No trespassing

44 trees are felled on Graz’s Schloßberg

A total of 44 trees have to be removed from the Schloßberg in Graz.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

The Graz landmark may not be entered during the semester break. No fewer than 44 trees are being felled with heavy equipment. For safety reasons, as they say.

With around 870,000 visitors a year, Graz's Schloßberg is the most popular excursion destination in Styria - but during the upcoming semester break, of all times, you can't enjoy the magnificent view of the Mur metropolis from the clock tower or experience the long history of the former fortress rock in the Schloßberg Museum.

44 trees to be felled
From Monday (February 19/6 am) to Wednesday (February 21/5 pm), the entire mountain will be a "restricted forest area", as the officials call it. 44 trees will be "removed" during this time. Dead wood in the crown area of a further 27 trees must be removed. The entire area may not be entered during these three days, and it is not possible for goods deliveries to enter or leave - all facilities on the Schloßberg, such as restaurants or the museum, are closed.

Judith Schwentner (Green Party).

(Bild: Stadt Graz/Foto Fischer)

"Some of the trees to be felled are dilapidated and pose a danger to visitors", according to the office of Deputy Mayor Judith Schwentner (Greens), who is responsible for green spaces - but they refer to the office of City Councillor for Finance and Participation Manfred Eber (KPÖ). There the matter is passed on to Holding Graz. On Tuesday afternoon, after "Krone" research apparently made one or the other of those involved slightly nervous, the public was informed via a press release ...

In any case, the trees will be felled with the approval of the Federal Monuments Office and the nature conservation authority, as the entire mountain is a protected area. Due to the drought in recent years and the low humus content on the rocky ground, the removal of the dying trees is unavoidable.

Helicopters move in to remove the trees
Spectacular images are guaranteed during this operation: Due to the extremely steep terrain in places, the trees will be retrieved by helicopter and made ready for removal. Residents on the Schloßberg are asked to keep the windows on the mountain side closed and not to enter outside areas on the three days during the flight time (8 am to 5 pm).