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This article deals with the history of the Institute of Geography and Regional Science at the University of Graz. Its beginning is set with the appointment of a first professor of geography in 1871. The article first outlines the historical development in three phases according personnel, research areas, study programmes and number of students. Until 2021, 18 professors have been appointed for the discipline, the first female professor not before 2018. The following section of the paper presents the results of two empirical studies addressing German nationalism in publications of Graz geographers and the disciplinary orientation of ca. 2400 theses, respectively. A short report on the anniversary event on November 11, 2021 leads to the conclusion. Overall, the developments of Graz Geography are similar to those at other locations in Austria. Future challenges include gender equality, the tension between regional responsibility and internationalisation as well as the continuation of the focus on integrative geographic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]