Spielberg Race Weekend Tips

Buy Kürbiskernöl to take home

Styrian pumpkin seed oil (Kürbiskernöl g.g.A.) is one of Austria's great food products — a dark, intensely nutty oil with protected geographic status. Drizzled on salads, soups, and even vanilla ice cream. Available at supermarkets, farm shops, and the circuit food village. Buy a bottle (or three) to take home — it doesn't travel without luggage.

Climb the Schlossberg in Graz

The Schlossberg (castle hill) in central Graz is the best 45 minutes you'll spend on a Thursday or Friday afternoon. Take the funicular or lift up, walk the Uhrturm tower, enjoy the views over the Altstadt, and have a drink at one of the hilltop cafés. At golden hour, the view is extraordinary.

The Red Bull Ring is short — 4 laps go fast

At 4.318 km, the Red Bull Ring is one of the shorter circuits on the calendar. MotoGP laps take around 1:23–1:25 minutes. With 28 laps, the race runs about 40 minutes — it's intense from start to finish. The main straight into Turn 1 is where most overtaking happens; be in position early for that view.

Austrian cash culture

Austria is more cash-dependent than Germany and much more so than the UK or Netherlands. Many Gasthäuser (traditional inns), wine taverns, and smaller restaurants are cash-only. Carry €50–100 in notes. ATMs are plentiful in Graz and Knittelfeld.

South Styria wine region is 90 minutes from the circuit

The Südsteiermark wine region (Gamlitz, Leutschach, Ehrenhausen) is 90 km south of the circuit — the "Styrian Tuscany" with terraced vineyards over rolling hills. Too far for a race day trip but perfect for the Monday after. The Weinstraße (wine road) through Gamlitz is one of Austria's most beautiful drives.