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Hohenwerfen Castle: A Falconry Fortress

Explore a medieval fortress with falconry displays & panoramic Alpine views. Discover Hohenwerfen Castle's rich history & stunning scenery near Werfen, Austria.

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Perched high on a rock overlooking the Salzach Valley, Hohenwerfen Castle is a medieval fortress with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Once a strategic defense and prison, it now captivates visitors with falconry displays, guided tours, and panoramic Alpine views.

A brief summary to Burg Hohenwerfen

Local tips

  • Check the official website for the most up-to-date falconry show schedule, as showtimes can vary.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, especially if you plan to walk up to the castle, as the path can be steep and uneven.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time and potentially money.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit to fully experience the castle, including the tour and falconry show.
  • Dogs are allowed on the castle grounds, but not inside the castle during the guided tour.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Salzburg, take the S3 or REX regional train to Werfen station. Trains depart frequently, and the journey takes approximately 40-45 minutes. From Werfen station, you can walk to Hohenwerfen Castle in about 30 minutes via a signposted, shaded footpath. Alternatively, a shuttle service is available from the train station to the castle; reserve about an hour in advance by calling +43 664 1266700. A one way train ticket from Salzburg to Werfen costs approximately €10.40.

  • Walking

    From the parking lot at the base of Hohenwerfen Castle, reach the castle either by a 10-15 minute uphill walk along a well-maintained trail through the forest or via the inclined elevator. A ticket via footpath costs Adults € 10,40. A ticket via lift costs Adults € 14,40.

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Discover more about Burg Hohenwerfen

Hohenwerfen Castle, a majestic medieval fortress, sits atop a 155-meter-high rock in the Salzach Valley near Werfen, Austria. Constructed in the late 11th century by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg, it served as a crucial strategic stronghold. The castle's early purpose was to defend the archbishopric against King Henry IV during the Investiture Controversy. Over the centuries, Hohenwerfen evolved from a military base and hunting retreat to a prison, housing figures like Archbishop Adalbert III. The castle faced sieges and destruction during the Peasants' War in the 16th century but was rebuilt and expanded. In 1898, Archduke Eugene of Habsburg-Teschen acquired the fortress, transforming it into a stately home filled with art and weaponry. Briefly a Nazi training camp and later a police training center, Hohenwerfen opened as a tourist attraction in 1987. Today, visitors can explore the castle's rich armory, witness captivating falconry demonstrations, and delve into the "Myth of Jackl" exhibition. The castle has also served as a film set for productions like "Where Eagles Dare". The Burgschenke Hohenwerfen, the castle's tavern, offers unique dining experiences in a medieval atmosphere. Reaching the castle involves a scenic ascent, either via a footpath or an inclined elevator. Once inside, guided tours reveal the castle's chapel, armory, and living quarters, while the watchtower provides panoramic views of the surrounding Berchtesgaden Alps and Tennengebirge mountains.

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