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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Hotel Lehenerhof Salzburg

Lehen

￥254,006

per person

Nov 21 - Nov 23

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to Salzburg (SZG)

8.2/10 Very Good! (198 reviews)

The hotel was close to a supermarket, which was very convenient during our stay. Bus stops close by as well.

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Small Luxury Hotel Goldgasse

City Centre Salzburg

￥267,789

per person

Nov 21 - Nov 23

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to Salzburg (SZG)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (428 reviews)

Room was a little small but adequate, reception manager was friendly and very attentive. Breakfast was good (continental) Hotel is excellently situated in a central position within the old town, all sights within walking distance. 5* choice for my wife and I.

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Cocoon Salzburg

Elisabeth-Vorstadt

￥256,327

per person

Nov 21 - Nov 23

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to Salzburg (SZG)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,097 reviews)

I had a pleasant stay at Hotel Cocoon Salzburg. The rooms were clean, well-maintained, and a good size, providing a comfortable base for my trip. The location is very convenient, just a short walk from the railway station and within walking distance of many tourist attractions, making it easy to explore the city. Overall, a great option for travelers looking for comfort and accessibility.

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Fortress Hohensalzburg

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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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