Styria (Steiermark in German) is a large state in south east Austria, bordering a number of other Austrian states plus Slovenia. The northern part of the state, generally known as Upper Styria, is largely mountainous and forested. Skiing is popular here, with glacier skiing available at Dachstein Gletscher. The south of the state features a more gentle and rolling landscape with farmlands and vineyards that give rise to the area's nickname of 'Styrian Tuscany'.

The state boasts no less than seven thermal spa towns which have been developed to attract both health visitors and families alike with both swimming pools and traditional spa treatments.

The town of Graz is a popular destination, but not overcrowded, and boasts some excellent baroque architecture, a terrific castle on the Schlossberg and the nearby Eggenberg Palace.

The Salzkammergut lake district also extends into Styria, with the picturesque lakes of Grundlsee, Toplitzsee, Hallstaettersee and Kammersee.

Styria has a good supply of ski accommodation, largely in chalets and apartments, which are also excellent places to stay for walking and hiking in the summer. Rental properties in the lakes also tend to be chalet style, as are houses on the wine route. For something unusual, it is often possible to find apartments in historic buildings and even castles.