Uhrturm: Graz's Enduring Symbol

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Graz's iconic Clock Tower on Schlossberg hill: a historic landmark offering panoramic views and a unique glimpse into the city's past.

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Uhrturm

The Uhrturm, or Clock Tower, is Graz's most recognizable landmark, perched atop the Schlossberg. With its large clock faces and rich history dating back to the 13th century, it offers stunning panoramic views of the city and serves as a reminder of Graz's resilience.

A brief summary to Uhrturm

Am Schlossberg, Graz, 8010, AT
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Take the Schlossbergbahn funicular for a scenic and quick ride up to the Uhrturm.
Walk up the Schloßbergsteig for a challenging but rewarding climb with city views.
Visit the Uhrturm early in the morning for a quieter experience and stunning sunrise views.
Note the unusual clock face: the longer hand indicates the hour, the shorter one the minutes.
Enjoy the gardens and fortifications around the Schlossberg for a relaxing day.

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Getting There

Walking

From Hauptplatz, Graz's main square, walk north towards the Mur River. Cross the river and continue towards the base of the Schlossberg. From Schlossbergplatz, you can ascend the Schlossberg via the steep Schloßbergsteig steps (approx. 260 steps) directly to the Uhrturm. Alternatively, follow the road gently uphill. Allow 20-30 minutes for a moderately paced walk. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

From Jakominiplatz, a central transport hub, take tram line 4 or 5 to the 'Schlossbergbahn' stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Schlossbergbahn funicular. The funicular ride takes you up the Schlossberg, from where it is a 5-minute walk downhill to the Uhrturm. A single tram ticket costs €3.20. The Schlossbergbahn funicular is included in Graz public transport zone 1. Alternatively, from Kaiser-Josef-Platz/Oper, take a bus to Karmeliterplatz, from which there is a walking path up to the Schlossberg.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Graz. A taxi ride from Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to the Schlossbergplatz, the base of the Schlossberg, takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. From there, you can ascend to the Uhrturm on foot, via the Schlossbergbahn funicular, or the Schlossberg lift. The taxi fare is estimated to be €8-€11. Note that this cost only covers the ride to the base; funicular or lift tickets are extra.

Discover more about Uhrturm

The Grazer Uhrturm, standing 28 meters (94 feet) tall, is the emblem of Graz, captivating visitors with its historical significance and stunning views. Located on the Schlossberg, its origins trace back to the 13th century when it served as a defense tower. By 1569, it was converted into a clock tower, primarily to watch for fires in the city.The tower's most distinctive feature is its large clock faces, each over 5 meters in diameter, adorned with gilded hands. Unusually, the longer hand indicates the hour, and the shorter hand marks the minutes, a quirk stemming from the tower's original design, which featured only an hour hand. A minute hand was added later, but space constraints dictated its smaller size.The Uhrturm houses three bells: the hour bell from 1382, the fire alarm bell from 1645, and the 'scoundrel bell' from 1450, which once signaled executions and later, the closing time for taverns. The tower's wooden gallery, once used by fire watchmen, now offers visitors an unparalleled vantage point.The Schlossberg itself was largely destroyed by Napoleon's troops in 1809, but Graz citizens ransomed the Uhrturm, ensuring its survival as a symbol of the city. Today, the Schlossberg is a public park enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, offering gardens, fortifications, and panoramic views. Reaching the Uhrturm involves a pleasant walk or a ride on the Schlossbergbahn funicular or the Schlossberg lift.