and breakfast.
This is indeed the case for pension Reisinger, providing not only an Austrian cuisine and a lovely terrace, but also functions as a bed and breakfast, especially for visitors from other places such as Vienna or other urban parts of Austria and Germany. I sat on long admired the menu and on twoLocal specialties:) a "Fritattensuppe" (pancake soup of Gaza, something that I always several times when I eat at home again, as a "Mulbratlbrot" - a piece of rye bread Austrian, covered by a thin layer of butter and thin slices cut a special offer smoked pork, garnished with horseradish.
Rye bread with a variety of different sausages, covered or smoked meat is a typical in-between meals in Austria, and is also a popular snack for hikers and visitorsa tavern "(a rustic restaurant with local foods and are run by a local wine). In this perfect day the sun seemed down, and I enjoyed the hills and the tranquility of eastern Styria. Once again, I realized that the area I grew up in a neck of the woods was very nice. The owner of the restaurant, Mr. Reisinger, my food and we started chatting a bit 'to the fact that I am actually a local who had emigrated Canada more than 20Years. He uses the other side to work full time in maintenance at a local wood processing plant until a few years ago, when his parents began to request assistance from full time. Since then he has his full-day care facility, along with his wife and children, running a typical Austrian family-based-business was.
The food was delicious, and after I take an ice cream for dessert was perfect preparation for my next goal: Graz, capital of Styria andthe second largest city in Austria. Just minutes from the restaurant I took my car back on a look at the hills have a single moment of my favorite parts when I grew up, and some were lounging around a cow pasture large.
Much of Austria livestock industry is still based on methods of field, and adds an important contribution to the economy of the country. About 80,000 farms themselves, some 2.1 million cattle, of which about 800,000 dairy cows. Only 5.5% ofAustrian breeding cattle are more than 100 animals, and the small size of farms to ensure a close link between farmers and their animals. These cows were obviously enjoying their carefree lifestyle and their full ability to walk on hilly pastures.
If I put my record of over 25 km of country roads rolling in larger towns and cities in Styria. With a population of about 250,000 is the second city of Graz in Austria. Although this is a significant regionalIndustry Center, Graz is not as small cities like Salzburg and Innsbruck known. Because of its architectural heritage has been impeccably maintained, supported by UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, was the European Capital of Culture in 2003. Its name comes from the Slovenian word "Gradec" literally means "small fortress derives.
Eastern entrance of the town is a suburb named Maria Trost, topped by the great pilgrimage church of Maria Trost. Iremained at the top of the hill Purberg, parked my car and went off to a great restaurant, the front of the church. The basilica Maria Trost (Mariatrost) was built from 1714-1724 in baroque style.
The frescoes inside the church are particularly noteworthy. Two massive towers 61 meters and the dome of the church still on the east side of the structure and can be seen from a distance. The facade of the church is accessible by a staircase calledAngelus stairs. To this day the basilica Maria Trost is the second most important pilgrimage (to Mariazell) in the Austrian province of Styria.
If I put my journey into the heart of Graz and parked my car in the garage next to the Graz Opera - at more than 20 euro is not just a cheap way to visit the city, parking lots at affordable prices, but is difficult to find in downtown Graz my first stop was the Graz Opera House, a neo-baroque building, which was opened in 1899and damaged in an air raid during the Second World War. A few steps farther west I reached the Herrengasse, the main shopping street of the city of Graz, surrounded by dozens of high-end retailers and restaurants with outdoor terraces. A streetcar line in Graz continues along the length of this major road.
The west side of Herrengasse there are two main attractions: Armory (Arsenal), a museum with exhibits about 32,000 weapons, including belts, helmets, armor, weapons andGuns, and the country house, the seat of the provincial government of Styria. One of the most beautiful Renaissance is one of Central Europe, this building was in the first half of the 16th, designed by the famous architect Domenico dell'Allio built. The courtyard at three levels is a real gem on the south side of the square Cellar restaurant in historic country house, which is an attractive courtyard terrace for relaxation.
Across theHerrengasse is the "Painted House" - "like a duke (Duke Painted House or Summer), whose baroque frescoes painted a house in 1742 was created by John Mayer and show the gods of greek and Roman mythology. Located a short walk north of there, I reached the square "root of Graz," or main square of Graz This comprehensive substantially triangular square is two-sided story of five or six houses in a variety of rich colors of the Baroque, such as salmon, ocher paintings framed,Red brick, and many have detailed facade ornaments.
The south side of the square is the "Town Hall" - the fiery end of the historicism of the 19th century Palazzo in the city of Graz, "Hall said. Directly opposite is the Erzherzog Johann Brunnen (Erzherzog-Johann-Fontana), various neighboring fast -food stands and retail that typical Austrian sausages, chips, selling flowers and magazines, and chestnuts in the autumn is surrounded. On the north-easternPiazza is a look at the symbol of Graz ": the" Clock Tower (Clock Tower), the castle hill overlooking the city away.
I continued my journey north through the pedestrian zone along the historic road and was blinded in reality, a historic restaurant, the "cancer Keller (Keller lobsters) was home to a restaurant since 1538 and her yard was full of fans culinary arts. Across the street is the famous Hotel Erzherzog Johann, who is also a restaurantsince 1852. Just steps further north I walked into another historic building whose courtyard was adorned with a metal sculpture that surprisingly featured all sorts of American footballs.
Metres away is the so-called Schlossbergplatz, a square framed by various bourgeois houses and historic restaurants that features stairs up to the Schlossberg. I then crossed the road and walked southwards alongside the Mur River to one of the newest landmarks of Graz: the "Murinsel" (Mur Island) was Built in 2003, when Graz, European Capital of Culture. The New York designer Vito Acconci created a project for an artificial island, which connects the eastern and western sides of the Mur and wants to look like a shell. The interior of the island is an amphitheater, a restaurant and a playground for children.
Now I had to explore the height of the most important city: the Schlossberg (literally "Castle Hill"). I did this to make it SchlossbergbahnPart of public transport Graz The original steam powered funicular railway was opened in November 1894 and was in operation until 1960. After a complete renovation and reconstruction of steep rails, the cable car began operating again in 1961 until it closed its doors in February 2004.
The third generation of this line was launched in early 2004 and will cost about EUR 2.5 million. The new generation of vehicles is more spacious and features fully glazed roofsWindows that offer sweeping views of the city, as you climb up the mountain. It takes only two minutes from the valley at 123 meters, while the upper station and at a price of 1.70 €, is an inexpensive and interesting to be famous hill in Graz
Top I stepped on the terrace of a restaurant that offers a breathtaking view over the city and surrounding mountains. Walking distance, I saw the Campanile (Bell Tower), a historic building1588 homes, or a bell, which weighs 4,200 kg and is known as Liesl. Schlossberg used for a medieval castle dating back to 1500 (hence the name "Castle Hill"), was ordered destroyed by Napoleon in 1809, the function. Only the bell tower and symbol of Graz, the Clock Tower, were allowed to remain on the fortress. The residents had paid a substantial ransom, the French troops to maintain their milestone.
Walk south of the tower, I cameto Stallbastei ( "Stable Bastion"), a fortress, which has 20 meters high and 6 meters thick walls, whose construction began in 1544. Today there are several guns to decorate the walls and the open area outside the building there is a beautiful city view. Directly beneath the bastion is the "turkish Fountain" (in turkish: Well), a well 94 meters deep, which draws groundwater of the river Mur. His intention was to provide water even during prolongedSiege.
The clock tower is known far and wide as the symbol of the city of Graz, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The core of the tower should come from the 13 Century and was mentioned in historical documents for the year 1265. Its present appearance dates back to 1560. Four large dials adorn the four sides of the tower and the interesting thing to note is that the hour hand is smaller than the minute hand.
Originally the tower was just a greatHours of hands and the hands that were installed minutes later had to be reduced so that people would be able to distinguish one from another. Fortunately, because of the ransom paid in 1809, the tower has survived, and we still can see today, while the rest of the fortress was razed. The tower was used as a fire alarm bell, like the bell of the poor sinner, "which was played on executions, and when the bell announcing the final hours for the hospitalityCompanies.
Directly beneath the clock tower is a small garden surrounded by flowers, which offers a magnificent view over the city and its main square. I started making my way out of the castle hill, along the serpentine path, as in the park and the entrance to Castle Hill Castle Hill tunnels (the tunnel), part of the tunnel, which is built into the mountain and was used as a bomb shelter during the air raids of World War II. Today you can cross the foot of the mountainthrough this tunnel. At the base, I reached the square Karmeliterplatz. One of the buildings on the north side of the adjacent Sporgasse also has a nice yard and would like more time to explore the treasures hidden in the secret courts of Graz "too.
I turned left onto a street called Hofgasse and remained in a very particular building, the bakery Edegger-tax, a so-called Royal Bakery, the oldest structure in Graz, which dates back to 1569 This beautiful 1896sculptured portal distinguishes it from neighboring houses and stucco at the end of 1800, the bakery has become the official supplier to the royal families ruling Austria.
My path, the Square of Liberty ( "Freedom Square"), which is the Graz Theater across the street from the Schauspielhaus of Graz Cathedral, a cathedral, the dates from 1438. The south side of this late-Gothic church is a painting adorned with the three plagues: the BlackPlague, war and grasshoppers. Kuk and coat of arms of Styria and Portugal links old aristocrat.
Right next to the cathedral is the tomb of Austrian Emperor Franz Ferdinand II, one of the most important structures in Austria mannerist and early Baroque. Developed in late 1600, is the last home of Franz Ferdinand and many other Habsburgs.
I continued my walk through the streets and turned into publicAbraham a Santa Clara, the little side street until I came to Glockenspielplatz (Carillon Square), built to match the chimes in 1905 that attracts crowds of spectators admitted three times daily at 11 clock, 3-6 pm. A pair of wood dressed in traditional robes of Styria, and the male with a glass of wine raised, the dance of old songs from 24 bells.
The whole area is part of the Bermuda Triangle (Bermuda Triangle), which is the area of Graz's most popular entertainment around the centerMehlplatz, Prokopigasse and Färberplatz. Dozens of resort accommodations, most groped with outdoor terrace, locals and tourists to explore the cuisine and entertainment options, has to offer Graz
Through one of small steps, I landed on the main square and took another street full of bars, restaurants and small shops on the back of the Franciscan Church) (Franciscan Church. From the front of the church is tocompleted a perfect view of the Mur des "Kunsthaus, Graz was the" Museum of Modern Art in 2003, and rounded like a spaceship. The entire city of Graz is full of bars and restaurants and all the squares and streets are full of "Schanigarten") (open-air courtyard, sit down, enjoy the peace and to attract some 'Austrian plenty of food and beverages.
I had really enjoyed my exploration of Graz, and went home with my brother and sister-in-law and relaxationreflect on a day full of discoveries. It would be much to see in Graz, but I left some destinations for the next visit. After a nice pizza dinner in a local restaurant in Weiz I went to bed early because tomorrow we will go through a great trip: a journey among the mountains of Slovenia and Italy!
