Schlossberg Park

The Schlossberg, also known as Castle Hill in English, is a tree-covered hill located at an elevation of 473 meters (1,552 ft) above sea level. It is situated in the heart of Graz, Austria and is home to a fortress. The hill has been transformed into a public park, offering breathtaking views of the city. The site is home to various entertainment venues, cafes, and restaurants, and is under the management of Holding Graz, the utility company owned by the city.

The fortification of the Schlossberg dates back to at least the 10th century. During the mid-16th century, skilled architects from northern Italy constructed a fortress that spanned an impressive length of 400 m (1,300 ft). Between 1528 and 1595, historical records indicate that a cable-hauled lift was utilized to transport construction materials for the fortifications. Although the castle was never conquered, it suffered significant destruction at the hands of Napoleonic forces as a result of the Treaty of Schönbrunn in 1809. The clock tower, also known as the Uhrturm, and the bell tower, referred to as the Glockenturm, were saved from destruction thanks to the people of Graz who paid a ransom to ensure their preservation.

In 1839, Ludwig von Welden transformed the remnants of the castle into a public park. The park features several notable attractions, including the Uhrturm, the Glockenturm, a cistern known as the Türkenbrunnen, and two bastions that remain from the old castle. The Uhrturm is a well-known symbol of the city. What makes it unique is that its clock’s hands have opposite roles compared to the usual convention. In this clock, the larger hand indicates the hours, while the smaller hand indicates the minutes. The Glockenturm in Graz houses Liesl, which is the heaviest bell in the city.

There is a café near the Uhrturm that offers views of the old town. Furthermore, situated on the western side of the Schlossberg, there are two quaint cafés, each offering a distinct dining experience. One café provides table service, while the other operates on a self-service basis. Adjacent to the final stop of the funicular railway, there is a charming hilltop restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the western part of Graz. The Kasemattenbühne is an open-air stage for concerts and performances, located in what used to be the cellar of one of the ruined bastions.

Beneath the Schlossberg hill lies a vast network of tunnels that were constructed during the Second World War. These tunnels were designed to safeguard the residents of Graz from the threat of aerial bombings. A few of these tunnels are still accessible, such as the passage from Schlossbergplatz to Karmeliterplatz. However, the majority of them are closed to the public.

The Schlossberg is located in the heart of Graz, slightly northeast of the Main Square. It is situated below and to the east of the river Mur, which flows to the south.

The mountain has steep paths on all four sides, with a few interconnections. One of these interconnections is a sloped tunnel that leads up to the top plateau. Delivery automobile traffic is allowed from Wickenburggasse in the North and Karmeliterplatz in the South, via Sporgasse. However, this traffic is only permitted in the morning and is closely monitored through the use of barriers and cameras. Cyclists rarely climb up, as it is formally prohibited.

You can easily reach 90% of the height of the mountain by taking the Schlossberg funicular (“Schloßbergbahn”). This convenient mode of transportation carries passengers from the westside foot of the mountain, which can be accessed via city-tram line 5, up to the restaurant with a garden located near the top.

There are two vertical elevators that lead up to a restaurant located three-fourths of the way up the mountain. These elevators are an additional cost. The restaurant is situated approximately 10 meters above the clocktower. To access the lift, you can reach the bottom by taking a short tunnel from Schloßbergplatz in the West. From this point, a series of staircases carved into a rocky wall, illuminated by the warm afternoon sun, will guide you to the clocktower. The tunnel, located halfway up to the clocktower, provides a relatively warm environment in winter and a cool environment in summer. This unique characteristic has been maintained since World War II.

There are two entrances that lead from Wickenburggasse to a shady and cool forest on the north side. One entrance is a small path, while the other is a paved street.

You can access the less crowded paths from the east side, specifically at the monument for Friedrich Ludwig Jahn in Stadtpark, located between Paulustor and Landessportzentrum. From this location, you can access a children’s playground.

The Elevate Festival, an annual event that celebrates contemporary music, art, and political discourse, takes place in different venues located in and around the Schlossberg.

The Fairytale Express Graz can be found in the large tunnel that connects the elevator to the Schlossbergplatz. The grotto railway ride for children is quite popular.

Construction on the largest indoor slide, known as “Schlossbergrutsche Graz,” was completed in February 2017.The slide is made of large tubular metal pieces that wrap around the elevator. The slide spans a length of 170 meters and has a vertical drop of 64 meters.The duration of a ride is approximately 40 seconds, and the cost can go up to €7.80.

At the summit of the mountain, you will find the Kasemattenbühne, an open-air concert venue that offers free admission. The venue is highly popular in Graz and is equipped with a retractable roof, allowing it to be used even in unfavorable weather conditions. The venue can accommodate a maximum of 1310 people simultaneously.