Ankeruhr (Anchor Clock), Vienna

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Ankeruhr (Anchor Clock), Vienna

Ankeruhr (Anchor Clock), Vienna

Perched above Vienna’s High Market, the Anker Clock is a delightful piece of early 20th-century theatrical engineering. It’s named after the Anker Insurance Company, which bankrolled the project—because not that many things in the world can manifest “solid investment” as vividly as an Art Nouveau timepiece straddling a bridge between two buildings... The mastermind behind it was Franz von Matsch, a close collaborator of Gustav Klimt, because apparently, Vienna couldn’t build anything back then without roping in someone from the Secessionist circle.

Now, the real fun kicks in at noon, when the clock turns into a slow-motion parade of historical celebrities. Twelve of them take a turn gliding across the clock face, each accompanied by era-appropriate music. You’ve got Marcus Aurelius (who conveniently died in Vienna), Empress Maria Theresa, Joseph Haydn, and more—if you want the full cast list, check the handy plaque at street level.

Originally, the tunes were played by an 800-tube mechanical organ—yes, 800 tubes (!!!), because subtlety wasn’t in vogue back then. Although this beast survived World War II shelling, it was badly damaged, beyond repair, so today it is replaced by a ten-minute medley of digital sound reproduction. Mozart and Wagner still show up, though now via speaker instead of steampunk sorcery.

Is it as grand as Prague’s Astronomical Clock? Not quite. But the Anker Clock has its charm nonetheless: no elbowing through selfie sticks, no jostling crowds. Just a charming, slightly surreal little moment in the middle of the day.

Bonus tip:
While you’re there, check out the Marriage Fountain nearby—a beautifully over-the-top Baroque creation from the 18th century that, let’s be honest, pairs nicely with a clock that plays Haydn at lunchtime.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Vienna. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Ankeruhr (Anchor Clock) on Map

Sight Name: Ankeruhr (Anchor Clock)
Sight Location: Vienna, Austria (See walking tours in Vienna)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Vienna, Austria

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Vienna Introduction Walking Tour

Vienna Introduction Walking Tour

A city of green parks, opulent architecture, elegant shopping, crowded theaters, and boulevards for leisurely sauntering — Vienna, the capital of Austria, embodies a blend of regal tradition and contemporary vibrancy. The origin of the city's name is rooted in Roman times, stemming from the Celtic word Vedunia, meaning “forest stream”, which later evolved into Vindobona, a Roman...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Old Town Churches Walking Tour

Old Town Churches Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Klimt Paintings Tour

Klimt Paintings Tour

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Klimt's name is indelibly linked to Vienna. The renowned symbolist painter was a prominent figure in the city. As a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Vienna Introduction Walking Tour II

Vienna Introduction Walking Tour II

Vienna, the former capital of the once mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire, is the second largest city in the German-speaking world after Berlin. Steeped in history, today's Vienna is still much revered for its cultural grandeur. The abundance of it, manifested in imperial palaces, diverse museums, and historic churches, beckons annually over 6 million guests from around the world.

One of the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Old Town Chocolate Stores

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Vienna is famous for its love for sweet indulgence. And when it comes to chocolate, it stands tall among other locally-made mouth-watering confections.

Vienna's chocolate scene is deeply rooted in a rich culinary tradition. It has been sustained by several historic chocolate houses, located in the Old Town, that have been serving decadent treats for generations.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Throughout the entire 19th century, Vienna was a hub of cultural and musical activity, particularly in the realm of classical music, to which Johann Strauss and his father, Johann Strauss Sr., contributed greatly.

Strauss, the son had a personal connection with Vienna deeply rooted in its cultural fabric. Not only was he born here and spent most of his life, but also he achieved tremendous...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

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