A faint hint of times gone by
If you stroll through Schubertstrasse in Graz's Geidorf district in the evening, you'll quickly notice: Here, the city feels different in a quiet, almost poetic way. The sound of footsteps on the sidewalk, the rustling of the old trees – and then this special light. It's not a harsh LED glow that you encounter here, but a soft, warm shimmer that bathes the surroundings in an almost cinematic light.
The historic gas lamps along the street exude a touch of nostalgia, silently speaking of another era. It's as if the place consciously refuses to be completely submerged in the modern cityscape. Here, the everyday becomes extraordinary: an evening stroll transforms into a mini-journey back in time. Especially at dusk, everything seems like something out of an old movie – romantic, tranquil, and full of atmosphere. For anyone in Graz looking for real discoveries off the beaten track, this place is a quiet insider tip.
Gas lighting arrived in Graz in 1845 – a milestone in urban infrastructure and a symbol of technological progress. While most gas lamps have given way to electric light over the decades, a few have survived on Schubertstrasse: Between Liebiggasse and Hilmteich, 23 original gas lamps still stand today. They date from around 1900 and are listed as historical monuments.
Its slender black iron masts and soft amber glow are reminiscent of historic Graz in the late 19th century. In the midst of this frequently modernized city, Schubertstrasse remains a place where one not only passes by, but lingers. The atmosphere is serene, almost reverent—a small monument to urban poetry.
Schubertstraße is the only street in Graz where functioning gas lamps have been preserved in such a dense concentration. Unlike individual pieces in museums, these lamps blend seamlessly into the streetscape—they are not decorations, but part of everyday life. Particularly remarkable is the harmonious connection with the surrounding architecture: historic villas, old trees, and the flickering gaslight create a unique ensemble that almost seems cinematic.
Arrive in the evening—ideally in spring or fall—and start your stroll along Liebiggasse. Take your time, walk slowly, and pay attention to the small details: the click of the lanterns as they light up, the play of light on the cobblestones. If you're lucky, you'll be almost alone—and can enjoy the moment to the fullest. Photographers will find one of the most atmospheric street perspectives in all of Graz here.
Schubertstraße runs between Liebiggasse and Hilmteich in the district Geidorf. The best way to reach it is by tram line 1 (stop Merangasse) or bus lines 30, 31, and 39. If you're coming by bike, it's worth taking the bike path along Heinrichstraße. The street is flat, easy to walk on, and pleasantly quiet, even in the evenings.
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Whether hidden courtyards, quiet squares or little surprises in the middle of the city – Graz has countless corners just waiting to be discovered.
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