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.

Plan a trip to see Fortress Hohensalzburg

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Hotel Krone 1512

City Centre Salzburg

per person

Sep 15 - Sep 17

found 24 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (HND) to Salzburg (SZG)

8.2/10 Very Good! (545 reviews)

friendly staff excellent breakfast buffet

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Hapimag Resort Salzburg

City Centre Salzburg

per person

Sep 15 - Sep 17

found 24 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (HND) to Salzburg (SZG)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (80 reviews)

A lovely stay in Salzburg in the Hapimag Resort. One thing I need to clarify: this is NOT a hotel. It is more of a short-term residence. Every room has a kitchenette and breakfast is not included or indeed on offer. There is no restaurant or bar or even a lobby. A very small reception area serves as a small marketplace for purchasing essentials. That said, it is in the heart of the Altstadt and the location is unbeatable. If we had not stayed in the Altstadt it would have limited our ability to explore old Salzburg as much as we did. The property itself is in a charming old building but the rooms are tastefully renovated and refurbished. I would recommend this property for anyone wanting to stay in and explore Salzburg.

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Small Luxury Hotel Goldgasse

City Centre Salzburg

per person

Sep 15 - Sep 17

found 24 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (HND) to Salzburg (SZG)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (427 reviews)

This is one of the best hotels I have stayed in and it is Ulrich who made the visit so memorable. Right from the moment you walk in you feel welcomed and that your comfort matters. She truly cares about her guests and goes out of the way to help if needed. The rooms are bright, colorful and spacious. Location is very convenient . Thanks Beatrice and Nico for greeting us with a smile at breakfast every morning!

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Fortress Hohensalzburg

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Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress Admission Ticket

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Sightseeing with the Sound of Music: A Salzburg Audio Tour

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Private Tailor-Made Tour: Salzburg & Lakes from Passau or Linz

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