Graz to Klagenfurt Drive: Scenic Route, Stops & Tips

On the A2 motorway east of Graz, the 150-kilometer drive to Klagenfurt usually takes just under two hours without traffic. This route crosses the Pack Saddle, a 1,200-meter mountain pass that has been a key transport link since the 16th century. The 2020 completion of the Pack Tunnel shortened travel time by 15 minutes, but the old scenic route over the pass remains open for those who want views.

This guide covers how long to drive Graz to Klagenfurt, is it worth driving Graz to Klagenfurt, and things to do between Graz and Klagenfurt. It also shows how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

From Graz, merge onto the A2 Süd Autobahn heading west. The majority of the route follows the A2, but you can also take the B70 through Voitsberg and Köflach for a more rural drive. The A2 has three rest areas between Graz and Klagenfurt: Modriach, Pack, and Griffen. Each has fuel stations open 24/7, clean toilets, and basic food options.

• Fuel prices are slightly higher at motorway stations than in towns; fill up in Graz or wait for Klagenfurt.
• A vignette is required for the A2; you can buy one online or at border shops.
• The Pack Tunnel has a strict 80 km/h speed limit and traffic cameras.
• Keep cash for tolls on the B70 if you avoid the motorway (no vignette needed on secondary roads).

The old pass road (Pack Straße B70) offers free parking at the summit. There are two viewpoints with picnic tables and a memorial chapel. The average fuel consumption on the A2 is about 7 liters per 100 km; the B70 adds 1-2 liters due to climbing.

Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15 on both routes. The tunnel is plowed year-round, but the pass road may close during heavy snow. Check the ASFINAG app for real-time conditions.

West of Graz, the scenery shifts from rolling hills to the forested Koralpe range. The Pack Saddle area is part of the Styrian Timber Trail, with dense spruce forests and occasional clearings. The A2 creates a corridor through the landscape; but the B70 reveals small valleys with farmhouses and alpaca pastures.

• Stop at the Hebalm ski area (B70) for summer hiking trails and panoramic views.
• The Griffen rest area has a viewing platform overlooking the Lavant Valley.
• In Wolfsberg, the Gothic Saint Mary's Church and the old town square are worth a short detour.
• Just off the B70, the Deutschlandsberg Castle offers guided tours and a restaurant.

Local commerce thrives on farm gate sales. Look for signs reading 'Ab Hof Verkauf' for fresh cheese, pumpkin seed oil, and Schnaps. The town of Bad St. Leonhard has a weekly farmers market on Saturdays.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not directly on the route, but the Hallstatt-Dachstein region is a 90-minute detour from Klagenfurt. The Semmering Railway (another UNESCO site) is closer to Graz. For wine lovers, the Sausal wine region is half an hour south of the A2 near Leibnitz.

The A2 is well-maintained with emergency telephones every two kilometers. The risk of wildlife (deer) is highest around dusk near the forested sections of Pack and Griffen. The B70 has tighter curves and no guardrails in places; drive below the speed limit.

• Rest zones: Modriach (playground, dog run), Pack (cafe, picnic tables), Griffen (observation deck).
• Family stop: the Freizeitzentrum Pack has a mini-golf course and a children's train in summer.
• Pet-friendly: all rest areas allow dogs on leashes; the B70 has multiple forest trails for short walks.

For fatigue management, the Raststation Wolfsberg offers a quiet lounge with reclining chairs. Plan a stop every 45 minutes if driving the B70 due to concentration demands.

Hidden off-route spot: the Lavantsee lake near Bad St. Leonhard is a 10-minute drive from the B70. It has a natural swimming area and a self-service kiosk, open May to September.