Graz Castle Hill – From the train to the mountain
The Schlossbergbahn funicular whisks you up over the rooftops of Graz in just a few minutes. At the top, a circuit begins that reveals the Schlossberg from various perspectives: as a viewpoint, a favorite green spot, and a former fortress. At the "Liesl" bell, you encounter centuries of history alongside contemporary art. From the Stallbastei bastion, you can look out over the city and learn why this rocky outcrop was once so crucial to its defense.
Next, the tour takes you to the Casemates, the Great Cistern, and the Hackher Lion. Walls, gateways, and a deep well tell the story of how people lived on the hill and prepared for sieges. Later, the defensive stronghold transforms into a place for leisure: the Starcke House and the Chinese Pavilion offer fresh views of Graz.
Passing the Clock Tower, you descend to the Herberstein Garden, where the atmosphere of the hill shifts completely. Finally, you walk through the Schlossberg Tunnel-carved right through the rock-and emerge at Schlossbergplatz, almost back where you started, yet with a new perspective on the hill towering above you.
- Time
- 105 Min.
- Distance
- 2,0 km
- Stops
- 15
- Elevation gain
- 161 m
- Start
- Talstation Schlossbergbahn, Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai
- Price
- € 9,99
Weather for Graz
Scattered clouds
Head out well prepared
Good weather for your next city story.
Sat
23° 14°
Sun
26° 14°
Mon
21° 13°
What it's about
A city story.
Your pace.
Route notes
The tour begins with the ascent in the paid Schloßbergbahn. From the mountain station, it continues on foot over the Schloßberg and through the public Schloßbergstollen back to Schloßbergplatz. If the tunnel is closed, the tour will instead end at Karmeliterplatz. Please load the complete audio section for the tunnel before the east portal. Inside the mountain, GPS and internet reception may be limited.
Your stops
- 1By train to the mountain
- 2Bell Tower and Liesl
- 3ACII–Himmel and ARTSAT: Graz broadcasts into space
- 4Kasematten: From Supply to Curtain
- 5The large cistern
- 6The lion that represents a major
- 7Gothic Gate and small castle
- 8The Schloßbergbahn from above
- 9Starcke Haus: A Lodge Above Graz
- 10Turkish Fountain: 94 meters down
- 11Chinese Pavilion and Bishop's Chair
- 12Clock Tower: The Time of the Grazers
- 13Herbersteingarten: A Touch of the South
- 14Through the Schloßbergstollen: Shelter and Culture
- 15Again at Schloßbergplatz
Snapshots
A few snapshots from along the way.
Before you start
Frequently asked questions
Where does the tour start and end?+
The tour begins at the valley station of the Schloßbergbahn at Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Kai. It ends at Schloßbergplatz, just a few minutes' walk from the starting point. The start and finish are close to each other – however, the route in between goes over and through the Schloßberg.
Is the ride on the Schloßbergbahn included in the tour price?+
No. For the ascent, you additionally need a valid ticket from Graz Linien or a separate ticket for the Schloßbergbahn. Please check the currently valid fares before starting.
Can I do the tour without the Schloßbergbahn?+
Basically, you can reach the Schloßberg either on foot or by lift. However, this tour is designed for the ascent with the Schloßbergbahn. The first audio text accompanies the ride, and the route begins right at the Be
How much time should I plan?+
Plan approximately 105 minutes. If you visit the Graz Museum Schloßberg, spend more time taking photos, or stop for a break along the way, you should allow for extra time. Visiting the museum is not a requirement for the tour.
Is the tour strenuous?+
The ascent is taken care of by the Schloßbergbahn. At the top, the tour predominantly goes downhill, but includes inclined and partially uneven paths as well as steps. At the Herbersteingarten, it goes down first and then back up towards the Uhrturmbereich. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended.
Is the tour accessible or suitable for strollers?+
No, the planned route is not fully accessible. Slopes, steps, uneven sections, and the Herbersteingarten can be problematic with a wheelchair or stroller. The Bahn, Schloßberglift, and Graz Museum Schloßberg offer their own barrier-free options, but they do not cover the entire tour route.
Do I have to enter the Graz Museum Schloßberg or the Kasematten?+
No. All the stories necessary for the tour work in the publicly accessible outdoor space. If the Museum or Kasematten are open, you can voluntarily take a look inside or extend your visit.
Shall we visit the Dom im Berg?+
The tour passes by the public tunnel at the entrance to the Dom im Berg. The event space itself is usually not accessible outside of events. For the story, a stop at the junction is sufficient.
Are Schloßberglift, Rutsche, and Märchenbahn part of the tour?+
We pass by the entrances or areas of the tunnel and explain how the mountain is used today. However, a ride on the lift, slide, or fairy tale train is not part of the route. You should check the opening hours, tickets, and access options separately.
Can I do the tour in bad weather?+
The tour is generally possible in light rain. However, many paths are outdoors and can become wet or slippery. In case of thunderstorms, storms, snow, or icy conditions, you should postpone the tour. The tunnel only provides protection from the weather in the last section.
Is the tour suitable for children?+
Yes, if the children can walk for about two hours and listen to longer stories. Bahn, Glocke, Löwe, Fotoaufgabe, Stollen, and the references to Rutsche and Märchenbahn provide good points of connection. For smaller children, the complete round including Herbersteingarten may be too long.
What happens when the Schlossbergstollen is closed?+
The public passage through the Schlossbergstollen is usually open continuously and free of charge, as it serves as a public path. However, there are gates that can be closed if necessary or for safety reasons. If it is closed, continue down to Karmeliterplatz. There you can alternatively end the tour. The Dom im Berg and Schlossbergplatz are then not accessible via the designated tunnel route.
What temperature prevails in the Schlossbergstollen?+
The temperature in the tunnel remains consistently cool at 8 to 12 °C year-round. Especially in the height of summer, the corridor offers an ideal refreshment. Those who stay there for a longer period should pack a light jacket even on warm days.
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