Aufsteirern: When Graz Goes Full Austrian

Dirndls, Lederhosen, folk music, local crafts, Alphorns, and lots of beer. This is Aufsteirern, Austria’s biggest folk culture festival in the heart of Graz. For one weekend every September, Graz gets a serious Trachten makeover.

The historic city center fills with people in traditional dress. Folk musicians take over the streets, dancers perform in the squares, and traditional music is just ... everywhere. Basically, Graz becomes one giant Austrian stage.

This Is Austrian Culture, Live

Aufsteirern isn't the kind of festival where you stand behind a barrier and watch from a distance. You wander around; you stop and listen.
And, sooner or later, you probably end up at a beer bench. ;)

Traditional craftspeople set up their stalls throughout the city, showcasing handmade products and regional craftsmanship. It’s a great place to discover the creative side of Styria and pick up something special to take home.

One of our favorite parts? The outfits.
Dirndls, Lederhosen, embroidered waistcoats, traditional hats, and beautifully detailed accessories turn the city into a moving showcase of Austrian style.

Eventually, you’ll need a break. Find a spot, order a cold Styrian beer, and settle in.
This is where Aufsteirern really comes alive. Friends gather around long tables, people chat with strangers, musicians play nearby, and everything feels wonderfully uncomplicated.
Good food. Good music. Good company. Very Austrian.

Come for the Festival, Stay for Graz

What makes Aufsteirern so much fun is the setting. You're not somewhere outside the city looking at Austrian traditions from afar. You're right in the middle of Graz, surrounded by beautiful historic architecture, cafés, shops, and all the energy of the city.
It's traditional without feeling old-fashioned.
It's proudly Austrian without taking itself too seriously.
So, if you want to experience Austria beyond the postcard clichés, September might be the time to put Graz on your travel bucket list.

And when you’ve danced and eaten your way through Aufsteirern, you’ll need somewhere equally fabulous to stay. Here are three GoLeonessa Women-Trusted Hotels in Graz to call home: Hotel Das Weitzer, Grand Hôtel Wiesler, and Hotel Daniel. 🛎️✨

Stay right by the Mur at this stylish Graz classic, with the historic old town, Hauptplatz, and Schlossberg just a short walk away. After a day of exploring, you can head up to the rooftop sauna and relax above the city. When hunger strikes, you’re in the right place: the hotel’s restaurant Der Steirer serves Styrian specialties with a modern twist, from regional tapas to classic favorites.

Right on the Mur, Grand Hôtel Wiesler brings a little more attitude to your Graz stay. This design-forward hotel mixes old-school grand-hotel character with a distinctly modern, creative vibe, while the historic center is right across the river. Start your day with a delightful breakfast, then come back for drinks or dinner when Graz starts to sparkle after dark. Perfect for women who like their city breaks with a little personality.

A hotel with serious young-city-break energy. Right next to Graz’s main train station, Hotel Daniel mixes cool mid-century design with a relaxed, no-fuss vibe and puts you about 15 minutes from the old town on foot.

Grab a bike or electric Vespa and go explore, then come back for one of Graz’s famously good breakfasts or dinner at Grazie Roma, the hotel’s Italian-inspired restaurant. It’s a fun, unfussy base for exploring Graz, especially if you like your hotel with a little personality.