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Travel & Hotel Info

Graz - World Heritage Site and the second largest City in Austria with 250.000 inhabitants - was selected as it meets the needs for a successful WFC11 in every way. Situated southeast from the Alps between Central Europe, Italy, and the Balkan States, Graz stands out with its Mediterraneanclimate, its historically influenced town scape, and the beautiful surrounding landscape.

Graz is located in the very heart of Europe - this is of benefit to all participants, who will be able to reach Austria and Graz easily either by plane, car or train.

You will appreciate the excellent infrastructure of the ultramodern venue centrally located in the City Centre and enjoy the picturesque Old Town with it’s southern charm, the attractive cultural programme, the quality and diversity of the cuisine.

Central Europe’s best preserved City wasn’t added to the UNESCO list of the World Cultural Heritage for no reason. Here you’ll find Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque and ultramodern architecture in blissful harmony.

In Summer 2011 Graz was also appointed UNSECO City of Design. With the nomination of Graz the UNESCO Cities of Design Network now comprises: Berlin (Germany), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Kobe (Japan), Montreal (Canada), Nagoya (Japan), Shenzhen (China), Seoul (South Korea), Shanghai (China), St. Etienne (France), Graz (Austria)








Futuristic architecture alongside medieval houses, alleys and squares, cultural and culinary enticements at every step and all these delights conveniently located near each other. Around each corner you’ll discover something new: hidden alleys, picturesque courtyards, ornate facades and magnificent buildings.





The Old Town of Graz – Exuding Southern Charm

Since the middle Ages, a friendly and prosperous town has been growing around the Schlossberg hill; a town cherished by its inhabitants. In fact, it was the unique ensemble of architectural styles spanning from Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Art Nouveau to modernity that made UNESCO add Graz to its World Cultural Heritage list. In the narrow lanes, on the bustling plazas and in the tranquil inner courtyards: the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere can be felt everywhere in this charming City.



WFC11 Venue
Messe Congress Graz
Messeplatz 1

8010 Graz
Austria
www.mcg.at
Travel Info



Hotels in Graz


Graz offers a wide range of hotels of all price classes. Most hotels are conveniently located in the city center only 10-20 minutes by food or tram to the Congress Center.





TRAVELLING BY PLANE

The international airport Graz-Thalerhof with its domestic and international flights is located only 10km from the Congress Venue. The Central Railway Station has both Austrian and international connections with fast and frequent services to Vienna. The motorways offer easy transit to all parts of Austria and surrounding countries.



WFC11 PARTICIPANTS COULD SAVE UP TO 20% ON TRAVEL WITH THE STAR ALLIANCE NETWORK!

The Star Alliance™ Members Airlines are pleased to be appointed as the Official Airline Network for WFC11.



WFC11 Convention Code OS01S12

Registered participants plus one accompanying person travelling to the event are automatically granted a discount of up to 20%, depending on fare and class of travel booked. Discounts are offered on published business and economy class fares, excluding website/internet fares, senior and youth fares, group fares and Round the World fares.

Participating Airlines for this event are:
ANA
Air Canada
Air China
Asiana Airlines
Austrian Airlines
Brussels Airlines
Continental Airlines
Croatia Airlines
EgyptAir
LOT Polish Airlines
Lufthansa
SWISS International Air Lines
Scandinavian Airlines
South African Airlines
TAP Portugal
THAI
Turkish Airlines
US Airways
United
bmi
Blue1

Please note: For travel from Japan and New Zealand special fares or discounts are offered by the participating airlines on their own network. When making your travel plans please present proof of attendance. To obtain these special fares or discounts and for booking office information please visit www.staralliance.com/conventionsplus/delegates/ and:

When making your travel plans please present confirmation of your registration or proof of attendance for the Event/Convention.


 
     
     
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN

The Central Station of Graz is a breakpoint of important Euro and Intercity connections, with both Austrian and international connections. Direct trains run to most major cities nearby, with trains leaving to Vienna every hour. Graz’ extensive public transport network makes it an easy city to navigate without car.

Graz has frequent train connections to Vienna with direct trains every hour (travel time approx. 2:30 h). The direct trainservices from Vienna to Graz pass through the Semmering Railway, a rail line listed in the UNESCO World Heritage due toits unique construction involving 14 tunnels and 16 viaducts. Keep your eyes open!

From Vienna to Graz, sit on the left; fromGraz to Vienna, sit on the right.

If you arrive at Vienna International Airport (VIE) you can take the Airport Bus (Vienna Airport Lines) to the train stationWien-Meidling. The bus leaves directly in front of the arrival hall and is headed for Wien Westbahnhof. Get off at the firststop in Wien-Meidling. The ticket will cost you 6 EUR (11 EUR return) and can be purchased directly from the driver . Alternatively, the rather expensive City Airport Train (CAT) goes to the center of Vienna.
 

During daytime trains leave Vienna from Wien-Meidling for Graz every other hour. You can purchase tickets at the vending machines at the train station. A single ride to Graz currently costs 35 EUR.

Timetable, Prices & Online Ticket Booking: ÖBB - Austrian Railways: www.oebb.at


TRAVELLING BY CAR

The A9, runs north-south through Graz, mostly via the 6 mile long Plabutsch tunnel. The A2, just south of the city, runs east-west. Vienna is127 miles (2hrs) up the A2 to the east. A just as fast but much more scenic alternative route to Vienna is via Bruck/Mur taking the S6.
 


For downtown parking in Graz you will find a number of public parking lots and garages.

For parking at the WFC11 Venue "Congress+Event Graz" lots of parking garages can be found nearby. Parking fees will apply.

Graz City Map
 


HOTEL RESERVATION AND TOURIST INFORMATION

The Graz Tourist Information Office will be at your service for all touristinformation, sightseeing and hotel reservation. The choice of accommoda-tions ranges from the family type guest house to the luxury hotel. The GrazTourist Information Office will handle your booking quickly and efficiently.

GRAZ TOURISM - Congress Service
Messeplatz 1 / Messeturm · 8010 Graz · Austria
Phone: +43 / 316 / 8075-42
Fax: +43 / 316 / 8075-55



MONEY

The currency in Austria is Euro (EUR). Cash machines can be accessed atmany locations in Graz. Banks are usually opened in the morning from 8.30am to 12.30 pm, and in the afternoon from 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm. On Fridays,most banks are only opened in the morning. Out of business hours you canget cash at the cash machines (called "Bankomat") accepting Maestro- and major credit cards.

SHOPPING
On Saturdays most shops are opened from 8 am to 5 pm. All shops are closed on Sundays. The biggest and without doubt most beauti fulshopping street is in the ”Herrengasse” in the heart of Graz.

TRIPS AROUND GRAZ
In the countryside you will find an outstanding hilly landscape with vinyards and its „Buschenschänken“, the typical Styrian tavernsoffering cold home-made dishes and wine.


Links: www.graztourismus.at www.steiermark.com www.regiongraz.at

 


© 2009 Graz - City of Design

Graz – A perfect starting point for guided tours in Styria

Riegersburg Castle impressively stands in solitary splendour on the remains of a 482m high volcanic mountain. Referred to by the Turks at the time as „the mightiest fortress of christianity“, the imposing appearance of the castle still commands our respect. Originally, the castle served as a fortified bulwark with a castle wall surrounding it. Today, it is a two-storey building with four towers and a beautiful Renaissance courtyard.

South Styrian Wine Route

Here, beneath poplars and chestnut trees, where the "Klapotetz" (Austrian for scarecrow) beats time, life is centred around wine. An internationally ever more popular variety of local white wine reach the peak of maturity amidst the gentle hills of southern Styria. Wine-tasting and a cellar tour of the 300 year-old episcopal Seggau Castle will help you acquire a taste for it.