Uhrturm Travel Guide

The Grazer Uhrturm, a 28-meter-high clock tower, proudly stands as the emblem of Graz on the Schlossberg. Its origins trace back to the 13th century when it served as a crucial component of the city's fortifications. The tower assumed its present form around 1569, boasting large clock faces that are over 5 meters in diameter with gilded hands.Interestingly, the clock's hands are reversed; the longer hand indicates the hour, and the shorter one marks the minutes. This is because, historically, only the hour hand was essential for distant viewing. The minute hand was added later, and space constraints dictated its smaller size.The Uhrturm houses three bells, each with its own story. The oldest, dating back to 1382, rings on the hour. Another, from 1645, once warned of fires, and the third, cast in 1450, originally tolled during executions. The tower's wooden gallery, initially used by fire watchmen, adds to its charm.Despite the destruction of the Schlossberg fortress by Napoleon's troops in 1809, the Uhrturm was saved by the citizens of Graz who bought it. Today, the Schlossberg is a public park beloved by locals and tourists alike. Visitors can ascend the Schlossberg via the Schlossbergbahn funicular, the Schlossberg lift, or by foot using the Felsensteig stairs.