This large open air pool in Austria's second city is a beautiful and lively place to be on a summer day. The pool has a gravel floor, trees for shade, a pleasant view and usually a few ducks paddling between the swimmers. The pool is a bus ride from the enchanting city centre with its astonishing mixture of modern and older buildings and is next door to Camping Central (free entrance for campers). The pool also has trampolines, a separate naturist area and table tennis. Early morning and evening swimming is possible from 06.00 until dusk. Prices vary depending on the time of day; for example, Euro 5.70 for an adult for a full day. Graz has six swimming pools, as well as a river beach in the city centre; so it is ideal for a watery holiday.

www.cusoon.at/webseite/freibad-strassgang
The pool is on Martinhofstrasse.

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Five-star accommodation and thermal spa designed by Hundertwasser, Austria's most famous architect and artist.

Easily reached by taxi from Graz airport (fly direct from Stansted), this place is a wonderland - a cross between Gaudi and Mondrian, hidden in the hills. All food organic, outdoor and indoor baths, massage, reflexology etc and all for 120 euro per night.

Acres and acres of land on which you can take a hike, horse riding, yoga, etc. Bliss, bliss, bliss!

www.hotel-badhaus.at/

Google map: tinyurl.com/obyy64

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A delightful add on to a city break in Graz is to visit the 4* Quellenhotel and Styrian Spa - just 40 minutes away in the southern hills. Best visited in the summer by eco friendly health lovers. Organic food, thermal water pools and health farm style treatment facilities blend with hiking and biking through sunflowers, vineyards and fruit trees. There is also golf, tennis and cultural visits to medieval castles amongst other things to do.

Quellenhotel, Thermenstrasse 111, A-8271 Bad Waltersdorf, Austria. Contact details on www.quellenhotel.at

Google map: tinyurl.com/qngjp2

Hotel transfer will pick up from Graz but car hire recommended for those wanting to tour the countryside.

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On top of "Plabutsch" (the high hill behind Eggenberg Palace) on the western edge of city. From snacks to a full blown meals, all food and drink is locally sourced or homemade (including homegrown Venison!) Not easy to find but has the best views over the whole of Graz. The centre of Graz has a market town feel, so guests are always surprised to see that it is much bigger than it seems, especially after dark when the green suburbs light up and visitors look down on a sparkling sea of lights... There is a viewing platform above the restaurant.

8051 Graz, Fürstenstandweg 100; tel: 585 700;
Open: Wedneday-Sunday 11am-11pm (but closed in winter as the road is very steep!);
Access: It is a lovely but tiring walk to the top of the Plabutsch. (take a map!)
Car/Taxi: Only way up is a minor road (Fürstenstandweg) branching off from the Steinbergstrasse, if driving yourself you will need a city map.

Google map: tinyurl.com/o9f2ys

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