Hohensalzburg Fortress, Guide to Salzburg’s 900-Year Old Castle

When visiting Salzburg, it is impossible to miss the Hohensalzburg Fortress, as it sits high atop a mountain called Festungsberg. If you’ve seen the skyline of the Austrian city of Salzburg in pictures, you’ve likely seen a marvelous view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

At 1,778 ft (542 m), Hohensalzburg Fortress (sometimes known as Salzburg Castle) is one of the largest and most well-preserved medieval castles in Europe and soars above the city. The 900-year-old castle is well worth visiting if you find yourself in Salzburg!

And apparently other people think so as well since 1.2 million people visited the iconic fortress in 2017 alone!

Is Hohensalzburg Fortress Worth Visiting?

Aside from its obvious popularity as a top site to see in Salzburg, yes, this castle in Salzburg, Austria, is worth visiting. Not only does it boast an incredible history you learn while touring around it, but it also has a marvelous view of the city itself. That alone makes it well worth visiting.

Brief History of the Fortress

In 1077, the Hohensalzburg Fortress was built at the behest of Archbishop Gebhard I of Helfenstein to show off the Catholic Church’s power and to protect Salzburg from attacks. Originating as a simple structure, it grew into the massive medieval castle it is today around 1519.

I genuinely can’t imagine how they built it. Hauling materials up the 1,778 ft to the top!?!? While today it would be a challenge, back then, it would have been even more so!

This probably contributed to why during its 900-year history, the castle has never been attacked or conquered. In the late 19th century, the Fortress (Salzburg Castle) became a tourist attraction.

Making the steep trek easier for tourists, a funicular railway (Festungsbahn) was built in 1892 and is considered one of the oldest of its kind worldwide.

How to Get to Hohensalzburg Fortress

Can you walk up to Hohensalzburg Fortress?

Yes, but let me note that it is a STEEP walk. Instead, I suggest you take the funicular if you have any issues with hiking up. There is plenty of walking to do once you are actually at the castle, so there is no need to hike up there as well (unless you’re looking to rack up some more steps).

I joked with my Mother about walking up. However, we’re super glad we didn’t.

Even though I’m afraid of heights, the funicular is a short ride up and well worth it, and it’s free with the Salzburg Card.

With the card, you can also skip the line. If you really want to walk, I’m told it takes 15 minutes (probably if you’re in good shape) and to follow the signs from Kapitelplatz.

What to See at Hohensalzburg Castle

Though the Salzburg Castle is massive. I found the view from the top to be the most impressive feature. There is a lookout tower you can get to by going upstairs. You can see the old baroque town to the north and a view of the Alps to the south. It was GORGEOUS!

Going up the steps (which there were a lot of) to get to the lookout tower was completely worth it! Just look at those mountains! The Alps are beautiful!!!

There is an audio guide tour you can take included with the Salzburg Card. The card provides one-time free admission and allows you to skip the line.

Since we did the Hellbrunn Palace before this, we didn’t get to the staterooms in time, but if you enter before 11 am, the pass includes access to the staterooms free of charge. So, if you do what I did in reverse, you’ll be able to get to them in time.

The audio guide tour leads you through to the Stable Block, a historical exhibit focused on the courtly life of 17 prince archbishops, telling the story of how each has added to the castle.

From there, you move throughout Salzburg Castle and then head towards the “Salzburg Bull,” a substantial mechanical organ with more than 200 pipes. It reminded me of my Grandmother’s player piano with the large roll (see above.)

The Museums of the Fortress

In addition, there are three museums in the Hohensalzburg Fortress:

The Rainer Regiments Museum: is a World War I museum.

The Fortress Museum: The Fortress Museum takes a look at castle life. What was especially interesting in this display was the punishment masks. These unusual masks were worn by those who got in trouble in Salzburg, making a dunce cap look like a breeze. If I recall correctly, which mask you wore depended on your crime.

Marionette Exhibit: is a small area featuring dolls from Mozart’s “Magic Flute” to “The Sound of Music.”

Visiting the Salzburg Castle

As I mentioned above, the same day we visited Hellbrunn Castle, we also visited the Hohensalzburg Fortress. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Salzburg in one day, I’d recommend both. They are marvelous attractions in Salzburg.

Opening Times and Tickets

Check Hohensalburg’s official website for the latest opening times. There, you can also find information on the Fortress’ most up-to-date entrance fees, exhibits, experiences, and more.

Tickets are available at the Fortress and online and come in various ticket options. If you choose not to go with the Salzburg Card, here’s what to expect…

Visiting with a Tour Guide

If you’d like to take the work out of visiting the Fortress on your own or are looking for exciting activities such as a Mozart Fortress concert to add to a trip to this Salzburg castle, then I suggest Get Your Guide Tours as they offer many marvelous options.

I love booking with them because if any issues arise, it’s easy to get a refund. Their tour operators are also affordable and reliable.

Header Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash

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