From Ghega to Graz - on the trail of the world cultural heritage site
It is not only the network of Styrian cycling trails and the Südbahn (Southern Railway) that link Semmering and Graz. It is also the fact that both have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites for a few years now. Under the leadership of the engineer Carlo di Ghega, the Semmeringbahn railway was built over the pass, which is almost 1000 metres above sea level (at that time the highest railway in the world) in just six years, from 1848 to 1854. In its time, the section was understood as a harmonious combination of technology and nature and continues to characterise this unique cultural landscape. In Graz, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Eggenberg Palace was also made one in 2010.
The "World Heritage Convention" was concluded in 1972 by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) General Conference in order to select "natural and cultural heritage" and enter it into a "list of world heritage sites" of outstanding interest and value for humanity as a whole. The aim of the convention is to make a substantial contribution to protecting "world cultural heritage" in cooperation between all peoples. With the Semmeringbahn, Graz Old Town and Eggenberg Palace in Graz there are 3 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites on this bike ride alone, which is just over 100 km long. It starts in Mürzzuschlag and our tip is to visit the Südbahn (Southern Railway) Museum at the railway station before you start.
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