Uhrturm

About

The Uhrturm, perched on the slopes of the Schlossberg, is the most beloved symbol of Graz and one of its oldest surviving structures. Its present form dates to the 16th century, but the tower’s foundations reach back to medieval fortifications. The clock’s famously reversed hands—the large hand marking hours and the small hand marking minutes—reflect an earlier era when only the hour mattered for daily life. This unusual feature has become a charming quirk that visitors love to decode. Inside the tower, accessible during special openings, you can see the historic clockwork mechanism that once required daily winding. The wooden galleries and thick stone walls reveal how the tower functioned both as a timekeeper and as part of the city’s defensive system. The three bells, each with its own purpose—fire warning, curfew, and celebration—still ring out across Graz. Around the Uhrturm, terraces offer sweeping views over the red‑roofed old town, the Mur River, and the distant hills. The surrounding pathways, carved into the rock or winding through gardens, make the ascent part of the experience.

Graz Austria

Location

The Uhrturm, or Clock Tower, is Graz’s most famous symbol and stands on the southern edge of Schlossberg hill at Schlossberg, 8010 Graz. This 28–29 meter tower is perched above the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Graz and the surrounding Styrian countryside. Near the Uhrturm, Schlossberg Park is filled with walking trails, cafes, gardens, and historical remnants that enrich the experience. Just a short walk downhill leads to many of Graz’s top attractions: the historic Grazer Burg (Graz Castle) with its Double Spiral Staircase, Graz Cathedral, and the Mausoleum of Ferdinand II. The Landeszeughaus (Styrian Armoury), one of Europe’s largest historic armour collections, is close to the Glockenspiel square, while Hauptplatz (Main Square), Franziskanerkirche, and the Renaissance Landhaus are all within easy walking distance. The futuristic Murinsel island on the Mur River, the striking blue Kunsthaus Graz, and the Graz Museum are also nearby, making the Uhrturm an ideal starting or finishing point for a cultural tour of the city. The tower is open daily and is especially magical at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle below.