Living and housing in the 10th district of Graz

Location: the best of both worlds

Ries, the 10th district of Graz, borders the historic districts of Mariatrost and Geidorf to the west, the popular districts of St. Leonhard and Waltendorf to the south, and the rural Graz-Umgebung district to the east. It encompasses the two cadastral communities of Stifting and Ragnitz, which are divided by the Ries ridge.

With only around 5,910 residents spread across 10.16 km², Ries has the lowest population density of all Graz districts—approximately 580 inhabitants per km². Its hilly landscape, from which the district takes its name, along with vast meadows and forests, makes it a highly desirable residential area.

At the same time, the well-developed public transport network ensures quick and easy access to Graz city center and surrounding urban districts.

The tranquility of country living and the convenience of city life – perfectly combined in the 10th district of Graz.

Living: intergenerational togetherness

In the Ries district, life still follows a traditional rhythm – young and old alike find their place here, with a wide range of amenities to meet their daily needs. Spacious detached houses and large residential complexes provide ample space for families, while several kindergartens and retirement homes contribute to a well-rounded community. Secondary schools are also easily accessible via public transport.

Stiftingtal is home to the Otto Möbes Academy of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce, housed in the historic Manorwarda Villa, built in 1904.

A unique highlight of the 10th district is Greimels Greißlerei und Kuchen. Located on Riesstraße, this charming neighborhood grocer lives up to its name, offering the nostalgic feel of a traditional shop from your grandparents’ stories. It’s the go-to place for everyday essentials and regional delicacies, while also providing catering services, a parcel drop-off, dry cleaning, and even gold buying.

Beyond that, Ries residents enjoy access to various shopping options, cozy cafés, and traditional restaurants, ensuring a perfect blend of convenience and local charm.

Leisure activities: living in the middle of a local recreation area

Ries is nestled in the heart of a local recreation area, where nature begins just steps from your doorstep. Leaving Riesplatz – the district's unofficial main square – toward either of the two valleys, you’ll find yourself surrounded by greenery.

The expansive Stifting-Ries Forest Island, a direct neighbor of the well-known Leechwald, is becoming an increasingly popular retreat for Graz residents. Between Riesstraße and Stiftingtalstraße, there’s ample space for outdoor activities, including scenic walking trails, running tracks, and open areas for relaxation. Cyclists, in particular, favor Riesstraße, which offers ideal conditions for setting personal best times.

Sports enthusiasts will also love Ragnitztal, home to the historic Ragnitzbad, which has welcomed visitors since 1929. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, this outdoor swimming area also hosts regular sports and cultural events.

Ries’ sports offerings are further enriched by the Racket Sport Center – the largest multi-racket sports facility in Graz – as well as various public sports fields, including the district sports ground in Billrothsiedlung.

Insider tip: The Buschenschank Sattler in Stiftingtal is a must-visit, not just in summer. Here, you can savor local specialties while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views.

Location: a district with history

Riesstraße has played a key role in several historical events. Today, this central traffic artery runs over the Ries ridge toward Gleisdorf, following the path of the historically significant Hungarian Road, a former trade route to Eastern Styria and Hungary.

In 1945, the Red Army used Riesstraße to march into Graz, making it a strategically important transport link and a target for bomb attacks. A well-known memorial stands as a reminder of this chapter in history: a stone cross was erected along the road to honor seven Wehrmacht deserters who were executed. Every year, a memorial service is held here to commemorate the victims of the resistance.

The challenging terrain of the area also made it a prime location for early sporting events. From 1904 to 1948, car, motorcycle, and bicycle races took place on the winding, uphill sections of Riesstraße. These legendary Ries Races attracted up to 70,000 spectators and remain an iconic part of the district’s sporting history.

Infrastructure: traffic, public transport and cycle paths

Riesstraße is the main traffic artery of the district and connects Graz with many of the surrounding villages. Stiftingtalstraße and Ragnitzstraße are the main roads of the two valleys. These streets are home to a variety of shops, sports facilities, cozy cafés and restaurants.

These streets are well frequented and busy, and are reminiscent of the hustle and bustle of a small town. In contrast, the quiet side streets and alleyways are exclusively residential and make for idyllic living.

The center of Graz can be reached easily and quickly by streetcar line 7 or bus lines 58 and 64. Riesstraße is also a main route for regional buses, making the entire street section easily accessible. Furthermore, the proximity to the A2 highway is a big plus point, which speaks for the district's good infrastructure. Sporty residents like to use their bikes to reach the city center, especially on nice days, or cover the short distances on foot.

Contact us

Are you looking for your dream home in the beautiful 10th district of Graz Ries? Or would you like to fulfill someone's dream by selling your property? Our real estate consultant Ms. Caroline Wallasch-Übergänger is responsible for the Ries district. Ms. Wallasch-Übergänger will be happy to carry out a free valuation of your property and advise you on all aspects of buying or selling real estate.