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Uhrturm: Graz's Enduring Landmark
Graz's iconic clock tower on Schlossberg: a historic landmark offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's rich heritage.
The Uhrturm, or Clock Tower, is the iconic symbol of Graz, Austria, perched atop the Schlossberg hill. With its distinctive clock faces and rich history dating back to the 13th century, it offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Styrian landscape.
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A brief summary to Uhrturm
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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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.
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, 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, ascend to the Uhrturm via the funicular, lift, or on foot.
Driving
Driving directly to the Uhrturm is not possible as it's located on the car-free Schlossberg. Park at one of the nearby parking garages such as 'Parkhaus am Schlossberg', 'Pfauengarten Garage', 'Tiefgarage Kastner & Öhler' or 'Kunsthausgarage'. From there, walk to Schlossbergplatz and ascend to the Uhrturm via the funicular, lift, or on foot. Parking fees in these garages typically range from €4.20-€4.50 per hour, with daily maximums around €40-€45.
Local tips
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Take the Felsensteig stairs for a scenic, albeit challenging, climb to the Uhrturm.
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Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
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Check out the Bürgerbastei, a beautiful garden near the Uhrturm, for stunning views.
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Note the reversed hands on the clock face – a unique feature with historical significance.
Discover more about Uhrturm
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.
A brief summary to Uhrturm
Use Uhrturm as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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