Schlossberg (Graz)

Schloßberg castle depicted in 1679.

The fortification of the Schlossberg goes back to at least the 10th century. In the mid-16th century, a 400 m (1,300 ft) long fortress was constructed by architects from the north of Italy. There are records of a cable-hauled lift being in use between 1528 and 1595 to move construction materials for the fortifications. The castle was never conquered, but it was largely demolished by Napoleonic forces under the Treaty of Schönbrunn of 1809. The clock tower (the Uhrturm) and bell tower (the Glockenturm) were spared after the people of Graz paid a ransom for their preservation.[1][2][3][4]

The remains of the castle were turned into a public park by Ludwig von Welden in 1839. The park contains the Uhrturm, the Glockenturm, a cistern (the Türkenbrunnen) and two bastions from the old castle. The Uhrturm is a recognisable icon for the city, and is unusual in that the clock's hands have opposite roles to the common notion, with the larger one marking hours while the smaller is for minutes. The Glockenturm contains Liesl, the heaviest bell in Graz.[1][2][5]

Near the Uhrturm a café with views over the old town can be found. Additionally, on the western side of the Schlossberg, there are two small cafés, one with table service and another with self-service. Next to the terminus of the funicular railway there is a hilltop restaurant with views of western Graz. In what was once the cellar of one of the ruined bastions is the Kasemattenbühne, an open-air stage for concerts and performances.[6][7]

Below the Schlossberg hill is an extensive system of tunnels, which were created during the second world war to protect the civilian population of Graz from aerial bombing. Some of these tunnels are still accessible, including a passage from Schlossbergplatz to Karmeliterplatz, but many are closed to the public.

The Schlossberg lies in the center of Graz, somewhat northeast to Main Square and beneath and east to the river Mur, that runs to the South.

From all 4 sides pretty steep paths, with a few interconnections, one being a sloped tunnel, lead up to the top plateau of the mountain. Delivery automobile traffic is possible from Wickenburggasse (in the North) and Karmeliterplatz (S, via Sporgasse) but is restricted to the morning and controlled by barriers and cams. Cyclists only very seldom climb up, this is forbidden formally.

Effortless you gain 90 % of the height of the mountain by the Schlossberg funicular ("Schloßbergbahn") that carries passengers from the westside foot of the mountain (accessible via city-tram line 5) up to the restaurant with garden near the top.

A pair of vertical elevators – extra priced – lead up to another restaurant at 3/4 of the height of the mountain and about 10 m above the clocktower. At the bottom you reach the lift via a short tunnel from Schloßbergplatz in the West. From here a chain of staircases through a rocky wall with afternoon sun lead you to the clocktower. Relative warm in winter and cool in summer is the way through the World War II-tunnel half the way up to the clocktower.[8][9]

Two entrances lead from Wickenburggasse via the shady, cool forest on the north side up, being a small path resp. a paved street.

Between Paulustor and Landessportzentrum, exactly at the monument for Friedrich Ludwig Jahn in Stadtpark you can enter the although less crowded paths from the east side. From here you may reach a children's playground.

Each year the Elevate Festival, a festival for contemporary music, art and political discourse, is held in various venues in and around the Schlossberg.

In the large tunnel connecting the elevator to the Schlossbergplatz, the Fairytale Express Graz can be found. This is a popular grotto railway ride for children.

In February 2017, construction on the largest indoor slide "Sclossbergrutsche Graz" ended.[10] The slide is constructed out of large tubular metal pieces and winds around the elevator.[11] The slide covers a height difference of 64 meters and is 170 metres long.[10] A ride takes approximately 40 seconds and costs up to €7,80.

On the top of the mountain is the Kasemattenbühne, a free air concert venue. It is one of the most popular venue locations in Graz and has a retractable roof so that it can be used when the weather is not good.[12][13] 1310 people fit in the venue at the same time.

• Media related to Schloßberg, Graz at Wikimedia Commons
• Schlossberg page on Graz Tourism web site
• Schlossberg page on Holding Graz web site