17 July 2025 “Österreich zu Fuß”: Provincial capitals emphasise walking Linz has now become another provincial capital to adopt a Walking Master Plan – 1st Austrian Walking Summit from 23rd-24th September 2025 at Congress Graz

From Bregenz to Eisenstadt: All of Austria is on the move – on foot. Under the motto “Österreich zu Fuß” (Austria on Foot), the entire country is committed to promoting walking as a healthy, socially equitable, and environmentally friendly form of mobility for the future. With the recently adopted Walking Master Plan of the city of Linz, now almost all nine provincial capitals are implementing concrete measures to strengthen pedestrian traffic.

“Walking is far more than just a mode of transport – it is a key to livable cities, a healthy population, and environmentally friendly mobility. Our goal is clear: we are strengthening walking throughout Austria by creating safe, attractive, and barrier-free paths. Because those who walk don’t just move themselves but also our society in the right direction,” said Mobility Minister Peter Hanke.

The financial support offers from the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) under the klimaaktiv mobil programme are intended to continue and develop further despite the ambitious budget plan for 2025.

1st Austrian Walking Summit

Concrete measures to improve pedestrian traffic are the focus of the 1st Austrian Walking Summit, taking place from 23rd to 24th September 2025 at Congress Graz. The high-profile conference, with international participants, is held in collaboration with the city of Graz and the state of Styria, organized by the Mobility Ministry under the initiative “Österreich zu Fuß.”

“With our Steiermark Walking Strategy 2030+, we are taking an important step to strengthen walking as a crucial part of sustainable mobility. We aim to improve the quality of stay and promote footpaths, especially in town centres. Through a targeted support programme, we are already assisting municipalities from concept development to implementation,” explains Transport Regional Councillor Claudia Holzer.

“Walking in Graz should be simple, safe, and pleasant. To achieve this, we are creating more space – with barrier-free paths, clear standards, and targeted measures in every district,” says Judith Schwentner, Deputy Mayor of Graz.

Invitation to Participate

The invitation to participate in the Walking Summit is extended to decision-makers in cities, municipalities, and regions, federal states and institutions, planners, interest groups, and stakeholders from academia and business. But everyone who is committed to walking is also warmly welcome. In addition to specialist lectures and discussions, participants can expect practical excursions to already implemented projects in Graz and the surrounding area. The Walking Summit is a central highlight as part of “Austria on Foot,” the new initiative of the BMIMI to promote walking.