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Fortress Hohensalzburg: Salzburg's Majestic Landmark

Explore a medieval fortress with panoramic views, museums, and historical insights in the heart of Salzburg, Austria.

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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 offers stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into the lives of Salzburg's prince-archbishops.

A brief summary to Fortress Hohensalzburg

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and skip the ticket lines, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking on uneven surfaces within the fortress.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Check the schedule for special events, such as concerts or historical reenactments, to enhance your visit.
  • Consider purchasing the Salzburg Card for free admission to the fortress and unlimited use of public transportation.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Salzburg's Old Town, follow the signs towards Kapitelplatz. From Kapitelplatz, walk south towards the Festungsbahn valley station at Festungsgasse 4. Instead of taking the funicular, continue past the station and ascend the well-marked, steep footpath. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes and offers scenic views. Note that the path is steep and may not be suitable for everyone.

  • Public Transport

    From Salzburg's main train station (Salzburg Hauptbahnhof), take trolleybus lines 1, 3, 5, 6, or 25 to the Rathaus or Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz stop in the city center. From there, walk through Getreidegasse, Alter Markt, Residenzplatz, Domplatz, and Kapitelplatz to Festungsgasse. The Festungsbahn valley station is located at Festungsgasse 4. Take the funicular up to the fortress. A single bus ticket costs approximately €3.00.

  • Funicular

    From Kapitelplatz in the Old Town, walk a short distance south to Festungsgasse 4, where you'll find the valley station of the Festungsbahn funicular. Purchase a ticket at the station or scan your Salzburg Card if you have one. The funicular runs every 10 minutes and takes approximately 1 minute to reach the fortress. A round-trip funicular ticket, including fortress admission (basic ticket), costs €14.50 for adults.

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Discover more about Fortress Hohensalzburg

Perched atop the Festungsberg, 653 feet above Salzburg's Old Town, Fortress Hohensalzburg is a symbol of power and resilience. Constructed in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein, the fortress was initially a simple structure with a wooden wall, designed to protect the principality from attack. Over the centuries, it was expanded and fortified by successive rulers, evolving into the imposing stronghold seen today. Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach significantly transformed the fortress around 1500, adding thick stone walls, massive towers, and advanced defensive mechanisms. His coat of arms, featuring a turnip, can be found 58 times on the fortress walls. Despite numerous conflicts, Hohensalzburg was never conquered, a testament to its strategic design. Visitors can explore the fortress's museums, including the Fortress Museum, the Marionette Museum, and the Museum of the Rainer Regiment. The Princes' Chambers, dating back to 1501/1502, showcase original furnishings and a simulation of the night sky. The Armoury features an interactive exhibition on medieval weapons. A panorama tour leads to the Reckturm viewing platform, offering breathtaking views of Salzburg and the Alps. Since 1892, the fortress has been accessible via the Festungsbahn funicular. The fortress hosts concerts, exhibitions, and medieval reenactments throughout the year. Every Sunday, tower brass players perform from the trumpet tower.

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