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Uhrturm: Graz's Enduring Symbol

A historic clock tower atop the Schlossberg, the Uhrturm offers panoramic views and a unique glimpse into Graz's rich heritage.

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The Uhrturm, or Clock Tower, is Graz's most recognizable landmark, perched atop the Schlossberg. With its distinctive clock faces and rich history dating back to the 13th century, it offers panoramic city views and a glimpse into Graz's past.

A brief summary to Uhrturm

Local tips

  • Take the Felsensteig stairs for a scenic, albeit challenging, climb to the Uhrturm.
  • Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and stunning sunrise views.
  • Explore the Bürgerbastei gardens near the Uhrturm for beautiful floral displays and photo opportunities.
  • Note the reversed clock hands – a unique feature of the Uhrturm.
  • Consider the Graz Card for unlimited public transport and access to attractions, including the Schlossberg lift and funicular.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Jakominiplatz, Graz's central transportation hub, walk west along Herrengasse towards Hauptplatz (main square). Continue towards Schlossbergplatz, where you'll find the base of Schlossberg. From Schlossbergplatz, ascend the Schlossberg via the Felsensteig stairs (approx. 260 steps) leading directly to the Uhrturm. Alternatively, follow the paved path winding up the hill. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes, offering scenic views. Note that the climb can be steep in sections.

  • Public Transport

    From Graz Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take tram line 1, 3, 6, or 7 to Jakominiplatz. From there, transfer to bus line 30 or 31 and get off at Schlossbergplatz. From Schlossbergplatz, you can either walk up the Schlossberg via the Felsensteig stairs or take the Schlossbergbahn funicular or the Schlossberg lift. A single tram/bus fare within Zone 101 costs €3.20. The Schlossbergbahn funicular costs €3.20 for adults for a single ride, €1.60 for children. The Schlossberg lift costs €2.40 for adults for a single ride, €1.70 for children.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Graz city center (e.g., Hauptplatz), a taxi or ride-share to Schlossbergplatz will cost approximately €8-€11 and take about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. From Schlossbergplatz, you can then ascend to the Uhrturm via the funicular, lift, or on foot.

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Discover more about Uhrturm

The Grazer Uhrturm, a 28-meter-high clock tower, stands as the proud symbol of Graz, visible from nearly every point in the city. Located on the Schlossberg, its origins trace back to the 13th century when it served as a watchtower. The tower received its current form in 1569, with the installation of a clock featuring three large dials. A fourth dial was added in 1712. The wooden gallery surrounding the tower was once used by fire watchmen to monitor the city. Notably, the Uhrturm's clock hands are reversed; the larger hand indicates the hour, and the smaller hand indicates the minutes. This is because, historically, only the hour hand was present, making it larger for visibility. When the minute hand was added, space constraints dictated a smaller size. The tower houses three bells: the hour bell (1382), the fire alarm bell (1645), and the 'poor sinner's bell' (1450), which once tolled during executions. The Schlossberg itself has a rich history, serving as a fortress from 1125 to 1809 and famously resisting Napoleon's forces. Today, the Schlossberg is a public park offering various attractions, including the bell tower, the Bürgerbastei gardens, and stunning city views. Visitors can ascend the Schlossberg via the Schlossbergbahn funicular, the Schlossberg lift, or by foot using the Felsensteig stairs.

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