Styria

Bad Aussee

is the primary town in the Stryian part of the Salzkammergut, Austrian lake district. as such it is surounded by lakes, woods and mountains, making it a great place for summer hiking. the town has a market, regional museum and spa.  The Faschingsdienstag (Shrive Tuesday) is celebrated to mark the coming of spring each year, during the celebration Flinserin dress up in sequinned costumes and parade through town to announce the coming of spring. They are accompanied by the Zacharin, who keep them in line by waving pigs' bladders on the ends of sticks. The celebration is rounded off by the Drum Women, men dressed in nightgowns going from inn to inn, banging on drums and enjoying the free food and beer.

A second festival held in town is the Narzissenfest (Narcissus Festival).  On the last weekend in May, participants construct massive floral sculptures made from daffodil blossoms, and parade them through town on large floats, accompanied by regional folk music.
Bad Aussee accommodation

Graz

is the second largest city in Austria, and rose to improtance during the defence of Central europe from the Turks in the fifteenth century. Now Graz is home to 6 universities and over 40,000 students. The city centre has UNESCO world heritage site status, due to the blend of architectuarl styles and artistic movements within the city.

Schlossberg: is a wooden hill overlooking the city, a walk up here will give views of the city and allow you to gain your bearings.  ASlternatively there is a lift to the summit.  A fortress here has largely been destroyed, still intact though are the Uhrturm, clock tower and Glockenturm, bell tower.

Kunsthaus Graz: is a modern buildling housing examples of contemorary design including photography and web art. http://www.kunsthausgraz.at/

Folk Art Museum / Landesmuseum: is a vast collection of rural household and farm equipment.

Fo r more details of places to visit try the Graz Tourism website
Graz Accommodation

Schladming

has 170 km of ski runs over 4 mountains. The tradional village is situated in the Schladming-Dachstein ski and holiday region in the north west part of the province, and is quite close to Salzburg.
Schladming Accommodation

Voitsberg