Austrian Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.  For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

Schlossberg & Clock Tower in Graz: All You Need to Know

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

It may sound cliché, but both locals and tourists alike love Schlossberg (Castle Hill) in the city center and the iconic Clock Tower on top. They’re truly must-visit spots in Graz.

During my years living in Graz, this was the go-to spot to meet friends, enjoy fresh air, the sun, and the scenic views of the city.

Whether you’re looking to get a bit of exercise, explore Graz’s history, or simply relax in a picturesque setting, Schlossberg is the place to be. In this post, I’ll talk about everything you need to know for your visit.

How to Get to Clock Tower

A serene, tree-lined path on Schlossberg hill in Graz, with sunlight streaming through the branches. The path offers a peaceful walk with nature in the heart of the city.
The path from Karmeliterplatz
The steep and winding Schlossbergstiege staircase, carved into the side of the hill in Graz, with green railings and stone arches. This iconic staircase leads visitors up to the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) and offers stunning views.
The Stairs up the hill
A red funicular car ascends the steep Schlossbergbahn railway in Graz, offering a scenic view of the city’s rooftops and surrounding mountains. The ride is a popular way to reach the top of the Schlossberg hill.
The Funicular going up Schlossberg
A steep, twisting metal slide illuminated with blue and purple lights, stretching down inside the Schlossberg tunnel in Graz, Austria. The dramatic view upward emphasizes the slide's towering structure and industrial design against the rough stone walls of the cavern.
The Schlossberg Rutsche

There are multiple ways to the top of Schlossberg, by walking, by funicular, or by elevator. Locals almost always choose to walk while tourists usually opt for the funicular or the elevator.

  • Steps from Schlossbergplatz: Take the scenic 260-step climb for a workout and beautiful views along the way. (The steps are closed during winter)
  • Walkway from Karmeliterplatz: There are multiple walkways, the most popular one sets off at Karmeliterplatz. It’s a small road through shaded greenery.
  • Schlossbergbahn (Funicular): The funicular from Sackstraße offers a quick, comfortable ride. The cable cars even have a glass roof for panoramic views.
  • Schlossberg Elevator: Located inside the mountain, the elevator whisks you to the top in minutes and is a great option if you want to skip the climb.
  • Schlossberg Slide: This last option is only for going down. Inside the hill, there’s the longest indoor slide in the world. Sliding down is a very fun thing to do in Graz.

The famous Uhrturm, a large clock tower on the Schlossberg hill in Graz, surrounded by lush gardens with colorful flowers in the foreground.
View from the Rose Garden (Rosengarten)

What is Special About the Graz Clock Tower

The Graz Clock Tower (Uhrturm) is the city’s symbol and one of its most important historical landmarks. Located on top of Schlossberg, the tallest hill in Graz city center, it offers stunning views of Graz.

What makes it unique is its quirky clock with reversed hands: the large hand shows the hour, and the small hand marks the minutes. This design comes from when the clock originally only had an hour hand so it could be seen from far away.

The tower dates back to the 13th century, with its current form built in the 16th century. The original clockwork from 1712, designed by Michael Sylvester Funck, still works today, now powered electrically. The tower also houses three bells, the oldest of which rings every hour.

A close-up view of the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) on Schlossberg hill in Graz, Austria. The large clock face with bold Roman numerals is visible, along with an ornate stone crest at the base of the tower. The bright blue sky and a panoramic view of the city are seen in the background, offering a stunning vantage point from this historic landmark.
Close up of the medieval clock tower

What to Do at Schlossberg

A decorative wrought-iron fountain on Schlossberg hill in Graz, featuring intricate metalwork and surrounded by trees in a park setting. The clear blue sky and autumn foliage add to the tranquil atmosphere.
Cistern
The Kasemattenbühne, an open-air stage on Schlossberg hill, framed by old stone walls covered in ivy. The modern roof contrasts with the historic arches, creating a unique venue for performances.
Kasematten open air concert venue
A charming wooden pavilion on Schlossberg hill in Graz, framed by greenery and overlooking the city. The bright blue sky and distant mountains create a picturesque setting.
Chinese Pavillion
A vibrant rose garden on Schlossberg hill in Graz, with colorful flowers and arched trellises framing a pathway. The scenic garden offers a beautiful spot for visitors to enjoy nature.
Rose Garden
A historic tower on Schlossberg hill in Graz, with a red-tiled roof and pale stone walls. The structure is surrounded by trees, and the bright sunlight casts a warm glow on the scene.
Bell Tower
A scenic cobblestone pathway on Schlossberg hill in Graz, shaded by a wooden pergola entwined with thick, gnarled tree branches. Benches line the path, offering a peaceful resting spot next to a historic brick wall. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.
Benches next to the old fortress walls

To experience Schlossberg like a local, take a peaceful walk, relax on a bench, or bring a picnic blanket to enjoy the grassy areas and sunshine. But if you’re looking for more to explore, here are some attractions you won’t want to miss:

  • See the Bell Tower (Glockenturm): Inside this tower is “Liesl,” the third largest bell in Styria. It rings daily at 7 am, 12 pm, and 7 pm.
  • Visit the Rosengarten: This beautiful rose garden offers stunning views of both the city and the Clock Tower. Note that it’s closed during winter.
  • Catch a Performance at the Open-Air Stage: The Kasematten amphitheater hosts concerts and events throughout the year. During the holiday season, it’s home to one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Graz.
  • Stop by the Graz Museum Schlossberg: Discover the history and significance of Schlossberg, although, personally, I find other museums in Graz more interesting.
  • Explore the Castle Ruins: Keep your eyes open for the remnants of the fortress that once defended the city, offering a glimpse into Graz’s medieval past.
  • Check Out the Zisterne: This historic cistern still functions as a backup water source in case of a fire. While you can’t see the water, the impressive structure protecting the well is worth a look.
  • Chinese Pavillon: The Pavillon is the perfect photo spot at Schlossberg. You also get an amazing view from there from the city and the Clock Tower.
  • Fairytale Ride: Perfect for kids, the Fairytale Express is a fun train ride through the mountain, passing magical fairy tale scenes. You’ll find it near the elevator entrance at the base of the hill.
  • Attend a Concert Inside the Mountain: Dom im Berg is a unique event venue inside the mountain itself. Check out the event schedule here (be sure to filter for Dom im Berg).
  • Grab a Drink at One of the Restaurants: Take in panoramic views while enjoying a refreshing drink or meal at one of the hilltop cafés or restaurants.

Restaurants at Schlossberg

An outdoor seating area of the Aiola Upstairs Café on Schlossberg hill in Graz, with large umbrellas and a modern, sleek design. A statue of a giraffe stands near the entrance, adding a whimsical touch.
Aiola Upstairs
A traditional outdoor beer garden on Schlossberg hill, featuring wooden picnic tables and barrel-shaped decorations under the shade of trees. The relaxed atmosphere invites visitors to enjoy local beverages.
Schlossberg Restaurant Beer Garden
A scenic view of a garden area on Schlossberg hill in Graz, with lush plants and trees lining a walkway. The backdrop includes parts of the historic fortress wall and a panoramic view of the city.
Starcke Haus

If you get hungry or thirsty while exploring Schlossberg, there are several great spots to grab a drink or a bite, all with fantastic views of Graz:

  • Aiola Upstairs: Located right next to the Clock Tower, this stylish restaurant is perfect for a drink with a view. The outdoor terrace is especially lovely in summer. They also serve food, but it’s on the pricier side and not very vegan-friendly, so I usually just stick to drinks here.
  • Restaurant Schlossberg: This spot offers multiple options, including the main restaurant, a beer garden, and the Sky Bar. The beer garden is open only on sunny days with outdoor seating and self-service. For something special, head to the Sky Bar, where you can sip cocktails while enjoying the view of the city.
  • Starcke Haus: The smallest restaurant on Schlossberg, Starcke Haus is a charming and cozy spot. While it may not have the best online reviews, it’s still a unique place to enjoy a drink, thanks to its picturesque setting.

Final Thoughts: Graz Schlossberg & Clock Tower

Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are truly the heart of Graz, it doesn’t matter how often you’ve been to the city, a walk up to Schlossberg and the Clock Tower is always a must-do.

Ready to explore more of what Graz has to offer? Be sure to check out my guide on the Best Things to Do in Graz for even more hidden gems and must-see spots!

Read more about Graz:

Pin it for later:
A promotional image for the Graz Clock Tower, featuring a vibrant photo of the iconic Uhrturm in Graz, Austria. The tower is set against a bright blue sky, with lush greenery and colorful flower beds in the foreground. The bold white text "Graz Clock Tower" is overlaid on the upper left corner, and the website "austrianveganwanderlust.com" appears at the bottom.
Clock Tower Graz Austria: Ultimate Travel Guide

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Austrian Veganderlust. After travelling the world and documenting her adventures on Veganderlust, she created this blog to share the beauty of her home country, Austria. Tina now focuses on helping travellers discover the best spots in Austria, including where to find the most delicious vegan food.