Uhrturm Graz

Also known as Uhrturm

The Clock Tower on the Schlossberg, built in the 13th century and Graz's most recognized landmark. The clock face is distinctive: the large hand shows hours, the small hand shows minutes (the reverse of convention). The terrace around the tower gives 360-degree views of Graz and the surrounding hills. Best visited at sunset.

The Uhrturm (Clock Tower) on Graz’s Schlossberg has been the city’s visual symbol since at least 1265. It survived Napoleon’s 1809 demolition order because the citizens paid a ransom to spare it; the rest of the fortress was demolished and the hill converted to a park. The clock face is deliberately reversed: the large hand shows hours, the small hand shows minutes, a legacy of how the original hour mechanism was installed. The tower is free to visit via the Schlossberg park; reach the summit by funicular, glass elevator (Schlossberglift), or 260 stone steps. Best at sunset for the panorama over Graz.