Schlossberg Tunnel System
During the Second World War, construction of the Schlossberg tunnel system began in 1943 because of Allied air raids. Moreover, the largest air-raid protection complex in Graz was built using prisoners of war and civilian forced labour. In 1945, 6.3 kilometres with 20 entrances were cut into the mountain, in which officially 40,000 people found shelter, but in practice far more.
It was not until the late 1960s that it was used again permanently for the Graz fairy tale train. Accessible parts of the tunnel system are now used as a walk-through Schlossberg Tunnel, as a mining and factory railway museum, as the event location Dom im Berg or as access to the Schlossberg Lift and The Slide Graz.
Tip
Graz Museum Schlossberg
The Graz Museum Schlossberg invites you to immerse yourself in the exciting history of Graz's Schlossberg - from its former function as a mighty fortification to its current importance as a popular cultural and recreational centre. In the Graz Schlossberg Museum, a multimedia Schlossberg model provides insights into the interior of the mountain with its kilometre-long tunnel system. The museum also offers visitors the most beautiful and expansive view of the city of Graz.
Good to know
The publicly accessible Schlossberg Tunnel connects Schlossbergplatz with Karmeliterplatz. Along the route, visitors will find the entrance to the Dom im Berg and access to the Schlossberg Lift. The tunnel offers a practical, weather-independent route through the Schlossberg.
Construction of the Schlossberg Tunnel began in 1943 during the Second World War as an air-raid shelter. A total of around 6.3 kilometres of tunnels with 20 entrances were excavated inside the mountain. Officially, the tunnels could accommodate around 40,000 people, although during heavy air raids many more sought refuge there.
Yes. The public passage through the Schlossberg Tunnel is free of charge and can be used independently of the opening hours of the attractions. Only attractions such as the Fairytale Railway, The Slide, or events at the Dom im Berg require an admission ticket.
Several unique attractions are located within the Schlossberg, including the Dom im Berg, the Graz Fairytale Railway, the Schlossberg Lift, and the entrance to The Slide. This makes the tunnel itself one of the most exciting places to visit on Graz’s Schlossberg.
The tunnel maintains pleasant temperatures of around 8 to 12°C throughout the year. On hot summer days, it offers a welcome escape from the heat. If you plan to stay for longer, it is advisable to bring a light jacket, even in summer.
Yes. The public tunnel connects Schlossbergplatz with Karmeliterplatz, providing a fast and weather-independent route through the Schlossberg without having to climb over the hill. Along the way, visitors can also discover several attractions.
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