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 Strasserwirt Ansitz zu Tirol

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Two sisters run this hotel and they are wonderfully kind and involved in making any stay here exceptional. The service is second to none. The breakfast is spectacular, with locally sourced farm to table products. They have a huge assortment of great tea and desserts available to guests. We didn’t hit the spa, as we stayed here during our time hiking in the Dolomites. It was a bit further out from some of the hotels nearer the hikes but it is absolutely worth it to be in such a beautiful place with such incredible hospitality.

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Browse tours and tickets to explore Fortress Hohensalzburg

Tours & day trips

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Salzburg History & Food Private Tour with Munich train add-on

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 24 activities

Salzburg Christmas Market Tour

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities

Self-guided scavenger hunt and city game in Salzburg

Free cancellation available

Reviews of Fortress Hohensalzburg

4.6

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

182

4 - Good

68

3 - Okay

11

2 - Disappointing

1

1 - Terrible

0

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing tour of a well-preserved medieval castle, with intact royal apartments from 1501! The outdoor restaurant has excellent food and a jaw-dropping view.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Prepare for a fair amount of walking - and very uphill!

3/5 - Okay

KDD

If you wish to use only the cable car and see the view wait until after 5pm and you can enter the Fortress area for free.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great views. But nothing really in the fortress.

5/5 - Excellent

ChrisD

The dinner and concert was fabulous

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