Ankeruhr, Vienna Travel Guide

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Experience Vienna's history in motion at the Ankeruhr, a stunning Art Nouveau clock with a daily parade of historical figures and enchanting music.

The Ankeruhr (Anchor Clock) is an iconic Art Nouveau clock in Vienna's Hoher Markt, created by Franz von Matsch in the early 20th century. A mechanical marvel, it features twelve historical figures that parade across its face throughout the day, accompanied by music. The full spectacle occurs at noon, drawing crowds to witness this charming display of Viennese history and artistry.

A brief summary to Ankeruhr

Hoher Markt 10-11, Vienna, Innere Stadt, 1010, AT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ankeruhr.

Arrive at Hoher Markt before noon to secure a good viewing spot for the full parade of figures, which occurs daily at 12:00 PM.
Explore the Hoher Markt and surrounding area, which features other historical landmarks, charming cafes, and local shops.
Visit during the Advent season to enjoy Christmas carols played at 5:00 PM in addition to the regular hourly chimes and noon parade.

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Explore Ankeruhr on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

The Ankeruhr is located in Vienna's Innere Stadt (Inner City) and is easily accessible on foot. From St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), walk north along Graben, a famous shopping street. Turn left onto Hoher Markt, where the Ankeruhr is located in the northern part of the square. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.
Public Transport

The Ankeruhr is easily accessible via Vienna's efficient public transport system. Take the U1 or U3 subway line to Stephansplatz station. Exit the station and walk towards Graben, then turn onto Hoher Markt. Alternatively, take bus 14A, 48A, 59A, N31, or VAL 2 to the Hoher Markt stop. A single ticket for Vienna's public transport system costs €3.
Parking

If driving, be aware that parking in the Innere Stadt is limited and can be expensive. The closest parking garage is Garage Hoher Markt (Sterngasse 5), which costs €5.90 per hour or €49.90 for 24 hours. Street parking is subject to a charge from Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM; the parking fee is €1.30 per 30 minutes, with a maximum parking duration of two hours. Consider using public transport instead due to parking limitations and costs.

Discover more about Ankeruhr

The Ankeruhr, or Anchor Clock, is more than just a timepiece; it's a captivating landmark that embodies Vienna's rich artistic and historical legacy. Located in the heart of Vienna's Innere Stadt (Inner City) at Hoher Markt 10-11, this impressive Art Nouveau clock was designed by the painter and sculptor Franz von Matsch and constructed between 1911 and 1914.Commissioned by the Anker Insurance Company, the Ankeruhr served as both a contribution to the city's art scene and a subtle reminder of the passage of time. The clock face spans a bridge connecting two sections of the Anker Insurance building, symbolizing the link between past and present. The clock's design incorporates allegorical motifs, including figures representing Life and Death, to reflect the transience of human existence.The Ankeruhr showcases twelve historical figures or pairs of figures from Austrian history, each representing a different hour. These figures, which include Marcus Aurelius, Charlemagne, Empress Maria Theresa, and others, slowly rotate around the clock's face, accompanied by music corresponding to their respective eras. The highlight of the day is at noon when all twelve figures parade in a complete rotation, offering a delightful spectacle of movement and sound.