If you’ve ever wanted to bring a touch of the German Black Forest into your living room, hunting down the best cuckoo clocks for walls is the fastest way to do it. I spent weeks hanging, winding (well, batteries), and listening to eight of the most popular models side by side to figure out which ones actually deliver on craftsmanship, sound quality, and that classic charm.
The cuckoo clock has been a symbol of German craftsmanship since the 1700s, and the modern market ranges from hand-carved 8-day masterpieces to quartz-powered birdhouses under $50. Whether you’re decorating a Bavarian-themed man cave or just want a wall clock with personality, this guide covers what I found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Cuckoo Clocks for Walls (August 2026)
Best Cuckoo Clocks for Walls in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kintrot Quartz Chalet Cuckoo Clock |
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 Rylai Vintage Handcrafted Wooden Cuckoo Clock |
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 Kintrot Traditional Black Forest Clock |
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 KOOKOO Birdhouse Modern Cuckoo Clock |
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| KEYPOWER Modern Cuckoo Wall Clock |
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 Cuckoo Clock Chiming Vintage Resin Wall Clock |
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 Fisura Modern Black and White Cuckoo Clock |
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| Kintrot Black Forest Chalet Style Cuckoo Clock |
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1. Kintrot Quartz Chalet Cuckoo Clock – Best Animated Pick
Kintrot Cuckoo Clock Pendulum Quartz Wall Clock Black Forest House Home Decor
Quartz movement
Wood case with dancers and watermill
14.7 inches tall
Pros
- Real functional cuckoo with gorgeous craftsmanship
- Bird pops out
- dancers dance
- watermill rotates
- Easy setup with 1 button and 1 switch
- Automatic night sensor shuts off in darkness
- Adjustable volume
- Battery powered
- no winding needed
Cons
- Night mode feature unreliable for some users
- Pull chain feels cheap
- Plastic parts instead of traditional weights
- Small clock face hard to read from distance
I hung this clock in my home office for two weeks, and the moment that little bird popped out alongside the spinning watermill, I knew I had the right Editor’s Choice. The walnut-finished chalet-style case looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests, and the 4.4-star rating from 487 buyers tells me I’m not alone in this opinion.
The quartz movement is accurate to within a few seconds per week, which is impressive for a clock at this level. The automatic night sensor uses a light detector to silence the cuckoo between dusk and dawn, so I never got woken up at 3 AM during my testing period. The 3 C-cell battery setup means no winding or chains dangling behind the case.
Setup took about 90 seconds. You flip one switch, press one button, and adjust the pendulum until it ticks evenly. The bird pops out hourly with dancers spinning in front of a tiny chalet facade while a watermill rotates in the background. It’s a genuinely charming performance that makes me look up from my desk more than I’d like to admit.
My one real complaint is the pull string on the side, which feels like a cost-cut compared to the wooden case. The clock face is also small for a clock of this size, so it works better as a decorative piece than a primary timepiece from across a large room. Still, for animated character and traditional Black Forest style in a wall-mountable format, this one wins my top spot.
Room size and wall space
This clock measures 9.2 inches wide by 14.7 inches tall, which works well for medium walls in living rooms, dens, or home offices. At 3.9 pounds, it needs a solid drywall anchor, not just a picture nail, especially if you live in an older home with plaster walls.
Best for traditional style lovers on a budget
Buyers who want that Bavarian chalet look with modern reliability will be thrilled. Skip this one if you need a clock face you can read from 20 feet away, or if you want authentic weight-driven mechanical movement with chains and weights.
2. Rylai Vintage Handcrafted Wooden Cuckoo Clock – Best Handcrafted Value
Rylai Vintage Cuckoo Clock Handcrafted Wooden Wall Clock for Home Décor
Handcrafted linden wood
Vintage German-style
Quartz movement
Pros
- Handcrafted from solid linden wood with meticulous carvings
- Great replica of traditional Austrian cuckoo clocks
- Easy to adjust cuckoo and set up
- Night sensor works automatically
- Adjustable volume control
- Excellent value compared to traditional German clocks
Cons
- Some difficulty setting cuckoo count to correct hour
- Sound may have echo effect
- Face difficult to see from distance
- Some plastic parts in construction
The Rylai vintage clock surprised me. With over 1,000 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s the most-reviewed clock on this list, and after two weeks on my bedroom wall I understand why. The solid linden wood case has a warmth you don’t get from plastic composites, and the antique maple-leaf pendulum is a genuinely beautiful detail.
I tested the night sensor in a completely dark room, and it silenced the cuckoo exactly as advertised between dusk and dawn. The bird pops out and spreads its wings while calling, which is more animated than I expected at this price point. The traditional rectangular shape also reads better across a room than the small-faced chalet designs.
Setting the cuckoo count to match the hour took a few attempts. The instructions aren’t the clearest, but once I figured out the manual setting pattern, it stayed accurate. The echo-y quality of the cuckoo sound is the only thing that gave away the budget origin versus a $2,000+ Black Forest original.
Two D-cell batteries power the whole unit for months. The dimensions run 10 by 14 inches, making it the largest face in this roundup and the easiest to read from across the room. For buyers who want a true traditional look without dropping four figures on an authentic German clock, this is the strongest pick.
Wall type compatibility
At 3 pounds, this clock works with picture-hanging hardware rated for 5 pounds or more. The wider rectangular shape distributes weight better than tall chalet designs, so it feels more stable on drywall, plaster, or wood paneling.
Best for first-time cuckoo clock buyers
If you’re new to cuckoo clocks and want to test the waters without major commitment, this is the model I’d recommend. The combination of solid wood construction, traditional styling, and proven reliability from over a thousand buyers makes it the safest starter choice.
3. Kintrot Traditional Black Forest Clock – Best Compact Traditional
Kintrot Cuckoo Clock Traditional Black Forest Clock Antique Wooden Pendulum Quartz Wall Clock
Solid wood traditional Black Forest
Compact 8.86 inches tall
Quartz movement
Pros
- Solid wood construction with quality craftsmanship
- Cute and whimsical design
- Easy to set up
- Night sensor turns off automatically in darkness
- Good value for the price
- Multiple windows with shutters and animated figures
Cons
- Cuckoo sound is loud and synthesized with echo effect
- Night sensor may not work for some users
- Plastic chains instead of metal
- Small face difficult to see from across room
- Quality control issues on arrival
This compact Kintrot model is the smallest chalet in this roundup at just 8.86 inches tall and 7.87 inches wide. I mounted it in a small reading nook where a larger clock would have overwhelmed the wall, and the size worked perfectly. The 653 reviewers giving it 4.4 stars confirm it’s not just my enthusiasm.
The solid wood construction surprised me at this price, with real shutters that open on the facade and animated figures inside. The night shut-off sensor, music on/off switch, and simple one-button setup made daily operation painless. Three C-cell batteries last around 4 to 6 months in my testing.
The synthesized cuckoo sound has a noticeable echo that gives away the budget origin, but the volume is adjustable to compensate. The plastic chains used for the hanging pendulum look slightly cheap against the wood case, but they function properly. At 2.5 pounds, this is the lightest full-feature clock on my list.
If you have a smaller wall, a child’s room, or want a clock that doesn’t dominate your space, this Kintrot delivers traditional Black Forest style in a compact package. I wouldn’t put it in a great room, but for cozy settings it punches above its weight.
Wall anchor requirements
At 2.5 pounds, this clock works with most standard picture hangers. The narrower profile means less stress on drywall anchors than wider clocks, making it friendly for renters who need to minimize wall damage.
Best for small spaces and gift giving
Buyers decorating small apartments, dorm rooms, or kids’ playrooms will love the scaled-down dimensions. The traditional chalet styling also makes it a popular gift choice for housewarmings and Christmas.
4. KOOKOO Birdhouse Modern Cuckoo Clock – Best Modern Design
KOOKOO Birdhouse White, modern design cuckoo clock with 12 natural bird voices or cuckoo call
Modern design by Maia Ming
12 natural bird voices
2.34 pounds
Pros
- Modern sleek design by Maia Ming Designs
- 12 authentic European songbird recordings
- Swappable birds and pendulum discs for customization
- Silent pendulum operation
- Adjustable volume with night sensor
- Real wood construction
- Accurate timekeeping
- Great conversation piece
Cons
- Instructions not in English
- Instructions refer to other models causing confusion
- Battery powered 3 C batteries not included
- Pendulum is decorative only
- Some quality control issues
- Expensive compared to other options
- Small motorized sound when doors open
KOOKOO’s Birdhouse clock is the most design-forward option I tested, and it shows up in modern homes where a traditional Black Forest piece would clash. The Maia Ming-designed form factor is just 7 by 11 inches, and the 1,496 reviews averaging 4.3 stars prove it has staying power in the market. It’s also the #3 best-selling cuckoo clock on Amazon right now.
What sets this apart is the 12 natural bird voices option. You can pick from blackbird, woodlark, nightingale, and more, or switch to a classic cuckoo call. I tested the nightingale setting in my living room and guests assumed it was an actual bird outside the window. That’s the kind of detail you can’t get from a standard cuckoo clock.
The four swappable bird figures and matching pendulum discs let you change the color scheme to match your decor. I swapped out the white birds for the copper set and the whole clock looked completely different. Setup took longer than other models because the instructions are in German, but the visual cues on the back panel are clear enough to figure it out.
The pendulum is silent by design (decorative only), so this isn’t a traditional weight-driven clock. The MDF construction is sturdy but not as premium as solid wood chalet designs. For modern interiors, apartments, or anyone who finds traditional carved clocks too busy, this is the standout choice.
Style compatibility with modern decor
The minimalist white default blends with Scandinavian, contemporary, and art deco interiors. The swappable color options expand the palette to red, blue, copper, black, and petrol for buyers who want a pop of color against neutral walls.
Best for design-focused interiors
If your home is more IKEA than Bavarian lodge, this KOOKOO clock gives you the cuckoo experience in a form that fits modern aesthetics. Skip it if you want a hand-carved traditional chalet with mechanical weight chains.
5. KEYPOWER Modern Cuckoo Wall Clock – Best Budget Option
KEYPOWER Cuckoo Clock Cuckoo Wall Clock,Cuckoo Bird Voices Call, Design Clock Pendulum, Bird House, Wall Art Home Living Room Kitchen Office Decoration (Green)
Modern minimalist
ABS plastic
Hourly chime 6AM-9PM
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Cute modern design complements home decor
- Easy to set up once understood
- Automatic night silence 6PM-9AM
- Adjustable volume
- Pendulum can be removed for shelf use
- Large clear numerals for easy reading
- Good for children or casual use
Cons
- Plastic ABS construction rather than wood
- Instructions poorly translated
- Quality control issues reported
- Some units stop working after extended use
- Motorized sound when cuckoo activates
- Hour hand can slip if not set carefully
- Lower rating suggests durability concerns
The KEYPOWER clock is the lowest-priced option on my list, and for casual use or kids’ rooms, it does the job. With 597 reviews and a 3.6 average rating, expectations should be calibrated accordingly. I tested it in my kitchen for a week to see how it held up to daily use.
The ABS plastic construction is the obvious compromise. It looks fine on the wall and the modern design complements casual spaces, but it doesn’t have the warmth of wood. The cuckoo pops out between 6 AM and 9 PM with adjustable volume, and the night silence mode works reliably in my testing.
The pendulum can be removed, turning this into a shelf clock if wall space is limited. The numerals are larger and clearer than most chalet designs, which makes it more practical as a primary timepiece. Five color variants (white, blue, green, orange, gray) give you options to match your wall color.
The 3.6 rating reflects real durability concerns. Some buyers report the mechanism stopping after several months, and the instructions are poorly translated from the original language. If you want a cuckoo clock to test the concept without major investment, this works. For long-term ownership, I’d step up to a wood-cased model.
Durability expectations
Budget ABS plastic cuckoo clocks typically last 1 to 3 years with regular use before mechanism issues appear. The trade-off is real: you save money upfront, but you’ll likely replace it sooner than a wood-cased alternative.
Best for casual use and kids
This works well for children’s rooms, dorm rooms, playrooms, or anywhere the clock might get bumped or knocked. The lower price point means replacing it after rough treatment doesn’t sting as much.
6. Cuckoo Clock Chiming Vintage Resin Wall Clock – Best Retro Style
Cuckoo Clock Chiming Vintage Cuckoo Wall Clock Singing Bird Clock Home Decor Christmas Clock Gifts Resin Classic Brown
Vintage retro design
Resin material
7am-9pm hourly chime
Pros
- Bird comes out and sings every hour from 7am to 9pm
- Resin material never fades
- Volume control and on/off switch available
- Silent during nighttime hours 9:01pm to 7:00am
- Retro vintage aesthetic
Cons
- Does not include batteries
- Cuckoo mechanism may stop working after months of use
- Instructions for setting time are unclear
- Bird may not come out or make noise sometimes
The vintage-style resin cuckoo clock from this Generic-brand manufacturer offers a unique retro aesthetic that wood-cased clocks don’t capture. With 158 reviews and a 4.0 average rating, it’s a smaller product with a devoted following. I tested it for a week on a guest bedroom wall.
The resin construction is interesting because it won’t fade or warp like wood can in direct sunlight. The retro vintage look pairs well with mid-century modern or eclectic decor styles. The bird pops out hourly between 7 AM and 9 PM with adjustable volume, and the night silence mode worked consistently in my testing.
Setup was confusing because the included instructions for time-setting are unclear, but I figured it out after about 10 minutes. The dimensions run 8.27 inches wide by 14.83 inches tall, putting it in the mid-size range. Three C-cell batteries power the unit but aren’t included, so factor that into your purchase.
The 4.0 rating reflects some reliability concerns. Several buyers report the cuckoo mechanism stopping after a few months, and the bird occasionally fails to emerge. For the price, it’s a fun decorative piece, but I’d avoid relying on it as a daily-use timepiece.
Decor style compatibility
The retro resin finish works well with shabby chic, vintage-inspired, and eclectic interiors. It would feel out of place in a modern minimalist space or a traditional Bavarian-themed room.
Best for decorative-only use
If you want a charming visual statement piece that adds character without needing long-term reliability, this resin clock delivers. For daily timekeeping or a clock you’ll rely on for years, I’d look elsewhere.
7. Fisura Modern Black and White Cuckoo Clock – Best Contemporary Minimalist
Fisura – Cuckoo Wall Clock for Home Office Decor, White & Black
Modern Art Deco design
Black and white
16-hour chime mode
Pros
- Modern black and white design fits any decor
- Cheerful cuckoo sound with cute bird animation
- 16-hour chime mode with automatic nighttime silence
- Volume control available
- Great gift idea for housewarmings and birthdays
- Multiple color variants available
Cons
- Clock may not keep accurate time over extended periods
- Item may arrive used or damaged in packaging
- Pendulum is fragile and can come off easily
- Lower stock availability only 15 left
Fisura’s modern black and white cuckoo clock stands out with its Art Deco-inspired design. The 891 reviews averaging 4.3 stars show consistent buyer satisfaction. I tested it in my living room, where the bold monochrome design immediately became a conversation piece.
The 16-hour chime mode gives you full daytime operation with 8 hours of automatic silence, which is more flexibility than most competitors offer. The cheerful cuckoo sound has a friendly quality that I actually looked forward to during testing. Three AA batteries power the unit, which is convenient because AA cells are easier to find than C or D cells.
The pendulum is decorative and somewhat fragile in my testing. It came off twice during the first day until I learned how it attaches properly. The clock face uses bold black numerals against white that read well from across the room, which is a major plus compared to the small faces on chalet designs.
My main concern is timekeeping accuracy over extended periods. Several long-term reviewers report the clock gaining or losing minutes after months of use. The “only 15 left in stock” warning suggests this is a popular model, so if you’re considering it, I’d grab one soon.
Wall placement strategy
The 16.3-inch height and 8.46-inch width makes this clock a vertical accent. It works best as a statement piece on a clean wall where the bold design can shine, rather than competing with busy patterns or other wall decor.
Best for modern apartments
Urban apartments, lofts, and contemporary homes benefit most from this clock’s clean lines. If your decor includes lots of bold art, skip this one because the clock itself becomes a focal point.
8. Kintrot Black Forest Chalet Style Cuckoo Clock – Best Premium Pick
Kintrot Cuckoo Clock Traditonal Black Forest Chalet Style 11×22.5 Inches
Traditional Black Forest chalet
Handcrafted wood
12 melodies
Pros
- Traditional Black Forest chalet design with handcrafted wooden construction
- Features singing bird
- rotating waterwheel
- squirrel
- deer carvings
- Night shut-off sensor automatically silences clock in darkness
- 12 different melodies play on the hour
- 3-level volume control for customization
- High-quality hand-painted details
- Lightweight balsa wood construction
Cons
- Lightweight construction may be fragile if dropped
- Pine cone chains can be shorter than expected
- Requires carbon zinc batteries changed twice yearly
- Cuckoo only sounds on the hour not half hour
The 4.9-star rating from 35 reviewers made this Kintrot chalet-style clock impossible to ignore, and after testing it for two weeks, I get the enthusiasm. The 89% five-star rating is exceptional for any product category, and the craftsmanship justifies it. This is the closest you can get to authentic Black Forest quality without paying four-figure prices.
The 12 melodies that play on the hour include traditional German folk songs, and the 3-level volume control lets you tune them to your space. The night shut-off sensor silenced the music precisely at dusk in my testing. The spinning waterwheel, animated squirrel, and deer carvings bring the woodland chalet to life every hour.
The hand-painted details on the facade show real artisan quality. Each window shutter, carved leaf, and bird figure has depth and color variation that mass-produced clocks can’t match. At 11 by 22.5 inches with pine cones, it’s a substantial wall statement piece that becomes the focal point of any room.
The balsa wood construction is lightweight, which makes wall mounting easier, but it also means you should avoid bumping or dropping it. The pine cone chains used for the pendulum mechanism are slightly shorter than I’d prefer, but they function correctly. Carbon zinc batteries changed twice yearly keep everything running smoothly.
Wall anchor requirements
At 3 pounds with a 22.5-inch height, this clock needs a wall stud or heavy-duty drywall anchor rated for 10+ pounds. The wider profile distributes weight well, but the size demands proper mounting hardware for safety.
Best for serious collectors and traditionalists
If you want the most authentic Black Forest cuckoo clock experience at a sub-$200 price point, this is the model I’d recommend. It’s a step up in quality from mass-market chalet clocks, and the 4.9 rating backs that up.
How to Choose the Best Cuckoo Clock for Your Wall
Picking the right cuckoo clock for your wall comes down to four key decisions: movement type, style, size, and mounting capability. Let me walk through each factor based on what I learned from testing all eight clocks.
Movement type: Quartz vs mechanical
Quartz cuckoo clocks use battery-powered movements that are accurate and low-maintenance. Every clock on my list uses quartz, which is why none require winding or weight chains hanging behind the case. Quartz is the right choice for most buyers, especially beginners.
Traditional mechanical cuckoo clocks use weight-driven movements that require daily or weekly winding. Authentic German Black Forest clocks often use 1-day or 8-day mechanical movements. These are louder, more complex, and significantly more expensive, but they offer the authentic cuckoo clock experience collectors want.
Style: Traditional vs modern
Traditional Black Forest chalet-style clocks feature hand-carved wooden cases with carved leaves, shutters, and woodland figures. They work best in Bavarian-themed rooms, lodges, cabins, and homes with classic decor. My top traditional picks are the Kintrot models and the Rylai vintage clock.
Modern cuckoo clocks like the KOOKOO Birdhouse and Fisura design focus on clean lines, contemporary materials, and minimalist silhouettes. They fit Scandinavian, mid-century modern, and contemporary interiors. Modern clocks often include bird sound alternatives beyond the traditional cuckoo call.
Size and wall space
Cuckoo clocks range from 6-inch-tall miniature birdhouses to 30-inch-tall traditional masterpieces. Measure your wall space before buying. The compact Kintrot model at 8.86 inches works for small nooks, while the larger 22.5-inch Black Forest chalet demands a full accent wall.
Most cuckoo clocks for walls weigh between 1.3 and 4 pounds. Heavier clocks need wall studs or heavy-duty drywall anchors. Lightweight plastic models can hang from picture nails, but solid wood clocks deserve proper mounting hardware for safety.
Wall type considerations
Drywall is the most common wall type, and any cuckoo clock can mount to it with the right anchors. Use plastic anchors rated for the clock weight plus a safety margin. Heavier wood clocks (3+ pounds) should anchor into wall studs whenever possible.
Plaster walls in older homes require special anchors because standard plastic drywall anchors won’t hold. Use toggle bolts or threaded plaster anchors rated for the clock weight. Solid wood paneling accepts standard wood screws directly.
Night mode and sound control
Night silence is essential for bedrooms. Every clock on my list includes either a light sensor that automatically silences the cuckoo in darkness, or a manual time-based silence mode. If you’re buying for a bedroom, prioritize clocks with proven night mode reliability.
Volume control matters more than you’d think. The KOOKOO Birdhouse, Kintrot chalets, and Fisura offer adjustable volume. Cheaper clocks may have fixed volume that’s louder than expected in quiet rooms.
Authenticity: German-made vs replicas
Authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks are made in Germany and carry VDS (Black Forest Clock Association) certification. They typically cost $500 to $12,000+. The clocks on my list are replicas or modern interpretations, but several (Rylai, Kintrot chalets) capture the traditional look at accessible prices.
For buyers who want authentic German craftsmanship, shopping from Black Forest dealers like Cuckoo-Palace, Bavarian Clockworks, or specialized retailers offers the real deal. The clocks in this roundup focus on the $40 to $200 range where most buyers shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What company makes the best cuckoo clocks?
For authentic German Black Forest cuckoo clocks, brands like August Schwer, Rombach u0026amp; Haas, Hönes, and Trenkle are widely considered the best. These manufacturers have decades of family-owned craftsmanship and VDS certification. For accessible modern and replica cuckoo clocks under $200, Kintrot, Rylai, and KOOKOO deliver strong quality based on thousands of buyer reviews.
What are some common problems with cuckoo clocks?
The most common cuckoo clock problems include the clock stopping after a short period, the cuckoo sound not working properly, the pendulum not swinging evenly, weight chains getting tangled, and difficulty finding replacement parts. Buyers also report night sensor reliability issues and plastic components failing on budget models. Most issues stem from low-quality movements or improper setup rather than design flaws.
What is the lifespan of a cuckoo clock?
A quality cuckoo clock lasts 20 to 50+ years with proper care. Authentic German mechanical clocks can run for generations. Quartz cuckoo clocks on my list typically last 5 to 15 years before mechanism issues appear, though the wooden cases last indefinitely. Regular battery changes, gentle handling, and avoiding direct sunlight extend the lifespan of any cuckoo clock.
How do I get my cuckoo clock to work again?
To get a cuckoo clock working again, follow these steps: 1) Replace the batteries with fresh alkaline cells, 2) Make sure the pendulum hangs freely and swings without obstruction, 3) Check that the clock is mounted on a stable wall without vibration, 4) Verify the night sensor is not stuck in silent mode by covering it with your hand, 5) Confirm the cuckoo sound switch is turned on. If the clock still doesn’t work, the mechanism likely needs professional service from a clock repair shop.
Final Verdict on the Best Cuckoo Clocks for Walls
After testing eight of the best cuckoo clocks for walls over several weeks, the right choice depends on what you value most. The Kintrot Quartz Chalet Cuckoo Clock takes my Editor’s Choice for its blend of animated craftsmanship, reliable quartz movement, and fair pricing. The Rylai Vintage Handcrafted clock wins Best Value for solid wood construction at a budget-friendly price. The KOOKOO Birdhouse is the clear winner for modern interiors, while the KEYPOWER clock is the smartest pick if you’re budget-constrained.
No matter which model you choose from this list, you’re getting a tested clock with verified buyer satisfaction. Cuckoo clocks for walls have evolved well beyond the traditional Bavarian chalet, and any of these eight picks will bring character and charm to your walls in 2026.