Fernberger Bastion
The Fernberger Bastion is one of the younger parts of the Renaissance fortress that was built in 1544. It owes its name to Castellan Hans Fernberger von Auer, on whose initiative it was built from 1584 to reinforce the western fortress wall. When the fortress was demolished in 1809, only the bastion walls remained intact. In 1893, the construction of the first Schlossberg Restaurant, which has since been adapted several times, and the top station of the Schlossberg Funicular changed the appearance of the bastion. Since 1894, the entrance to the tunnel portal of the bastion wall has marked the end of the scenic ascent by funicular railway, which climbs exactly 108.95 metres in altitude.
Good to know
The Fernberger Bastion is one of the most historic sites on Graz’s Schlossberg. Built in 1584 as part of the Renaissance fortress, it was designed to defend the western section of the fortifications. Today, it combines history with culinary delights: it is home to the Schlossberg Restaurant and the upper station of the Schlossberg Funicular. At the same time, it offers magnificent views over Graz’s Old Town.
Major Franz Xaver Hackher zu Hart was an Austrian officer who heroically defended Graz’s Schlossberg during the French siege in 1809. In his honour, the Hackher Lion was erected on the Schlossberg – a lion-shaped monument commemorating his courage and determination. Although the original monument was destroyed during the Second World War, a faithful replica has stood on its original site since 1966 and remains a symbol of bravery and resilience.
Just north of the Fernberger Bastion stands the Hackher Lion, one of the best-known monuments on the Schlossberg. It commemorates Major Franz Xaver Hackher zu Hart, who successfully defended the Schlossberg against French troops in 1809. The current lion is a replica of the original sculpture, which was destroyed during the Second World War.
The Fernberger Bastion was built in 1584 under the direction of Hans Fernberger von Auer, commander of Graz Castle, to strengthen the defence of the fortress’s western wall with artillery. Today, it is home to the Schlossberg Restaurant, which offers spectacular views over Graz’s Old Town. The upper station of the Schlossberg Funicular is also located here, providing convenient access to the Schlossberg.
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