Discover Spielberg: Day Trips & Restaurants for Your Race Weekend

A race weekend is about more than just the racing: between qualifying and the main event, it pays off to look beyond the grandstand. The Spielberg region offers you hiking trails, e-bike tours, thermal spas, great restaurants and quiet corners to catch your breath — perfect for rounding off the motorsport experience.

Motorsport is brilliant — but honestly, a whole weekend spent only in the grandstand or at your pitch? That would be wasted potential. The Styria region around Spielberg has plenty to offer that slots in perfectly between practice, qualifying and the race. Whether you're after a relaxed hike, want to spin a lap on the e-bike or simply fancy a really good dinner away from the campsite — here are a few concrete tips that go down well with our guests.

When does a day trip fit into a race weekend?

It's a fair question: when do you actually have time? In our experience, Friday morning is often relaxed — the first free practice sessions usually don't start until early afternoon. On Saturday, too, there's often a gap between qualifying and the evening, if you don't want to watch every session live. And anyone arriving as early as Tuesday or Wednesday has a day or two spare for the surroundings anyway. Our tip: pick one or two things that genuinely interest you and plan loosely — nobody needs stress on a race weekend.

By the way, a lovely circular walk starts right at the Schitterhof: Schitterhof → Red Bull Ring → Spielberg and back takes about 45 minutes, is flat and easy to manage even with kids. A little loop to stretch your legs and clear your head before it gets loud again.

Cycling & e-bike tours: the Mur cycle path and more

If you've brought a bike or e-bike — congratulations. The Murradweg R2 is reachable in about 10 minutes from the site and is one of the most beautiful river cycle paths in Styria. You ride easily along the Mur, past meadows, small villages and lovely views of the hills again and again. A half-day tour towards Judenburg (approx. 15 km) or Seckau (a bit longer, but scenically top-notch) is well worth it. In Judenburg you'll also find a few nice cafés and inns for a break.

If you'd rather keep it easy: a short loop towards Knittelfeld (approx. 6 km) is quickly done and passes the Zechnerteich — a small bathing lake, perfect for a cool-down on hot days. So it's worth packing your swimming trunks.

Therme Aqualux: wellness between two race days

If you're in the mood for warmth, water and calm, head to the Therme Aqualux in Fohnsdorf (approx. 20 km, a good 20 minutes by car). The spa has a large indoor and outdoor area, several saunas and is family-friendly — no problem with kids either. Especially on Friday or Saturday, when the atmosphere at the Ring is already coming to the boil, a morning at the spa is a good contrast. Just let yourself drift, loosen the muscles and then head back to qualifying feeling fresh.

By the way: if you're travelling by electric car — there are public charging points at the RingRast petrol station (approx. 500 m from the Schitterhof). Charging at the pitch itself isn't allowed for safety reasons, but the charging station is close enough to top up the car during a trip or a shopping run.

Restaurants & bites: from home cooking to pizza

Sure, right on site you've got MATTEO (pizza, pasta, breakfast) and MAMAS TACOS (tacos, burritos) serving really good food — running from about 07:00 to 23:00 and covering pretty much everything. But if you fancy getting out, Spielberg itself has a few solid inns and taverns serving classic Styrian cuisine — Backhendl, Schnitzel, Käsespätzle, the full works. Portions are usually generous, prices fair, and the atmosphere more rustic than chic.

In Judenburg or Knittelfeld you'll also find pizzerias, Asian restaurants and a few more modern spots. If you want to cook for yourself on Friday or Saturday: on those days we run a free supermarket shuttle every 30 minutes. That way you can get to the shops and back in comfort, without worrying about parking. More info on that in our FAQ.

Hiking, playgrounds and family-friendly options

For families with children, there's a public playground in the centre of Spielberg (approx. 600 m away) — a welcome change when the little ones have had enough of camping. And during major events at the Red Bull Ring there's often extra kids' entertainment right at the Ring, from bouncy castles to small racing-simulator stands.

Keen hikers can really let loose in the region: Styria is full of well-marked trails, from gentle valley walks to more demanding tours up the surrounding mountains. A classic is the path to the Wallfahrtskirche Maria Buch pilgrimage church, about a 30-minute walk from the town centre, with a lovely view over the region. Or just grab a hiking map and set off — getting lost here is pretty much impossible.

Golf, horse riding and other activities

A little more niche, but genuinely popular: the Golfclub Murtal is only a few kilometres away and welcomes day guests too — in case you fancy teeing off between two races. Similarly the Reitclub Sachendorf, where you can ride as a guest as well (booking ahead recommended). Both are activities you don't necessarily have on your radar, but which fit particularly well for companions or on longer stays.