Introduction
Graz, Austria, is home to a very unique spot that aviation enthusiasts will definitely want to visit at least once.
It is called “NOVA-AIR.”
Located in the northern part of Graz, the building is quite extraordinary: two real airplanes are mounted on the rooftop.
You can’t help but wonder, “Why would anyone put airplanes on top of a building?” But the visual impact is incredible. When I saw it for the first time, I actually had to look twice.
In a way, it reminds me of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, where a ship-like structure sits on top of three towers.
The complex consists mainly of the NOVA PARK hotel, the NOVA-AIR restaurant and bar, and the NOVA-SPA spa facility.
What makes NOVA-AIR particularly special is that the two passenger airplanes on the rooftop are actually used as a restaurant and a bar. The interiors have been renovated to make them suitable for dining and drinking, but the original aircraft structures have been preserved, making this a fascinating place for aviation fans.
I have never experienced it myself, but I found myself wondering if this might be what flying first class feels like.
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Visiting NOVA-AIR in Graz
NOVA PARK can be reached by bus routes 40, 52, and 67.
I took bus 67 to the Fischeraustraße stop and then walked for a few minutes.
Before long, I could see the unusual building with airplanes sitting on its rooftop from a distance.
“There really are airplanes up there…”
I had seen photos before, but seeing them in person was much more impressive than I expected.
The entrance to NOVA-SPA is separate, while NOVA PARK and NOVA-AIR share the same entrance.
Once inside, you will find the hotel lobby. Follow the signs toward NOVA-AIR and take the elevator to the 7th floor.
When the elevator doors open, you finally enter the world of airplanes.
I visited on a Sunday, so unfortunately both the restaurant and the bar were closed that day.
Ilyushin Il-62M: The Airplane Bar
The first aircraft you will see on the right after getting off the elevator is the Soviet-built passenger aircraft, the Ilyushin Il-62M.
This aircraft is now used as a bar.
Inside, the cabin has been transformed into a relaxed bar area, creating the rather unusual experience of having a drink inside an airplane.
And there is an especially exciting feature: immediately to the left after entering the bar area, you will find the door to the cockpit.
You can actually enter the cockpit!
You cannot sit in the pilot’s seat, but being able to see the original instruments up close is a rare experience.
However, please be careful not to touch any of the levers, switches, or other equipment.
Unfortunately, the view from the Ilyushin’s cockpit is mostly blocked by the surrounding building, so there is not much of a view to enjoy.
Boeing 727-200: The Airplane Restaurant
Next, I headed to the Boeing 727-200, which is used as a restaurant.
Once inside, the passenger cabin has been transformed into a restaurant while retaining the original aircraft layout.
It feels as if you are having a meal on an airplane, making it an enjoyable space even for people who are not particularly interested in aviation.
At the rear of the aircraft, there is another cockpit.
The instruments look similar to those in the Ilyushin, but there is one major difference: the view from the cockpit.
From here, you can see:
- The northern part of Graz
- Fürstenstand lookout point
- Gösting Castle ruins
and other sights in the surrounding area.
It is also fun to enjoy the view while imagining, “I wonder if this is what pilots used to see from the cockpit?”
Don’t Miss the Outdoor Aircraft Exhibits
The airplanes are not limited to the rooftop.
In the parking area outside the building, you can also find exhibits including:
- Small aircraft
- Jet engines
and other aviation-related displays.
There are not as many exhibits as you would find in an aviation museum, but there is more than enough to enjoy while visiting the restaurant.
If you are interested in airplanes, be sure to take a look before or after your meal.
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Conclusion
NOVA-AIR is a truly unusual place where you do not simply look at airplanes—you can actually step inside them, enjoy a meal in one, or have a drink inside another.
Both aircraft also allow visitors to see the cockpits, which is a fantastic touch for aviation enthusiasts.
Of course, you do not have to be an aviation expert to enjoy the experience. The sheer novelty of seeing real airplanes sitting on top of a building makes NOVA-AIR worth visiting.
When visiting Graz, the historic city center tends to get most of the attention. However, taking a short trip to NOVA-AIR offers a completely different side of the city. I would especially recommend it to anyone who loves airplanes or is looking for an unusual attraction in Graz.
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