Styrian

Styrian is a noun and adjective relating to Styria, a historic region in Central Europe. In contemporary usage it most often denotes things connected with the Austrian state of Styria (Steiermark) in the southeast of Austria, whose capital is Graz. The state lies at the southern edge of the Alps and comprises a landscape that ranges from alpine foothills to cultivated wine country. The modern Austrian state was established after the dissolution of Austria-Hungary in 1918, while the historic Duchy of Styria was a long-standing territorial unit within the Holy Roman Empire.

Styrian can also denote people from Styria. In Austria, Styrians are typically German-speaking and speak regional dialects of Austrian German. The historical region of Styria also extends into Slovenia (Štajerska), and inhabitants there are known in Slovene as Štajerci; the use of Styrian for Slovenian Styrian is less common in English, but the two regions share historical and cultural ties.

Culturally and economically, Styrian areas are known for distinctive products and traditions. The Austrian wine regions in Styria produce notable white wines, including Sauvignon Blanc and Welschriesling, while the western part is associated with Schilcher, a rosé wine. Pumpkin seed oil (Kernöl) is a widely recognized Styrian specialty. Graz, the regional capital, is a cultural center and a UNESCO City of Design, reflecting the region’s blend of heritage and modern design.