Uhrturm (Clock Tower)

The Uhrturm (Clock Tower) is Graz’s most recognizable symbol, standing 28 meters tall atop the Schlossberg hill. As a key component of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic landmark was originally built as a defense tower in 1265 and converted into a clock tower in 1569 to monitor for fires. The tower features a unique reversed clock design where the larger hand indicates hours and the smaller hand indicates minutes, a quirk resulting from historical modifications. It houses three historic bells, including one from 1385, which are made from 101 cannonballs and rung 101 times each at 7:00, 12:00, and 19:00 daily.

Access to the Schlossberg is available via four methods: walking up 260 steps on the Felsensteig, using paths from Karmeliterplatz or Wickenburggasse, taking the Schlossbergbahn funicular, or using the Schlossberg lift. The exterior of the tower is visible from anywhere in Graz and is free to view. However, access to the interior varies. During Styrian summer vacation, the tower is open Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with an admission fee of €2.00. Outside of these hours, the interior is only accessible via guided tours. Visitors are recommended to allocate approximately two hours for their visit to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. The tower’s survival is notable, as citizens famously paid a ransom to save it from destruction by French forces in the 19th century. This blend of architectural history and civic resilience makes the Uhrturm a significant cultural stop in Graz.