Fortress Hohensalzburg: Salzburg's Majestic Landmark
Explore Fortress Hohensalzburg: a majestic medieval castle with panoramic views, rich history, and captivating museums in the heart of Salzburg.
Dominating the Salzburg skyline, Fortress Hohensalzburg is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, it was expanded over the centuries and never conquered. Today, it offers stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into the lives of the prince-archbishops.
A brief summary to Fortress Hohensalzburg
- Mönchsberg 34, Salzburg, 5020, AT
- +4366284243011
- Visit website
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid potential queues, especially during peak season.
- Consider the Salzburg Card for free admission to the fortress, funicular rides, and access to other attractions.
- Allow at least half a day to fully explore the fortress and its museums.
- Check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and event schedules.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces.
Getting There
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Walking
From Salzburg's Old Town, the fortress is a 15-20 minute walk. Start near the Salzburg Cathedral and head south towards Kapitelplatz. From there, follow signs to Festungsgasse, where you can either take the funicular or continue walking uphill. The footpath is steep but offers scenic views. Walking up is free.
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Public Transport
From Salzburg Central Station (Salzburg Hbf), take bus line 160 to Rathaus. From there, it's a short walk through the Old Town to Festungsgasse, the starting point for the funicular or the footpath. A single bus fare is approximately €1-2. Alternatively, from Salzburg Hbf, take trolleybus lines 1, 3, 5, 6 or 25 to the city center (Rathaus stop or Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz stop). From there you can walk through Getreidegasse, via Alter Markt, Residenzplatz, Domplatz and Kapitelplatz to Festungsgasse.
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Funicular
The Festungsbahn funicular provides a quick and easy ascent to the fortress. The valley station is located in Festungsgasse 4. The funicular runs every 10 minutes and the ride takes less than a minute. A round trip funicular ticket combined with a basic fortress ticket costs €14.50 for adults. A single ride up or down outside of fortress opening hours costs €3.80 for adults.
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Taxi
A taxi from Salzburg Central Station to Fortress Hohensalzburg costs approximately €10-12 and takes about 5 minutes. From the city center, a taxi ride is around €6. Taxis are readily available at taxi ranks or can be ordered by phone or app. Keep in mind that the fortress is not directly accessible by car.
Discover more about Fortress Hohensalzburg
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Salzburger Festungskonzerte GmbH
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Festungsberg
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Reißzug
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FestungsBahn
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Experience breathtaking views of Salzburg from the FestungsBahn, a scenic mountain cable car ride to the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Funicular to the Fortress
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Margarethenkapelle
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Kapitelpl.
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Friedhof St. Peter (Petersfriedhof)
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Kapitelplatz
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Freyschlösschen, Mönchsberg, Salzburg
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Stiftskirche St. Peter
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Salzburg Carillon
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Altstadt Salzburg
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Residenzplatz
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Residenzpl. 1
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Unmissable attractions to see
Festungsmuseum
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Marionettenmuseum Salzburg
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Lodronsche Stadtbefestigung (Schartenmauer)
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Liebesgrotte
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Dombuchhandlung
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Kapitelschwemme
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Wasserrad
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Stift Nonnberg
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Goldene Kugel
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Goldene Kugel Kunstprojekt "Sphaera" von Stephan Balkenhol
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Freyschlössl - Roter Turm
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Mozart Dinner Concert
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Salzburg Cathedral
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Mariensäule
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St. Peter's Abbey
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant Stiegl-Keller
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Pauli Stubm
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Paradoxon
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Eleven Eleven Restaurant Salzburg
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St. Peter Stiftskulinarium
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Restaurant Jakob's Esskultur
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Zum Zirkelwirt
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Mephisto Restaurant Salzburg
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Zwettler's Wirtshaus
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KOLLER+KOLLER am Waagplatz - Restaurant & Tagesbar
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Die geheime Specerey
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Gasthof Goldgasse
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Restaurant Brunnauer
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Zipfer Bierhaus
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Schubert's Einkehr
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Golden.Soul
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Kleine Welten
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PurPur
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The Living Store
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ÉDES Store Salzburg
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Casa Ramona
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Haller Souvenir Shop
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Kultstadl Salzburg
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WIESky
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Pylones
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
HEIMAD Eck
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Single Oak Café | Bar
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StageBar Salzburg
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O'Malley's Irish Pub
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Watzmann Cultbar
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Fridrich Bar
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Saitensprung
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Pepe Cocktailbar
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Darwin's Cafe Bar
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Lackner's Bar & Cafe
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The Salzburg Whiskey Museum - Bar
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