The Schlossberg is the wooded castle hill in the centre of Graz, rising about 123 metres above the main square. A fortress stood here for centuries. Today it is a public park with the Clock Tower, the Bell Tower, gardens, cafés and wide views over the red rooftops of the Old Town. You can climb 260 steps, ride the funicular or take the glass lift built inside the hill. The park is open around the clock, and walking up costs nothing.
Four ways up the hill
The Schlossberg is 473 metres above sea level and about 123 metres above the Hauptplatz, so the ascent is short whichever way you choose. The most direct route is the 260 steps of the Schlossbergstiege, which wind up the hillside between greenery and small houses. The Schlossbergbahn funicular and a glass lift inside the mountain cover the same climb without effort. A road and path route also leads up from the back.
The Kriegersteig is often named as the most scenic path. The back route to the Bell Tower is easier than the front stairs because the slopes are more gradual, which makes it a good choice if steep steps are a problem. The funicular is free with a city transport pass. The lift costs money.
The Clock Tower and the Bell Tower
The Uhrturm, or Clock Tower, is 28 metres high and is the most recognisable symbol of Graz. It was built in the mid-16th century as part of the fortress, and it received its oversized clock faces in 1712. The clock mechanism from that year still runs, though electricity has driven it since the mid-20th century. The bell that strikes the hours is dated 1385 and is the oldest in Graz.
The Glockenturm, or Bell Tower, is 34 metres high. It holds the city's largest bell, known as the Liesl. Gardens with flower beds and promenades surround both towers.
From fortress to public park
Fortifications on the hill go back to the 10th century, and the castle gave the city its name. In 1544 the hill was extended into a fortress that is recorded as never falling to the Turks. Napoleon's army also failed to take it, but after the French victory over the Habsburgs in 1809 most of the fortress was destroyed. The citizens paid a ransom so that the Clock Tower and the Bell Tower were spared.
The remains were turned into a public park in 1839. Two bastions, the Türkenbrunnen cistern and a section of red stone castle still stand. The park is now run by Holding Graz, the city-owned utility company.
What to do at the top
The park's paths link viewing platforms, play areas, restaurants and bars, the Graz Museum Schlossberg and a live music venue. The Chinese Pavilion is a good spot to look across the rooftops towards the Kunsthaus, the blue, curved gallery on the Mur. A dual ticket for the museum and a second museum is considered fair value.
The Biergarten at Schlossberg 6a serves Styrian snacks, regional drinks and local draught beer above the rooftops, with a view of the Mur and the Kunsthaus. It is open from April to October. Other cafés in the park serve drinks and snacks year-round.
The park also has picnic tables, a barbecue area, sports courts and a dog park. Dogs are allowed.
With children
The funicular and the glass lift are an easy ride for small children and grandparents. Families can take the gradual ascent on foot while others ride up. At the top, the park has a playground, and the Graz fairy tale train is a short ride aimed at young children. The Schlossbergrutsche, a long slide, takes the descent from the hill on a carpet. Its entrance is near the lift.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee for the Schlossberg?
The park is open around the clock and walking up is free. The lift costs money, and the funicular is free with a city transport pass. The Graz Museum Schlossberg has its own ticket.
How do you get to the top of the Schlossberg?
There are four ways: the 260 steps of the Schlossbergstiege, the Schlossbergbahn funicular, a glass lift inside the hill, or the gentler paths and road at the back. For the lift, take tram 4 or 5 to Schlossplatz/Murinsel.
How long does it take to walk up from the Old Town?
It is about 15 minutes from the Old Town to the Clock Tower. Allow one to two hours if you want to explore the park, the views and a café.
Is the Schlossberg good for children?
Yes. Children can ride the funicular or glass lift, play in the park, take the fairy tale train or slide down on the Schlossbergrutsche.
Where can you park near the Schlossberg?
The Schlossberg multi-storey car park and the Kastner & Öhler underground car park are both close to the city centre and the foot of the hill.
