FAQs
Question
How do I get from Vienna to Graz?
Answer
The best way to travel from Vienna to Graz is by train (2.5 hours.) The ÖBB Railjet will take you every hour from Vienna Central Station to Graz. The Railjet also runs every two hours directly from the Vienna Airport. Though there are other options, we suggest taking the ÖBB Railjet exclusively, because this route goes along the Semmering Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (AKA, insanely gorgeous views.) Once you have your train travel tickets booked, please send your confirmation (or just arrival time in Graz) to Katherine and Joe. TO BOOK YOUR TRAIN TICKET/VIEW AVAILABLE TRAIN TIMES: 1. Go to this website: https://shop.oebbtickets.at/en/ticket 2. Choose "1-way/Day ticket" option 3. Click "From," and choose "Wien Hbf (U)," which is the most convenient train departure location. You can view other departure locations by clicking on the dropdown menu again, but remember - if you want to ride the UNESCO line, you MUST choose a ÖBB Railjet train, which is sometimes abbreviated as "RJ." 4. Under "To" select "Graz" and click into the destination box once again to see available train destinations in Graz. I suggest Graz Hbf (Hauptbahnhof, which means train station.) There will be plenty of cabs waiting to take you to your hotel outside of Graz Hbf. 5. Choose your preferred train departure time and book your ticket (I suggest booking in advance to avoid sellouts, which rarely happen, but still...) For reference, on September 11, RAILJET/RJ trains leave from Wien Hbf (U) to Graz Hbf at: 12:58 pm, 1:58pm/13:58, 2:58pm/14:58, 3:58pm/15:58....etc. 6. When you arrive at Graz Hbf, you can take a cab easily to your hotel (Look for 878 cab company logo, and ONLY take 878 cabs.) You can just as easily take the tram from Graz Hbf to the city center, about a 5 minute ride.
Question
Are there any key etiquette tips, rules, or other things for travelers to be aware of in Austria and Slovenia?
Answer
1. Tipping Culture: In Austria/Slovenia, tipping is appreciated but never expected. For small purchases at the coffee shop, a cafe, etc., just round up to the nearest Euro. For restaurants, even 10% is considered a "generous" tip. 2. Speaking Volume: Be mindful of your speaking volume on public transit - you might be surprised by how quiet it is! 3. Crossing the Street: Austrians DO NOT cross the street until they get the walk signal. They will sit there for three minutes in the dead of night, with no cars coming, and still wait for the walk sign to cross. Expect some glares if you cross before the light, and a possible fine if caught by the POLIZEI. 4. Glassware Fee: When you order a drink "to go" (like wine from a food booth at Aufsteirern) you are charged an extra euro or 2 as a "glass deposit." You get the money back when you return your glass. 5. Public Restrooms: Shockingly nice public restrooms are readily available, but have a 20-50 cents fee. It's a good idea to get some smaller Euro coins as soon as possible after arrival. 6. Language: Grazers speak "Austrian German" in a Styrian dialect that can be tough to understand even for comfortable German speakers. Most people under 40 speak English fairly fluently, but English fluency is less common with those over 40. Most Grazers speak and understand more than enough English to get by, but still insist their English is terrible. 7: Politics/Perceptions of Americans: Graz is a multicultural, left wing city holding on for dear life in a country that's cozying back up to fascism-so its residents certainly empathize with Americans. Grazers are generally always ready to talk politics even if they disagree with your views, it's not a "taboo" topic there. Grazers are friendly people, always excited to talk to Americans because not too many visit. They are likely to strike up a conversation with you, even if they don't speak English and know you don't understand German - just smile and nod!
Question
What is the Aufsteirern Festival in Graz?
Answer
The Aufsteirern Festival is a long-standing celebration of the Styrian/Steiermark region of Austria. The entire city and those from surrounding areas party in the streets for a few days - and they do it all in traditional Lederhosen (Trachten = traditional Austrian dress.) There is music, crafts, dancing, WHIP CRACKING *yes, really*, special foods, and a whole lot of wine. It's definitely not something you see everyday. Everyone is free to wander as they choose, stay with Katherine and Joe as they drink wine in the street, WHATEVER. We just want everyone to be able to enjoy the beauty and fun of Katherine and Joe's favorite city. For more information on the festival, click here: https://aufsteirern.at/
Question
Do I need to show up in Lederhosen or a Dirndl on the 13th for the Aufsteirern festival?
Answer
Of course not, nor do we expect anyone to purchase something they'd likely only wear once. 99% of the Grazers will have on Trachten (traditional Austrian costume) during the festival, but there are always people dressed "normally" and no one cares at all. It is DEFINITELY better to wear your regular clothes than it is to get a $40 "OKTOBERFEST" fake dirndl or lederhosen online. Austrians can get annoyed when tourists wear Bavarian/German Tracht to Austrian events. The Tracht is somewhat formal, which is why we suggest those out of Tracht wear smart casual. Here is a great site with some history of the Tracht, information about how to tie your apron to indicate your relationship status, and some examples: https://www.austria.info/en-us/inspiration/traditional-costumes/ Styrian colors of the Tracht are RED AND GREEN. You could always just wear something red or green if you want to feel more festive but don't want to spend any time in a dirndl or lederhosen. Katherine has several accessories (hats, jewlery, scarves, aprons, 1 extra dirndl) that anyone can borrow, size 8-10. Please just let Katherine know with your RSVP if you'd like to borrow anything, first come, first served. If you want to buy trachten in Vienna, THE place to go for affordable, fast, and the most options is the Original Salzburger Trachtenoutlet Wien, located at Weihburggasse 8, 1010 Wien, Austria. If you would like to buy any kind of Trachten in Graz, there are several stores we suggest: - Vintage and Cheapest Tracht: HUMANA Vintage & Second Hand at Annenstraße 7 or Sporgasse 21 - Cheap and New Tracht: Rollett Richard at Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai 2 - Various Price Points, Most Style Options, Great Sales: Kastner & Öhler (K&O) Department Store at Sackstraße 7–13 - Expensive and Elegant Tracht: Mothwurf (Katherine's favorite) at Stempfergasse 10 or Seidl Tracht & Mode at Schmiedgasse 13-15 - "Austrian Inspired" Modern/High Fashion Clothing: Joanneumring 3.
Question
Where can I buy my "essentials" in Graz?
Answer
Best Grocery Store: BILLA Corso at Jakominipl. 12, 8010 Graz, Austria (go inside mini-mall, then go down the escalator. Open Mon-Sat 7:15 AM-7:15 PM Apotheke/Pharmacy for Medication: In Graz, they don't have "all in one" pharmacies like CVS. If you get sick and need meds, go to the Sonnenapotheke at Jakominiplatz 24. If it's after 8 pm, there is an all night pharmacy located right in the city center. Toiletries/Makeup/CVS-like experience: dm drogerie markt at Murgasse, Franziskanerpl. 5
Question
How do I get from Graz to Gredic?
Answer
You get in the cars we have ordered - and we'll be sure to let you know the exact time and location when we finalize the number of people needing cars! The car ride is one of Katherine's favorite things - she prefers this car ride to the train to Graz. You'll have a chance to see just how beautiful the larger Styrian rural region is.
Question
Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the ceremony?
Answer
Yes - Katherine and Joe have made arrangements for those without a car, staying outside of the hotel Gredic, to be picked up/dropped off. We've reserved a driver to be "on call" for our guests during the wedding festivities in Gredic - more detailed information (driver phone number, etc.) provided closer to wedding date.
Question
How do I get back to bigger travel hub cities from Gredic?
Answer
Anyone with questions on this should contact Joe and Katherine directly, as we can help you figure out the best, fastest, and easiest way for you to get where you need to go.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
This is a child-free event.