At 123 metres high, the Schlossberg with the famous clock tower, Graz's landmark, is the highest point in the city and offers a fabulous view over Graz's sea of roofs. Today, both historically and touristically significant, the fairytale grotto railway, the Kasemattenbühne (casemate stage) and the localities on Graz's Schlossberg are extremely popular.
The city of Graz, capital of the province of Styria in Austria, owes its name to the Schlossberg. In the 12th century, a castle with the Slovenian name "gradec", which means "small castle" in German, was built on its top. The site is steeped in history and is one of our top 10 sights in Austria.
Today, however, only two towers, the bell tower and the clock tower, remain from the castle. The famous Graz clock tower is considered the city's landmark. The bell tower houses the third largest bell in Styria, which bears the name "Liesl". In 1999, the Schlossberg was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the old town of Graz.
How do you get to the Schlossberg in Graz?
You can reach the Schlossberg comfortably either with the barrier-free Schlossberg lift or with the Schlossberg cable car, which has been in operation since 1894 and was extended in 2004.
If you are sporty, you can climb the mountain via 260 steps that were built during the First World War. Apart from that, in exceptional cases there is the possibility to drive up the Schlossberg from various starting points by car.
Sights on the Schlossberg in Graz
On the Schlossberg you will find a number of historical structures, including the 94-metre-deep Türkenbrunnen, from where drinking water was drawn in times of siege. It takes its name from the assumption that Turks held in captivity had helped dig it. The stable bastion with the cannon hut, from where the mountain used to be defended, is also still preserved today.
Another very well-known building on the Schlossberg is the Starcke-Häuschen, which was originally built as a winegrower's house and now houses a restaurant.
In addition to a wide range of culinary delights, the Schlossberg also offers a varied entertainment programme. Well-known musicians and other artists from Austria and all over the world regularly perform on the Kasematten stage, but local bands from Graz also show their skills here time and again.
For children, there is the fairy-tale grotto railway at the foot of the mountain, right by the Schlossberg lift, where scenes from famous fairy tales are re-enacted. Next to it, adults will find the Dom im Berg, an event and exhibition hall where many a night is celebrated.
