Fortress Hohensalzburg

Hohensalzburg Castle which includes château or palace, a city and heritage architecture
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
Hop on a cable car and climb up to this mountaintop fortress, one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe.

Just a short cable car ride from the city you’ll find the impressive Festung Hohensalzburg, a name which translates to “High Salzburg Fortress.” Visit this walled castle to browse art exhibitions and museums and shop at the outdoor market. If you’re lucky there may be a concert on during your visit. This is a great family outing for an afternoon.Built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, Festung Hohensalzburg has served as a fort, a private residence, a prison and military barracks. Today, the city views and well-preserved regency rooms make this well-preserved castle one of Salzburg’s most popular attractions.As you tour the rooms of one of Europe’s largest medieval castles, you’ll see where royalty once dined and slept. Admire the detailed Gothic wood carvings adorning the walls of the Golden Hall. Look up to see a ceiling beam painted with Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach’s coat of arms: a regal lion holding a beetroot (or turnip). You’ll notice this symbol in over 50 different places around the fortress. The Golden Chamber is where you’ll find lavish furnishings befitting a king. You can either tour this massive fortress on your own, or with the help of an audio guide that explains various aspects of the rooms, torture chamber and battlements. Climb the Reckturm watchtower for the best panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. There are three museums to explore, including the Marionette Museum displaying puppets from the Salzburg Marionette Theater. The site hosts a number of cultural events during the heavily touristed summer months. Art exhibitions are held from June to September. There’s also a series of Salzburg Fortress Concerts that take place in the medieval chambers. Check the Festung Hohensalzburg website for a schedule of concerts and other events.Festung Hohensalzburg is situated on the eastern end of Mönchsberg mountain, a short walk from Salzburg’s Old Town. The cable railway, which runs every 10 minutes, takes you up the mountain in just minutes. Alternatively, walk up Festungsgasse lane until you reach the fortress courtyard. Festung Hohensalzburg is open daily.

Villa Flöckner
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Hotel Lehenerhof Salzburg
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tab

Reviews of Fortress Hohensalzburg

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
59
" "5 - Excellent 71.08433734939759%
4 - Good
21
" "4 - Good 25.301204819277107%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 3.6144578313253013%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Jan 2020

Use venacular railway for a cost- walking up free but a bit of a climb and not suitable for older people with limited mobility

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

H+ Hotel Salzburg
H+ Hotel Salzburg
Südtiroler Platz 13, Salzburg, Salzburg
H+ Hotel Salzburg
IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg
IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg
4 out of 5
Rainerstrasse 6-8, Salzburg, Salzburg
IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg
Altstadthotel Kasererbräu
Altstadthotel Kasererbräu
4 out of 5
Kaigasse 33, Salzburg, Salzburg
Altstadthotel Kasererbräu
Hotel am Mirabellplatz
Hotel am Mirabellplatz
4 out of 5
Paris-Lodron-Strasse 1, Salzburg, Salzburg
Hotel am Mirabellplatz
NH Collection Salzburg City
NH Collection Salzburg City
4 out of 5
Franz-Josef-Str. 26, Salzburg, Salzburg
NH Collection Salzburg City
Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt
Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt
5 out of 5
Rudolfskai 28 / Judengasse 15, Salzburg, Salzburg
Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt
 Leonardo Hotel Salzburg City Center
Leonardo Hotel Salzburg City Center
3 out of 5
Hildmannplatz 5, Salzburg, Salzburg
Leonardo Hotel Salzburg City Center
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
5 out of 5
Schwarzstrasse 5-7, Salzburg, Salzburg
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Stadtkrug
Stadtkrug
4 out of 5
Linzer Gasse 20, Salzburg, Salzburg
Stadtkrug
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.