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Festungsbahn Funicular: Gateway to Hohensalzburg Fortress

Ascend to Hohensalzburg Fortress via Austria's oldest funicular for panoramic Salzburg views and a journey through history.

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Ascend to the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg via the Festungsbahn funicular, Austria's oldest operating funicular. Enjoy a swift, scenic ride offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps.

A brief summary to Funicular to the Fortress

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and potentially find discounted rates.
  • Consider purchasing the Salzburg Card for free access to the funicular and many other attractions in the city.
  • Check the funicular's operating hours, as they vary depending on the season.
  • Be aware that while the funicular is accessible, the fortress itself has many stairs and inclines.
  • Combine your funicular ride with a visit to the fortress museums and viewpoints for a complete experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Salzburg's Old Town, follow the signs towards Hohensalzburg Fortress. The walk to the Festungsbahn valley station at Festungsgasse 4 takes approximately 20-30 minutes, passing through historic streets and squares. No costs are involved for walking.

  • Public Transport

    From Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take bus line 25 or 28 towards 'Festung Hohensalzburg'. Get off at the 'Festung' bus stop, a short walk from Festungsgasse 4. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 if purchased from a vending machine or €3.00 if purchased on board. Alternatively, a 24-hour ticket costs €4.90 from a vending machine or €6.40 on board. Consider the Salzburg Card for free public transport and access to the funicular.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are available throughout Salzburg. A short taxi ride from the city center to Festungsgasse 4 will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic and time of day. Note that the Old Town is largely pedestrianized, so the taxi may drop you off at the edge of the zone.

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Discover more about Funicular to the Fortress

The Festungsbahn funicular provides a convenient and memorable ascent to the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress, a symbol of Salzburg for over 900 years. Since 1892, this funicular has been transporting visitors up to the fortress, initially powered by water and now by electricity. The ride itself is an experience, offering breathtaking views of Salzburg's UNESCO World Heritage-listed cityscape and the surrounding mountains. The funicular travels a length of 198.5 meters (651 feet), climbing to the fortress in less than a minute. Modernized in 2011, the Festungsbahn uses two carriages that can carry up to 55 passengers each, running every 10 minutes. The valley station is located in the heart of Salzburg's Old Town at Festungsgasse 4. Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, offers a glimpse into the region's history. Originally built in 1077, it was expanded over the centuries by various archbishops, most notably Leonhard von Keutschach. The fortress was never conquered and served as a residence, storage facility, and even a prison. Today, visitors can explore the fortress grounds, museums, and enjoy panoramic views from the bastions.

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