South Styrian Wine Road
Steep vineyards, clattering klapotetz and Buschenschank taverns along the Slovenian border, ending at the Riegersburg fortress.
- Distance
- approx. 122 km (76 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 41 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Austria
- Best time to go
- May–June and August–September
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ €13
- Updated
- July 29, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 122 km (76 mi) with 8 stops, from Graz to Riegersburg Castle. About 1 h 41 min of driving in total. Best time to go: May–June and August–September. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €13 (Austria, Vignette).
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Photos along the route
Route description
From Graz, drive south into the Sausal hills to Kitzeck, one of the highest wine villages in Europe, with steep vineyards on all sides. Continue down to Leibnitz, where Seggau Castle on its hill has an old wine cellar and Roman stones set into its walls.
Gamlitz and Ehrenhausen mark the start of the South Styrian Wine Road proper. The narrow road winds along the ridge on the Slovenian border, in places with Austria on one side and Slovenia on the other, past Sauvignon Blanc vineyards and the wooden klapotetz rattles that scare off birds.
Stop at a Buschenschank, a family wine tavern that serves its own wine with cold meats, cheese and pumpkin-seed oil dishes. The road is steep and narrow, so large motorhomes should stay on the main valley roads and visit by bike or on foot.
Finish east in the Styrian Volcano Land at Riegersburg, a fortress on a basalt rock above a village known for chocolate and schnapps. September and October, when the grapes are picked, are the best months; spring is quieter and very green.
Which stops are on South Styrian Wine Road?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Graz
Austria - 240 km
Kitzeck im Sausal
Austria - 39 km
Leibnitz
Austria - 43 km
Seggau Castle
HistoryLeibnitz, AustriaA former bishops’ castle on a wooded hill above Leibnitz, with a historic wine cellar and Roman gravestones set into its walls.
- 57 km
Gamlitz
Austria - 63 km
Ehrenhausen
Austria - 77 km
South Styrian Wine Road at Ratsch
FoodEhrenhausen, AustriaThe narrow wine road follows the ridge along the Slovenian border through steep Sauvignon Blanc vineyards and clattering klapotetz rattles. Buschenschank taverns serve cold platters with local wine.
- 854 km
Riegersburg Castle
HistoryRiegersburg, AustriaA fortress on a volcanic rock in the Styrian Volcano Land, never taken by force. An inclined lift runs up the cliff; the steep footpath takes about 20 minutes.
How do you drive South Styrian Wine Road in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Graz → Kitzeck im Sausal · 40 km · 0 h 33 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Sulmsee (5 km); Zum Steinernen Wehr (6 km).
- Day 2: Kitzeck im Sausal → South Styrian Wine Road at Ratsch · 29 km · 0 h 24 minOn the way: Leibnitz, Seggau Castle, Gamlitz, Ehrenhausen.Overnight nearby, for example: Oliver kocht Camping (6 km); Camping Sixt an der Wassermühle (11 km).
- Day 3: South Styrian Wine Road at Ratsch → Riegersburg Castle · 54 km · 0 h 44 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Fürstenfeld (11 km); Wohnmobilstellplatz Siniwelt (14 km).
When is the best time for South Styrian Wine Road?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving South Styrian Wine Road?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €13 (Austria, Vignette).
- Austria: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t need a GO-Box for distance-based tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
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FAQs
How long is South Styrian Wine Road?
3-day road trip of about 122 km (76 mi) with 8 stops, from Graz to Riegersburg Castle. About 1 h 41 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for South Styrian Wine Road?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 41 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does South Styrian Wine Road start and end?
It starts in Graz and ends in Riegersburg Castle.
Which countries does South Styrian Wine Road pass through?
Austria.
Where can you camp along South Styrian Wine Road?
OpenStreetMap lists 40 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Reisemobil-Stellplatz Graz, FKK Camping Platz Schwarzlsee and Camping Platz Schwarzlsee.
How much are the tolls on South Styrian Wine Road?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €13 (Austria, Vignette). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
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