View of the medioeval castle of Hohensalzburg Fortress
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest, best preserved medieval castles in all of Central Europe and it is the most iconic tourist site of the city of Salzburg. Relive the historical power of the medieval archbishops when you visit the castle’s interiors and three museums, all while enjoying an astonishing panoramic view of the city.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress can be both accessible via cable cars or walking. However, for convenience, the best way to reach the Fortress is through the 1-minute funicular ride. Avoid long lines by going early in the morning.
If you have a Salzburg Card, you are eligible for free admission to the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
How to best experience Hohensalzburg Fortress?
Discover tickets, tours, and activities for Hohensalzburg Fortress through these providers:
Best Hohensalzburg Fortress Tickets
Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress Admission Ticket
/5Admire panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Use the funicular to enjoy the quickest and most comfortable way to reach Salzburg's most dominant landmark.
As low as
€16.60
on GetYourGuide.com
Salzburg Card
/5See the city of Mozart at your own pace with museum entry and free transport
As low as
€30.00
on Tiqets.com
Salzburg: Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner
/5Experience a Classical evening at the Hohensalzburg Fortress and let the sounds of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart enchant you. Enjoy a romantic meal and a truly incredible view of the city.
As low as
€64
on GetYourGuide.com
Best Hohensalzburg Fortress Tours
City Center Bus Tour + Salzburg Card 24H
/5Bus tour of Salzburg city center combined with the 24-hour Salzburg City Card
As low as
€45.00
on Tiqets.com
What is the Hohensalzburg Fortress?
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is an 11th century castle symbolizing the influence of Salzburg archbishops in the Holy Roman Empire, both as religious leaders and political figures. Throughout its history, the Hohensalzburg Fortress never fell to a siege, let alone to a foreign conqueror. More than a breathtaking architectural gem, the Hohensalzburg Fortress also provides a strategic vantage point overlooking the city. Today, this famous castle serves as a major landmark boasting of rich medieval and Baroque history.
Why is Hohensalzburg built?
Originally, the 8-acre fortress complex was built to provide archbishops and other members of the principality fortification from hostile attacks. Apart from safety, the castle also provided protection of the archbishops’ political authority and interests, imposing their power through erecting the intimidating building atop a hill.
Who built the Salzburg Fortress?
Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein started the construction of the fortress in 1077 during the reign of the Holy Roman Empire. While he initially planned it to be only composed of a courtyard, single main building and wooden walls, Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach overhauled the site into the majestic tourist spot we see today between 1495 and 1519.
Who lived in Hohensalzburg?
The fortress priorly served as the stronghold for various Salzburg prince-archbishops until it was surrendered to French troops during the Second Coalition of the Napoleonic Wars. After such, the fortress was reduced to a military barracks, storage depot and dungeon, finally being abandoned in 1861. The fortress began functioning once more as a prison for Italian prisoners of war and Nazi members during the World War I before it became a full-fledged tourist attraction in 1892. Additionally, the fortress also housed the renowned Arno Lehmann, a German ceramicist, sculptor and painter from 1949 to 1973.
General information
Useful information for your visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg.
Location
The Hohensalzburg Fortress sits atop the Festungsberg, 653 feet (199 meters) above the city’s old town
Opening hours
January-April*: 9:30 am-5 pm
May-September: 9 am-8 pm (Museums, princes’ chambers, magic theater 9 am- 7 pm)
October-December*: 9:30 am-5 pm
*Easter and Advent weekends: 9:30 am-6 pm
Dec. 24: 9:30 am-2 pm (last admission 2 pm)
How to get to the Hohensalzburg Fortress
To get to the Hohensalzburg Fortress you can:
walk.. It is a steep 15-minute walk from the centre or a
funicular (Festungsbahn)
one-minute ride up in a glass funicular . The funicular starts from Festungsgasse (just off Kapitelplatz) and takes you right into the fortress. To avoid long waiting times, go early in the morning or late in the day. If you have a Salzburg Card, you can skip the line (and get into the fortress for free). Should you decide to walk, follow the signs from Kapitelplatz and buy your ticket to the castle at the entrance.
Attractions nearby
- Salzburg Cathedral
- Getreidegasse – Fashion street
- Sound of music world
More top sights in Salzburg:
