festung hohensalzburg panorama tour

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress is enthroned on the Festungsberg, high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district. The biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, this emblem of Salzburg, offers a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings.

Archbishop Gebhard built the Hohensalzburg Fortress in 1077. In the following years, his successors were responsible for the further development of the fortress architecture. Around 1500, under Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach, the fortress took on its present appearance. The original purpose of the fortress was to protect the principality and the archbishops from enemy attack. In all these years it has never been taken by foreign troops.

Highlights include the fortress’s many museums: The Fortress Museum itself shows historical exhibits focused on courtly life led by the prince archbishops; the Marionette Museum  as well as the Museum of the Rainer Regiment likewise invite visitors to embark on a journey into the past. The historic armoury houses an interactive exhibition on suits of armour and weapons. Also located on the third floor of the fortress are the Princes’ Chambers, consisting of the Princes’ Hall, the Golden Chamber and the Golden Hall. The furnishings in all of these rooms are original and have remained unchanged since 1501/1502. Particularly impressive: a simulation of the night sky, consisting of gold stars on an azure and royal-blue background as well as the tile stove in the Golden Chamber. A Magical Theatre and modern media stations add an innovative touch to the experience!

A truly special experience the panorama tour, which leads from the salt magazine via the dungeon to the viewing platform of the Reckturm [tower], where there is probably the most beautiful view in the city. Afterwards, the tour leads through the battlements to the famous Salzburg Bull .

The fortress is open year-round. Since 1892, not only can it be reached on foot, but also by means of the Fortress Funicular , which is located in the Festungsgasse.

• Every Sunday at 11:45 am the tower brass players play from the trumpet tower. Baroque fanfares and festive processions ring down to the old town on these days.
• In addition, the more than 900-year-old fortress is the venue for the well-known Salzburger Festungskonzerte [Fortress concerts]. Salzburg Fortress Concerts .

Opening times

January-April*: 9:30 am-5 pm May-September: 8:30 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 24 Dec: 9:30 am-2 pm (last admission 30 minutes before closing) Guided tours for groups (10 persons or more) by prior arrangement (2-3 weeks in advance).

May-September: free Quicktours (guided tour of the outdoor fortress area with courtyards and bastions), daily 9.30 am and 7 pm, in German and English, meeting point Infopoint, duration 30 minutes

Dogs permitted outdoors only (not permitted indoors, compulsory muzzle and leash on the Fortress Funicular)

(Status: 10/2023)

Incl. ascent and descent by Fortress funicular Fortress area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, Panorama tour, Fortress museum, Rainer Regimental Museum, Marionette Museum, armoury house Adults € 14.50 Children (6-14 years) € 5.90 People with disabilities greater than 50% € 13.30 Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 13.30 Dogs free SalzburgCard: one-time free admission, quick access and entrance before 11 am includes access to state rooms free of charge Footpath Only available at the 'Sperrbogen' (entrance gate to the fortress grounds) or online Fortress area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, Panorama tour, Fortress museum, Rainer Regimental Museum, Marionette Museum, armoury house, descent on the funicular included Adults € 11.20 Children (6-14 years) € 4.60 Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 10.40 Dogs free

Incl. ascent and descent by Fortress funicular Fortress area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, Panorama tour, Fortress museum, Rainer Regimental Museum, Marionette Museum, armoury house, Princes' chambers in the main castle and the Magic Theater Adults € 18.00 Children (6-14 years) € 6.80 People with disabilities greater than 50% € 16.70 Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 16.70 Dogs free Footpath Only available at the 'Sperrbogen' (entrance gate to the fortress grounds) or online Fortress area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, Panorama tour, Fortress museum, Rainer Regimental Museum, Marionette Museum, armoury house, Princes' chambers in the main castle and the Magic Theater, descent on the funicular included. Adults € 13.60 Children (6-14 years) € 5.20 Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 12.60 Dogs free

Only available May-September: 8:30 am-10 am and 6 pm-8 pm Fortress area: courtyards, bastions, chapel and Panorama tour incl. observation tower Incl. ascent and descent by Fortress funicular* Adults € 12.00 Children (6-14 years) € 4.90 People with disabilities greater than 50% € 11.00 Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 11.00 Dogs free *Descent also possible with the Mönchsberg Lift [MönchsbergAufzug] Footpath Only available at the 'Sperrbogen' (entrance gate to the fortress grounds) Descent with the funicular or with Mönchsberg Lift [MönchsbergAufzug] included Adults € 9.20 Children (6-14 years) € 3.80 Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 8.50 Dogs free Online tickets (with quick access) available www.festung-hohensalzburg.at

available after the fortress closes see Funicular to the Fortress

• One-time free admission with the Salzburg Card.

Accessibility

Barrier-free access to Hohensalzburg Fortress via the fortress funicular, unrestricted access to the panorama terrace and bastion in the area of the top station and access to the castle courtyard, the exhibition in the armoury, the Kuenburg bastion and the marionette museum by means of a lift in the bell tower. The interior areas of the fortress do not provide barrier-free access. Video-guide tablets are available in sign language as well as for persons with walking disabilities. More information please consult the official website .

Guided Tour "Quick-Tour" 28.06.2024

Best of mozart fortress concert 28.06.2024, guided tour "quick-tour" 29.06.2024, best of mozart fortress concert 29.06.2024, guided tour "quick-tour" 30.06.2024, best of mozart fortress concert 30.06.2024, impressions.

YouTube Video

Free admission with Salzburg Card

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Fortress Hohensalzburg

Book your ticket in advance online to ensure you can visit at the best time for you!

Stiegl-Brauwelt: A Beer at the Brewery

Daily brewery tours with tastings take place at the interactive Stiegl Museum.

Plan your visit

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• Salzburger Land

Salzburg Fortress

The Salzburg Fortress , also known as Festung Hohensalzburg , dominates the entire Austrian city from the top of the Festungsberg. From up there, a beautiful panorama of the city centre and its surroundings can be admired. Considered the symbol of Salzburg , the fortress is considered one of the largest and best preserved in Europe. The complex, in fact, covers an area of approximately 7,000 square metres, which rises to 14,000 square metres if the ramparts are also taken into account

The fortress was built around the 11th century by Salzburg archbishop Gebhard , who wanted to build a church and dwelling here, all surrounded by high walls. The archbishop, however, was exiled and the complex was completed by his successors. Thus it was only between the 12th and 13th centuries that the fortress took on its current appearance.

Today, there are museum sites inside the castle that tell the story of the city of Salzburg and the lives of the prince archbishops who lived there. In particular, several rooms can be admired that have retained their original 16th century furnishings and numerous valuable paintings.

Things to do at the Salzburg Fortress

The Salzburg Fort ress is a complex consisting of several buildings, an inner courtyard and an imposing wall. The tour inside provides an insight into the history of the city and its major figures.

The Fortress Museum is a site that collects objects and evidence on the history and function of the complex. The site was opened in 1952 and is now one of the most visited museums in Austria. It is now possible to learn more about the function of the fortress over the years as well as the culture and history of Salzburg.

Also located within the complex is the Marionette Museum , which mainly attracts families as it is a destination that appeals to both adults and children. Several historical puppets from Salzburg’s famous puppet theatre are now on display here. For example, Papageno and Papagena from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute can be admired here.

Fans of historical events should not miss the Rainer Regiment Museum, which in eight exhibition rooms tells the story of the former Salzburg Regiment, the ‘Archduke Rainer’ Infantry Unit No. 59. This regiment is remembered as one of the most loyal to the Austrian emperor. In addition to weapons, uniforms and photographs of the soldiers, the military successes and sacrifices of these men are recounted. In addition, it is possible to learn about the experiences of the soldiers of the Rainer regiment during the First World War when around 5,000 soldiers lost their lives.

Finally, a visit to the historical armoury is not to be missed. This is a museum that allows visitors to learn about the evolution of armour and weapons through interactive tours.

The Princes’ Apartments

The Princes’ Rooms (Fürstenzimmer), which include the Princes’ Hall, the Golden Stube and the Golden Room, are part of an area of the fortress that has managed to preserve most of the original 16th-century rooms. In particular, the Golden Stube is one of the most sumptuous rooms in the flats and houses the period tiled stove.

The bedroom has also retained some of its splendour. The room is panelled in wood, which also served to insulate it from the cold, and has an upper part decorated with gilded buttons and rosettes, while the lower part is now bare whereas it was once covered with leather or velvet upholstery.

Tickets for the Fortress

There are several tickets to visit the Fortress and the ticket costs vary depending on the type of ticket purchased.

• Basic ticket (Includes ascent and descent with the Fortress funicular, the courtyards, ramparts, chapel, panorama tour, Fortress Museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, Marionette Museum and Exhibition in the Arsenal).
• All Inclusive Ticket (Includes ascent and descent by funicular railway of the Fortress, courtyards, ramparts, chapel, panorama tour, Fortress Museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, Marionette Museum, Exhibition in the Arsenal, Princes’ Rooms in the main castle and Magic Theatre).
• Panorama ticket (includes ascent and descent by funicular railway, courtyards, ramparts, chapel and panorama tour with observation tower) This type of ticket is only available from May to September from 8.30-10 a.m. and 6-8 p.m.

You can save on ticket prices by walking up and down the fortress. If you buy your ticket online, there are also fast-track access to the Fortress.

Skip-the-line tickets for the Fortress

The Fortress is, together with the Mozart House, the most visited attraction in Salzburg. If you want to avoid queues at the ticket offices, buy your ticket directly online.

Free admission with the Salzburg Card

The Salzburg Card includes free admission to all the city’s museums, including the Fortress, and allows you unlimited use of public transport, including the funicular to the Fortress and the Untersberg cable car.

Concerts in the Fortress

Is there a better way to visit the Fortress than by listening to a classical music concert? Take your pick, it is an experience not to be missed if you are a connoisseur!

Visiting hours of the Fortress

The visiting hours of the Fortress change depending on the time of year:

• January-April: 9.30 a.m.-5 p.m
• May-September: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (museums, prince’s rooms, magic theatre 9 a.m.-7 p.m.)
• October-December: 9.30 a.m.-5 p.m
• Easter and Advent weekend the site is open from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m

History of the Fortress

Construction of the Fortress began around 1077 when Salzburg Archbishop Gebhard ordered the building of a church flanked by a dwelling, the centrepiece of which was a tower that still forms the core of the ‘upper floor’. Towards the end of the 11th century, Archbishop Gebhard was sent into exile, so the construction of the complex was continued first by the anti-archbishop of imperial appointment, Berthold von Moosburg, and then by Archbishop Konrad von Abensberg. Over the centuries, successive archbishops carried out various works on the fortress, especially with regard to the reinforcement of the walls .

During the time of Archbishop Burkhard von Weißpriach in the mid-15th century, four new towers were built: the bell tower, the trumpeter tower, the grass tower and the blacksmith’s or prisoners’ tower. Over the years, internal renovations were also carried out, in particular Archbishop Johann Beckenschlager converted the upper floor into a four-storey residential building. Later, the first arsenal, a granary and a cistern were built to improve the water supply in the event of a siege.

With the arrival of Napoleon’s army in Salzburg, the city did not organise any resistance against the French, so the Hohensalzburg fortress was not demolished . By the end of the 19th century, however, the complex was abandoned and in the following years was used first as a depot and then as barracks and a prison.

How to get to Salzburg Fortress

The Salzburg Fort ress can be reached via a convenient funicular railway that departs from the city centre every ten minutes. The journey to the fortress takes about 1 minute. Alternatively, it is possible to reach the site via an uphill footpath that takes about 20 minutes on foot. It is not possible to reach the Salzburg Fortress by car.

Useful information

Entrance ticket.

• Monday: 08:30 - 20:00
• Tuesday: 08:30 - 20:00
• Wednesday: 08:30 - 20:00
• Thursday: 08:30 - 20:00
• Friday: 08:30 - 20:00
• Saturday: 08:30 - 20:00
• Sunday: 08:30 - 20:00

Where is located Salzburg Fortress

The Salzburg Fortress is located on top of the Festungsberg and dominates the entire Austrian city from above.

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panorama. sparkle. white gold.

The Fortress of Hohensalzburg towers majestically over 540 meters above one of the most important cultural areas in Austria and is one of the top attractions in the whole country. With its exposed location, the fortress offers a unique view of Salzburg which is what the the newly staged panorama tour focuses on. It is dedicated to the “pleasure of seeing”. The panorama (ancient Greek “pan” = “all” and “horama” = “view”) becomes the common thread that holds everything together. In addition to magnificent and sparkling landscapes, the dark side, hidden legends, stories and unique treasures are also given attention. Two booklets accompany young and old guests and convey the history of the town and fortress in a playful way.

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Panoramatour auf die Festung Hohensalzburg

Die Festung Hohensalzburg gilt als Wahrzeichen der weltberühmten Mozartstadt Salzburg. Sie bietet einen traumhaften Panoramablick und entführt ihre Besucher zu einer spannenden Zeitreise in eine Epoche, als mächtige Fürsterzbischöfe das Land regierten und der Salzburger Stier hoch über den Dächern der Stadt brüllte.

Neue Panoramatour auf Salzburgs Wahrzeichen

Jüngstes Highlight auf der Festung Hohensalzburg ist die aufwändig gestaltete Panoramatour, die vom Salzmagazin über den Reckturm durch die historischen Wehrgänge bis zum Salzburger Stier führt. Der neu inszenierte Rundgang widmet sich voll und ganz dem „Vergnügen des Sehens“ und bringt die Besucher an den höchsten Punkt der Festung, wo sie ein atemberaubender Blick über Stadt und Gebirge erwartet.

Darüber hinaus gewährt die Tour spannende Einblicke in die Festungsgeschichte: Von jahrhundertealten Legenden bis zu den Schattenseiten des Bauwerks. Mit raumfüllenden künstlerische Installationen, verspielten „Guckkästen“ und einem liebevoll gestalteten Booklet wird der neue Rundgang zu einem Erlebnis für alle Sinne und begeistert Kinder und Erwachsene gleichermaßen. Der Eintritt zur Panormatour ist in allen Festungstickets enthalten. Die Festung Hohensalzburg ist ganzjährig, 365 Tage im Jahr geöffnet. Die Festungsbahn verkehrt im 10-Minuten-Takt, zu Fuß gelangt man in rund 20 Minuten durch die Sperrbögen, das Bürgermeistertor und den äußeren Burghof auf die Festung. Kulinarisch werden Gäste im Burgrestaurant und der Burgschenke verwöhnt, die auch für Feierlichkeiten gemietet werden können. 

Weitere Informationen & Tickets unter www.festung-hohensalzburg.at .  

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Opening hours

Jan. – April:  9.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

May – Sept.:  8.30 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. (Museums 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.)

Oct.– Dec.:  9.30 a.m. –5.00 p.m.

Advent weekends  and  Easter:   9.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.

Please note:  On 24th of December, we close at 2 p.m.

All information subject to change.

A warm welcome awaiting you at Hohensalzburg Fortress

Some people say that if you haven't visited Hohensalzburg Fortress, you haven't seen Salzburg. After all, the more than 1,000-year-old castle complex is not without reason considered the landmark of the city of Mozart. Once, behind its proud walls, the mighty prince-archbishops guided the fortunes of this land. Today, the fortress invites you on an exciting and entertaining journey back through time and the history of Salzburg.

The panoramic tour

Discover Hohensalzburg Fortress on your own: the highlights of the interactive tour include a large model of the Old Town made of salt and an ingenious horn mechanism that visitors can use to produce the sounds of the Salzburg Bull themselves. The panoramic tour is further enriched by lovingly designed mechanical peep-boxes where children can playfully immerse themselves in the history of the building and the legends of Salzburg.

The Princes' Chambers

The magnificent princely chambers of the fortress are among the most beautiful late-Gothic secular rooms in Europe. In the lovingly designed Magic Theater, you will take a fascinating journey through time in the footsteps of the man who conceived it, Leonhard von Keutschach. An experience for all the senses!

The panorama

What a view: From the mighty bastions of the fortress, the view sweeps over the baroque splendor of Salzburg, the city of Mozart, and reaches as far as the mountains of Salzburger Land.

Info & Facts

Rides up & down on the fortress funicular

Online ticket purchase possible

~ 2 hrs. time for visit

Fortress restaurant or tavern

ROMANTIC ADVENT MARKET IN THE CASTLE COURTYARD

22. Nov. - 22. Dez. every Friday, Saturday & Sunday

MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

14. & 15. September 10am - 6pm

FORTRESS GAMES

Let the fortress games begin!

HOHENSALZBURG QUICK TOUR

May - September daily at 9:30am and 7:00 pm

Highlights for families

• Children's birthday parties at the fortress
• Family-friendly guided tours
• Fortress games: New family offer from summer 2023

All offers for families.

Offers for groups

• Individualized modular tours for groups of 10 people or more
• Group tours can be combined with dining opportunities

FOLDER GROUP TOURS (PDF)

• Special tours: Family tours, evening tours and barrier-free tours.
• Festungsjedermann: Theater in the castle courtyard in July & August.
• Medieval Festival:  Family festival in September with traditional crafts, fencing demonstrations, a colorful children's program and much more.
• Atmospheric Advent Market: on all Advent weekends.
• Salzburg Fortress Concerts: daily, tickets at www.mozartfestival.at .

All events and special tours.

• »Burgschenke« phone: +43 662 844975 , www.ritteressen-salzburg.at
• »Restaurant at Hohensalzburg Fortress« phone: +43 662 825858-50 , www.festungsrestaurant.at

Accessibility & important information for your visit

Barrier-free access to Hohensalzburg Fortress is possible via the fortress funicular. The footpath to the fortress is not barrier-free due to the steepness. Please note that there are many steps and inclines inside the fortress, which make accessibility difficult. The panorama terrace and the bastion in the area of the top station of the funicular are freely accessible. An elevator in the bell tower gives you access to the castle courtyard, the exhibition in the armory, the tavern, the Kuenburgbastei and the Marionette Museum. The inner areas of the fortress do not provide barrier-free accessibility.

More information about accessibility

Hohensalzburg Fortress draws everyone's attention from afar, rewarding its visitors with a magnificent view of the heart of the world-famous baroque city and the fantastic mountains around Salzburg. if you haven't been to the fortress, you SIMPLY haven't been to Salzburg!

Hohensalzburg Fortress Mönchsberg 34, A-5020 Salzburg phone +43 662 842430 fax +43 662 842430-22 [email protected] www.festung-hohensalzburg.at Facebook

Visitors can reach the fortress via the old town either by means of the fortress funicular or on foot (approx. 30 minutes). Use one of the parking areas near the city center.

daily 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. May - Sep 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

DomQuartier Salzburg

January - November: daily except Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. July, August: daily 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Advent / Christmas period (until 6.1.): daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (closed 24 Dec.) Last admission 1 hour before closing time.

Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains

daily from 9:30 a.m. (March 31 - Nov. 1, 2023)

Salzburg Open Air Museum

March - October: Tue - Sun: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. July, August: daily: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. November: Tue - Su: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Adventroas 2023: Dec. 02-03, 2023 and Dec. 09-10, 2023

Salzwelten Salzburg

04.02. - 31.03.2023: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 01.04. - 5.11.2023: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 06.11.2023 - 07.01.2024: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Hohenwerfen Fortress

April, October, November: Tue - Sun: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. May - September: daily: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. July 17 - August 18: daily: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Bird of Prey Show Jul 17 - Aug 18: 11:15 a.m., 2:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Werfen Giant Ice Caves

open daily from 29 April to 31 October 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Krimml Worlds of Water

May 1 - October 27: daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Last admission at 4:30 p.m.

Kaprun Alpine Reservoirs

End of May until mid-October daily 08:10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Last ascent: 3:30 p.m.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Beginning of May to beginning of November Seasonally different daily opening hours

Mauterndorf Castle

Winter: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. January (Tue & Thu) February (Mon - Fri) March (Tue & Thu) April until Easter (daily) Summer (daily): May, June, September, October: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm July & August: 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress — All You Need to Know

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Of all the landmarks and fascinating historical sites I’ve come across in Salzburg , the Hohensalzburg Fortress stands out as one of the most beautiful places in city to explore . And as a wanderer, I find that it has everything I’m looking for in a destination .

This 11th-century fortress boasts marvelous architecture, breathtaking views of the mountains, and unique discoveries, all while whispering tales of intriguing past events . Breathtaking views ? Absolutely, this fortress offers plenty, given its location atop a mountain. In fact, if you’re planning a walking tour of Old Town Salzburg , you’ll find that the Hohensalzburg Fortress is the landmark that most often graces the view when you look up from the streets .

If your passion aligns with mine, I can’t emphasize enough how unmissable the Hohensalzburg Fortress is . Consider including it in your itinerary, whether you’re planning a one-day trip to Salzburg , a two-day stay in the city , or a relaxing three-day Salzburg getaway . Remarkably, you can also find a musical experience at the Hohensalzburg Fortress , similar to other attractions in the city like the Mirabell Palace and Salzburg Cathedral .

While the Hohensalzburg Fortress may not be one of the filming locations for the Sound of Music movie , it’s just a short walk away from Nonnberg Abbey , which is. By the way, the Sound of Music is a film based on the story of a family who lived in Salzburg.

As you can see, there are lots of good reasons to visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress. However, If you want to get the most out of your visit, there are some important things you should know. I’ll share them with you. Our focus? The must-see and must-do inside Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Iconic shots of Hohensalzburg Fortress

Good to know

Visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress, this is what you may also feel: to be transported back in time . But I gotta say, when I was exploring the fortress, it didn’t completely feel as authentic as I thought it would. Some of the rooms have been turned into museums with a modern design , so it’s not exactly what I was expecting.

However, even though the fortress isn’t used for its original purpose anymore and doesn’t look totally medieval, you can still totally feel like you’ve gone back in time when you’re there ! The most beautiful parts of the fortress are preserved, and there’s a ton of stuff that’s super old and gives you a peek into the past.

While the Hohensalzburg Fortress has been a key attraction in Salzburg since the late 19th century, its roots trace back to the early Middle Ages.

The tale of Hohensalzburg begins in 1077 , when Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein constructed a simple fortress with a wooden wall. Over the centuries, the fortress underwent numerous modifications and enhancements. In 1462, Prince-Archbishop Burkhard II von Weißpriach added ring walls and towers. Later, in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Prince-Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach further expanded the fortress. He established the St. George’s Chapel and the Royal Apartments, which include the Golden Hall, the Golden Chamber, and the Sleeping Chamber.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, external bastions were added for protection against Turkish invasions. During the Thirty Years’ War, Archbishop Count Paris of Lodron fortified the fortress by adding gunpowder stores and extra gatehouses. However, in 1800, during the Napoleonic War of the Second Coalition, the fortress was handed over to French troops without resistance. It was then used as a barracks, storage depot, and dungeon before being deserted as a military outpost in 1861.

With the inauguration of the Festungsbahn funicular railway in 1892, it found its new purpose: a tourist hotspot.

Today, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the best-preserved and largest medieval castles in Europe , making it a notable place for people to visit.  Based on what I have discovered about Hohensalzburg Fortress, I find it to be a truly impressive medieval structure. Hohensalzburg Fortress possesses advanced features for its time of construction, contains fascinating stories within its parts, and boasts areas that are absolutely a must-see .

Below is the list of facts about Hohensalzburg Fortress that makes it more interesting to visit.

• Fact no. 1 : Its Function — Did you know that the Prince-Archbishops , who ruled over Salzburg for a very long time, used to live in their residence in the city? However, the residence of the Prince-Archbishops was not sufficiently fortified to provide protection during turbulent times. In such situations, they would move to Hohensalzburg Fortress for refuge . As the safe haven of the Prince-Archbishops, Hohensalzburg was constantly updated with the most recent developments in assault weapons and fortifications to ensure their safety.
• Fact no. 2 : Hohensalzburg From Salt — Did you know that the salt trade was a key source of income for Salzburg and the Prince Archbishops? The Archbishops of Salzburg amassed great wealth and power through the production and export of salt from Duerrenberg. It was a lucrative trade that enabled them to undertake grand projects such as the construction and expansion of the Hohensalzburg Fortress . You can learn more about it during the first portion of the Panoramatour of Hohensalzburg Fortress.
• Fact no. 3 : The Granary of the Fortress — Did you know that one of the oldest preserved buildings in the Hohensalzburg Fortress is the granary , built in 1484? It is also called “Schüttkasten” in German (meaning, “pour warehouse”) for the unique method of storing the grains: not in sacks, but poured directly onto the wooden floors. Impressively, this structure was capable of storing enough grain to feed up to 300 people for an entire year . Yes, that’s 365 days!
• Fact no. 4 : Gigantic Cistern of the Fortress — Did you know that Hohensalzburg Castle boasts a gigantic underground cistern , built in 1525? The archbishop even had architects brought from Veneto to construct this enormous cistern which measures 17 x 17 x 7.2 meters and could hold up to 340,000 liters of water. Gutter pipes collected the water from the surrounding roof area, while underground wooden pipes transported it to a stone basin filled with clean gravel. This ingenious construction allowed rainwater to be collected and filtered, making it usable for both humans and animals for centuries .
• Fact no. 5 : Hohensalzburg’s Goods Lift — Did you know that Hohensalzburg Fortress has a goods lift , and it is likely the oldest of its kind in the world? This 180-meter-long cable railway on the eastern side of the mountain on which the fortress stands is believed to be the oldest operating funicular railway in Europe . Its origins date back to before the reign of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach (1495-1519). Fascinatingly, prisoners operated Hohensalzburg Fortress’ goods lift with horses during its early days
• Fact no. 6: The Bull of Salzburg — Did you know that the Kuenburg bastion of Hohensalzburg Fortress, originally built to make room for large guns and cannons, houses the “ Bull of Salzburg ?” “The Bull of Salzburg” (German: “Salzburger Stier”) is located on the dovecote of the bastion and has been there since 1640. But is it an animal? Of course not! Rather, it’s a mechanical organ with 138 metal pipes, windchest, and bellows. This impressive instrument sends an F major triad twice daily over the city of Salzburg, awakening the people in the morning and announcing the end of the workday . Even today, the “Salzburger Stier” still “roars” daily at 7:05 am, 12:05 pm, and 6:05 pm.”
• Fact no. 7 : Archbishop Keutshach and the Royal Apartments — Did you know that Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach was responsible for creating the richly furnished rooms of Hohensalzburg Fortress? These rooms, known as the “royal apartments,” include three representational rooms: the Golden Hall, the Golden Chamber, and the Bedroom Chamber . Today, these rooms are the architectural highlight of any visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress and are not to be missed. While Hohensalzburg was mainly used as a refuge, the fortress also served as a place to impress other rulers visiting the city back in the day When visiting the fortress, make sure to check out these luxurious rooms and imagine what it would have been like to live like royalty in medieval times.
• Fact no. 8 : Golden Hall Concerts — Did you know that the Golden Hall in Hohensalzburg Fortress was the place where Prince Archbishops held different events? Even today, events are still held in this magnificent hall, such as Mozart concerts . You can check the official website of Hohensalzburg Fortress (linked at the resources section ) for the schedule of these events and experience the grandeur of this historic hall for yourself. Attending concerts in this awe-inspiring room with its Gothic portals, columns, and azure coffered ceiling is indeed an opportunity for a memorable moment in Salzburg .
• Fact no. 9 : Details of the Golden Hall — Did you know that the 17-meter-long beam in the Golden Hall of Hohensalzburg Fortress tells a story about the history of Salzburg? The beam is painted with the coat of arms of both Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach and the empire , as well as those from the most powerful German cities and dioceses allied with Salzburg. The Golden Hall itself is one of the most spectacular rooms in the fortress.  I marvel at its blue wooden ceiling adorned with golden joists and buttons that resemble a star-filled night sky.
• Fact no. 10 : Hohensalzburg Funicular — Did you know that the Salzburg funicular railway to Hohensalzburg is the oldest of its kind in Europe? In 1892, Salzburg Rail & Tramway Inc. opened the Salzburg funicular railway in response to the growing tourism industry. Originally known as the Tröpferlbahn, the railway was powered by water. Since its opening, the fortress railway has transported approximately 77 million passengers .

Features & Attractions

If you’ve read about the history and facts of Hohensalzburg Fortress, you might already have an idea of the fascinating discoveries and breathtaking experiences that await you. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg.

In summary, Hohensalzburg Fortress has many points of interest, such as the Princely Chambers, dungeon, the Bull of Salzburg, the funicular railway , and more. As I’ve hinted earlier, it also offers breathtaking views of the city and the Alps. There are viewpoints, including bastions, courtyards, and restaurants , where you can take a break and relax. Inside the fortress, you can find museums and several exhibitions to explore . If you’re interested in learning something new, there’s plenty to discover. If you time your visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress just right, you might even be able to attend a concert in the fortress’s most beautiful room .

Following this list of activities at Hohensalzburg Fortress, you’ll come across more photos that are sure to fuel your desire to visit Hohensalzburg Fortress!

1. Princely Chambers & Magic Theater

If you’re like me and enjoy marveling at old-world architecture, the Princely Chambers should be at the top of your list when visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress . The Princely Chambers are an architectural highlight of the fortress, boasting a unique secular Gothic-style that is among the best-preserved in Europe.

Did you know that you can see more than 3 parts of Hohensalzburg Fortress in Princely Chambers? In addition to the Golden Hall , Golden Chamber , and Bedchamber , there’s also a toilet (or “ garderobe ” as they call it) that’s surprisingly simple for a prince archbishop. And there’s a library too, connected to the Golden Chamber by a narrow wooden doorway. Sadly, we can’t know what books, maps, and letters Archbishop Keutschach may have studied there since the library inventory has been lost over time. It’s in the Princely Chambers that we can find the cute Magic Theater . This lovely presentation is a lovely bonus, bringing the fortress’ history to life with film and animated props. And don’t worry, there’s an English translation for the audio, so you won’t miss a thing!

Golden Hall

The first stop on our tour of the Princely Chambers is the magnificent Golden Hall . This grand space was once the site of many a festive gathering and social event, hosted by the Prince Archbishop himself. And with its size and splendor, it’s easy to imagine elegant balls taking place here. Fascinatingly, even today, the Golden Hall continues to serve as an event space, hosting musical performances such as Mozart Concerts in the evenings. But what really caught my eye as I explored the hall was the stunning ceiling, supported by four mighty twisted marble columns . Its starry-sky-like appearance is truly unique among medieval ceilings! Looking for a historical discovery? Don’t forget to check out the coats of arms adorning the beam and walls, representing the kingdom, powerful German cities, and bishoprics affiliated with Salzburg . Be sure to take a peek at the coat of arms above the marble portals too!

Golden Chamber

The Golden Chamber is the most decorated of all the Princely Chambers. It’s filled with beautiful details, like the golden vines above the doorways, the library door that looks like it’s straight out of Narnia , and the coats of arms above the windows. Indeed, the Golden Chamber is a stunning room, and it would have been even more amazing if the cloth and leather on the walls had survived over time. As you explore, you’ll see just how much influence Prince-Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach had as both a ruler and a religious leader. One of the things that makes the Golden Chamber extra special is the big, colorful stove by the door . You’ll notice it right away when you walk in. It’s a rare and valuable example of Late Gothic ceramic art, with a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. The top of the stove looks like a colorful cathedral, but it’s the bottom part that really stands out. It has four rows of tiles decorated with flowers and fruits from the new world, discovered by European explorers in the 15th century . It’s definitely something unique to see.

Like the Golden Hall, the Bedchamber is another room in Hohensalzburg Fortress with beautiful decorations. The top part of the walls has gold buttons and rosettes, while the bottom part, which isn’t decorated much now, was probably once covered in leather or velvet. There isn’t any furniture left in the room, but you can still see the fancy woodwork on the walls that shows how grand the room used to be.

2. The Armory

As a tourist attraction from the medieval ages, Hohensalzburg Fortress offers a variety of discoveries, giving insights into what life was like back then. It includes the different armors, guns, canons, weapons, and accessories that were used to defend the fortress from any enemies. You can find them in the armor exhibition which was opened to the public in 2019.

While the place of exhibition has a modern design, the armors aren’t new to this spot in the castle. The exhibition is located in the armory of Hohensalzburg Fortress which was originally the storage facility of the fortress. Some of the items you’ll discover are platemails, full body armor, swords from 1350 onwards, and so on . You can see projections behind the armors and weapons, letting you know how old they are and how they were used before. There are also drawings depicting how the armors were used, stored, prepared, and cleaned. 

3. The Panorama Tour

Much like the Princely Chambers, the Panorama Tour is a highlight of a visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress. If you join the tour, you’ll gain access to five distinct areas within the fortress. The Panorama Tour starts at the Salt Depot , takes you up to the Dungeon and Viewing Platform , and then leads you down to the Salzburg Bull via the Battlement Walkway .

One of the best parts of this tour is getting to walk where the castle guards used to walk. You can see lots of interesting things from there. If you use your imagination, you might feel like you’re a guard from old times, looking out for danger. There’s a lot of walking and steps, especially from the dungeons to the viewpoint, so make sure to wear comfy shoes. Besides the great views, there are also cool bits of history to find along the way, which makes the walk even more fun.

The first stop on the Panorama Tour of Hohensalzburg Fortress is the Salt Depot. As you might have guessed from its name, this is where the prince-archbishops of Salzburg used to store their precious ‘white gold’ . Interestingly, the Salt Depot still contains salt today. It now features a detailed 3D model of the town made entirely of rock salt . This model provides a preview of the stunning views that await you from the fortress’s panoramic viewpoints. Just by looking at the model, you’ll discover how Salzburg’s location helped it grow into a bustling cultural hub: Surrounded by mountains and built along a river at the crossroads of three major trade routes . These routes connected Salzburg to Italy, Augsburg, and Linz, making it a thriving center of commerce and culture. Aside from the geography of Salzburg from the Salt Depot, the room also gives insights about the city’s salt industry.

After exiting the Salt Depot, you’ll be led to the Hohensalzburg’s Dungeon . It’s a simple prison that if you’ve been to other fortresses in Europe, you’ll find the dungeon of Hohensalzburg Fortress a little less cruel.  It’s because, based on the information board, Hohensalzburg Fortress was not the seat of the court. Thus, there were no judges to conduct ‘painful questioning’ in a torture chamber and, indeed, Hohensalzburg Fortress did not become a the site of gruesome torture. However, the fortress did have a dark dungeon in the Reckturm tower and prison cells , built around 1640. While it later served as a prison for common criminals, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Hohensalzburg was mostly used for political purposes and to maintain state authority. Those imprisoned within its walls included individuals with unwanted religious beliefs in predominantly Catholic Salzburg, leaders of riots, and those accused of treason. Fascinatingly, an archbishop spent his final years as a prisoner of the fortress.

Viewing Platform

The dungeon features spiral stairs that lead to the viewing platform, which is the highlight of the Panorama Tour at Hohensalzburg Fortress. After leaving the dungeon, you’re immediately greeted with a stunning 360-degree panorama of Salzburg, including the city, Salzach River, and the Alps . It’s a breathtaking view; spectacular when it’s sunny. The viewing platform has two levels, so don’t forget to climb a few steps to the upper level for an even better view. After taking in the panoramic views, it’s time to head down to the Battlement Walkway . The entrance is located on the opposite side of the viewing platform where you entered. As you make your way down the stairs, you’ll come across interesting stories about the fortress, written on pedestals that resemble small theaters. Amazingly, these displays include visuals, some with mechanical controls, to help bring the stories to life. The first small theater I saw tells about “ The White Lady ” of Hohensalzburg Fortress. It says:

The guards at Hohensalzburg were known for their bravery. However, on certain moonlit nights, they were overcome with fear. They reported seeing a figure dressed in white robes, floating above the castle walls. Whenever they tried to approach her, she vanished into thin air. The appearance of the “White Lady” was considered an ominous sign, as misfortune often followed her sightings. But there’s no need to worry if you see her today – it’s just a spooky tale from long ago.

Battlement Walkway

The Battlement Walkway , built way back in the latter half of the 16th century, is the 4th part of the Panorama Tour at Hohensalzburg Fortress. This 400-meters-long walkway runs along the outer wall and encircles the entire fortress complex. On the tour, you’ll be walking the section that connects the viewing platform to the Kuenburg Bastion , where you’ll find the Salzburg Bull. During your visit to the walkway, there’s a few things to keep an out for. Some of them are the small windows along the way — they were used by medieval guards to keep watch over the city and its surroundings. Take a peek for some cool views of Salzburg and its outskirts! There are information boxes and small theaters in front of some windows to keep you entertained as you stroll towards Kuenburg Bastion. One of them is entitled, “The Fortress Fire Station.” And it tells:

Hohensalzburg Castle, with its overlooking view of Salzburg, played a vital role in the city’s firefighting efforts. In the late 18th century, engineer Ludwig Grenier implemented an innovative system to improve fire detection and response. He installed stone slabs in front of many windows along the castle’s walkway, each featuring key points of orientation such as city gates Swiveling telescopes were also added, enabling fire guards to accurately determine the location of a fire, even during the night. To communicate the location of the fire to city firefighters, each district had a unique signal that was transmitted using flags during daylight hours and lanterns at night. This system proved to be highly effective and remained in use until 1925, long after the invention of the telephone.

Salzburg Bull

The Kuenburg Bastion is one of the most fascinating parts of Hohensalzburg Fortress because it houses the “ Salzburg Bull ,” which is a simple type of organ with over 100 pipes . It has been used as an alarm clock for the city since the early 16th century, playing a sharp triad in F major over the city to wake people up at 4 am and signal that it’s bedtime at 7 pm.  The sound it makes is like that of a bull’s roar , which is how it got its name. The Salzburg Bull has been improved over time and can now play classical music composed by court musicians Leopold Mozart and Johann Ernst Eberlin. You can still hear the Salzburg Bull three times a day today , with classical music always accompanied by its characteristic bull-like roar Upon arriving at the Kuenburg Bastion, you can enter the room where the Salzburg Bull is located.  Come inside, so you can see its different parts, including pipes, wheels, and music sheet protruding pins that pluck the individual prongs to sound the pipes. And that concludes the Panorama Tour of Hohensalzburg Fortress!

4. The Fortress Museum

Ready for a blast from the past? Head on over to the Fortress Museum, located in the “ Hoher Stock ” wing of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and explore the history of Salzburg and the function of the fortress. With twelve rooms, each dedicated to a different topic, you’ll have plenty to discover.

From the building history of the fortress to the Archbishops of Salzburg, from Salzburg in the Middle Ages to nutrition and cooking in the Middle Ages, there’s something for everyone . Check out archaeological excavation discoveries from the site of Hohensalzburg Fortress, weapons and armor, instruments of torture (eek!), a complete castle kitchen, Gothic furniture, sixteenth and seventeenth-century handicrafts, and historical military musical instruments. Indeed, if you’re interested in history, art, and culture, a visit to the Fortress Museum is just a must.

5. Rainer Regiment Museum

Hohensalzburg Fortress is mostly about the Prince Archbishops. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t discover something from recent history during your visit. Did you know that this place has housed the Rainer Regiment Museum since 1924? (to honor the memory of the former Salzburg house regiment, the Imperial and Royal Infantry Regiment ‘Archduke Rainer’ No. 59.)

The Rainer Regiment was a military unit of the Austro-Hungarian Army, known for their bravery and valor on the battlefields of Europe . It was established in 1682 by Kaiser Leopold I to defend Austria against the Ottoman Empire. And after the Battle of Solferino, Emperor Franz Joseph I bestowed the following unforgettable words on the regiment: “ This regiment is among the bravest of the brave. ” The regiment also served with distinction on the Russian and Italian fronts during World War I, demonstrating its commitment to serving and protecting Austria and its people.

The Rainer Regiment Museum consists of eight rooms that give a chronological account of the regiment’s history from its foundation in 1682 until the end of the First World War in 1918. As a visitor to the Rainer Regimental Museum, you can expect to discover and see a wide range of exhibits that chronicle the history of Salzburg’s former home regiment, the Imperial Austro-Hungarian Infantry Regiment “Archduke Rainer” No. 59.

There are historical weaponry, traditional uniforms, pictures, and more . You will discover the heritage preservation from the areas of military engagement such as the Napoleonic Wars and the bourgeois revolution of 1848.  There’s just a lot to learn about the Restoration era and late 19th century, World War One and the regimental march “Rainermarsch”, war and the arts, and more.

In addition to these permanent exhibits, Rainer Regimental Museum houses special exhibitions, too. That included one that focuses on the time after 1918 as it relates to the Rainer regiment. If you are interested to visit the Rainer Regimental Museum, you must see the three life-size dioramas depicting World War I combat positions on Austria-Hungary’s southwestern front and in Galicia (present-day Ukraine).  I think they’re the most important exhibits in the Rainer Regimental Museum. 

You can check the official website of the Rainer Regimental Museum at the resources section of this post if you want to learn more. 

6. Marionette Museum

One of the fun and surprising offerings of the Hohensalzburg Fortress is the Marionette Museum in the Prince’s Cellars of the fortress. The museum displays many historical marionettes from the world-famous Salzburg Marionette Theater and offers many highlights for you to enjoy. 

When you visit, you will be greeted by a 3-D animation of Archbishop Wolf Dietrich immediately at the entrance, and inside, you can see Papageno and Papagena from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” There’s even a stage dedicated to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart that gives a glimpse into his travels! Another special attraction is the stage that shows the fortress and farmers during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1525. I find it a fascinating way to uncover a piece of  history in the region. Overall, the Marionette Museum in the Hohensalzburg Fortress can be a fabulous journey through time in a medieval atmosphere for both young and old.

7. Join the Different Castle Events

As you may have discovered a while ago, you can experience classical music in a unique and historic setting by attending a Salzburg Fortress Concert. Held in the magnificent chambers of Fortress Hohensalzburg, these concerts have been delighting audiences for over 40 years.

With 300 performances featuring the works of well-known Austrian composers such as Mozart, Strauss, Schubert, and Joseph Haydn , you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the music. The Salzburg Mozart Ensemble and the Mozart Chamber Orchestra Salzburg are among the performers. Concerts are held almost every day throughout the year in the Prince’s Chambers and last approximately 90 minutes. Starting times vary depending on the month ( 8:00 pm or 8:30 pm ), with a special Christmas Concert on December 24th at 3:00 pm. If you’re a fan of classical music or simply looking for a memorable cultural experience, attending a Salzburg Fortress Concert is definitely worth considering.

Pictures Inside & Outside the Fortress

Visiting information.

You’re visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress?! Well, I’m excited for you!

If you’re still figuring out your Salzburg itinerary and wondering how much time to spend at the Hohensalzburg Fortress, I recommend setting aside 3-4 hours (half-day) with the all-inclusive ticket. This is enough to fully explore the fortress, including the castle area, museums, and princely chambers at a relaxed pace . But if you’re short on time, don’t worry! With the basic ticket, you can still see the castle area, take the panorama tour, and visit the museums in just 1-2 hours. 

You can visit the fortress from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from January to April and October to December.

In May to September, it opens from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., while the museums, princes’ chambers, and magic theater are open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

On Advent weekends and Easter, the fortress opens from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On December 24th, it closes early at 2:00 p.m.

Important: Please check the official website of Hohensalzburg Fortress linked at the resources section for news and updates.

Where is Hohensalzburg Fortress?

Among the landmarks and tourist attractions in Salzburg, there is none easier to find than Hohensalzburg Fortress. This huge medieval fortress sits atop Festungsberg , a hill in the heart of the city. Perched 506 meters high, Hohensalzburg Fortress dominates the skyline of Salzburg. You should be able to spot Hohensalzburg Fortress right away from nearly every part of the city with wide open spaces, especially from parks, bridges, and walkways along the Salzach River .

From anywhere in Old Town Salzburg, it would take less than a 20-minute walk to reach Festungsbahn , the funicular station that conveniently brings tourists to Hohensalzburg Fortress.

When you finally reach Festungsgasse , you are very close to Hohensalzburg Fortress. It’s along this street that the last part of your journey to the fortress begins. You can choose to reach Hohensalzburg Fortress by funicular or on foot, depending on the tickets you purchase. The entrance to Festungsbahn funicular — the more convenient way to reach Hohensalzburg Fortress — is found here in Festungsgasse.

Arrival by Car

Since Salzburg’s old town is a pedestrian zone and not accessible by car, it’s time to stretch your legs and continue on foot from these parking options to Hohensalzburg Fortress.

If you’re driving, park your car at one of the public car parks in Mönchsberg or Nonntal, or other car parks such as Mirabellgarage, Rotkreuz-Parkplatz near the Salzach, or at the end of Linzergasse. Alternatively, you can park at the ‘Park & Ride’ parking spaces at the exhibition center or on Alpenstraße and hop on public transport to reach the old town.

Arrival by Train

If you’re arriving by train:

• Take trolleybus (O-Bus) lines 1, 25, 3, 5 or 6 from Salzburg’s main railway station to the city center;
• Get off at Rathaus (Town Hall) or Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz (Ferdinand-Hanusch Square); and
• Take a leisurely stroll along Getreidegasse and across Alter Markt Square, Residenzplatz, Domplatz and Kapitelplatz to reach Festungsgasse (Castle Street) in about five minutes. 

Fortress Map

Tourist Areas:

• A — Panorama Tour
• B — Museums
• C — Princely Chambers & Magical Theater

Castle Parts:

• 1 — Hohensalzburg Fortress
• 2 — Hasengraben Bastion
• 3 — Stables and Salt Depot
• 4 — Granary
• 5 — Cistern
• 7 — Cable Hoist
• 8 — Kuenburg Bastion
• 9 — Keutschach Monument
• 10 — Hoher Stock
• 11 to 13 — Princely Chambers
• 14 — Old Fortress Funicular

There are four types of tickets available for Hohensalzburg Fortress. Your overall experience at the fortress will depend on the type of ticket you choose. Let me guide you on what to choose.

• If you have the Basic Ticket with Fortress Railway or the All-Inclusive Ticket with Fortress Railway , you can take advantage of the roundtrip funicular ride included in the ticket package to reach Hohensalzburg Fortress quickly. The funicular runs every 10 minutes and takes about a minute to reach the top.
• The Basic Pathway Ticket and the All-Inclusive Pathway Ticket do not include the funicular ride up the hill to the Fortress.  If you purchase either of these tickets, you need to hike up the hill to reach Hohensalzburg Fortress. Depending on how fast you walk, hiking can take 15 to 20 minutes. 

While the path to Hohensalzburg Fortress is scenic, I still suggest buying tickets that include a roundtrip funicular ride. The 4-dollar upgrade is worth the convenience and time saved from hiking uphill . You can check the current price of Hohensalzburg Fortress Tickets (with funicular roundtrip ride) here.

If you’re wondering what’s the difference between basic and all-inclusive tickets: basic tickets cover access to the Fortress Museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, Marionette Museum, Armoury, Panorama Tour, and courtyards, bastions, and chapel. Princely Chambers and Magic Theater are excluded . On the other hand, you are allowed to explore all parts of the fortress if you have the all-inclusive tickets.  Get your Hohensalzburg Fortress Tickets here.

While you can enter Hohensalzburg Fortress with regular tickets, there are more ways you can spend time in the fortress and have a memorable experience. Below, I’ll let you know about more options. 

Do you want to experience the best of Salzburg with a night of music, food, and fun at the Hohensalzburg Fortress? Consider this option. It takes place in the evening, starting with a ride on the funicular railway. Then you’ll settle in for a concert of Mozart’s most famous works and hidden treasures, performed by world-class soloists . After the concert, enjoy a romantic 3-course meal in the historic atmosphere of the fortress.

Learn more about the Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner here. Alternatively, if you prefer to have dinner somewhere else, here’s what to check: Best of Mozart Fortress Concert (only) .

In this option, you will visit Hohensalzburg Fortress with an all-inclusive skip-the-line ticket. You will be joined by a 5-star private guide for a tour of the castle and its rich history, architecture, and views. There’s a 2-hour or 4-hour option, allowing you to explore the fortress and other Salzburg attractions. 

Learn more about Skip-the-line Hohensalzburg Fortress Tour here.

Imagine cruising along the River Salzach , taking in the stunning city skyline of Salzburg and the majestic Tennen and Hagen Mountains. Then, treating yourself to a delicious dinner at the panorama restaurant of Hohensalzburg Fortress while enjoying breathtaking views. And to top it all off, listening to the “Best of Mozart” concert within the splendid halls of the fortress, surrounded by its dreamlike flair.

This another way of experiencing Hohensalzburg Fortress is a fantastic option, right?  Learn more: Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert in Salzburg .

If you’re interested in learning more about the fortress, its history, and visiting information, please refer to the resources listed below. These resources offer a wealth of information that will help you make the most of your visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress.

• Salzburg Museum official website (Fortress Museum)
• Rainer Regiment Museum official website
• Marionette Museum official website
• Events at Hohensalzburg Castle
• Official website of Hohensalzburg Castle
• All experiences in Salzburg with Hohensalzburg Castle

By the way, are you planning to stay in Salzburg for a few days or longer? If so, I’d like to recommend my partner’s hotel search and booking platform . It offers some of the best deals on accommodations in Salzburg. It’s my go-to tool and I believe you’ll find it useful as well. Please note that the link is an affiliate link. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a booking through it, but there’s no additional cost to you . Your support helps us at WanderInEurope to continue producing helpful content like this. Thank you for your support!

What else is there to visit in Salzburg after the Hohensalzburg Fortress? You have plenty of options to choose from. For more scenic views, try visiting the viewpoints in Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg . These two are among the places you’d love to go to watch the sunrise and sunset in Salzburg . Don’t forget Mozart’s Birthplace , which lets you discover the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the great musician who makes Salzburg a special place to visit. Check out my list of unique things to do in Salzburg for more special experiences in the city. Once you’re done in the city, consider one of the beautiful day trips from Salzburg . My top four choices (nearest) are Hellbrunn Palace , Saint Gilgen , Hohenwerfen Castle , and Berchtesgaden in Germany. Check them out!

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FORTRESS HOHENSALZBURG

The salzburg fortress – the landmark and what it has to offer.

Salzburg fortress towers over the rooftops of Salzburg. Experience the diverse offers of this medieval castle.

The fortress mountain is joined to the Mönchsberg. After your visit to the castle, you still have time for an atmospheric stroll there and can enjoy some magnificent views of the town.

Museums and Architecture of the Salzburg Castle

On the castle itself, architecture at its most imposing and several museums await you, such as the recently redesigned fortress museum and the “World of Puppets” museum, the kind of which you won’t find anywhere else in Europe, what with its unique exhibits from the world-famous Marionette theatre as well as other countries around the world. In this museum, you can have a go at puppeteering, amongst other things – enjoy yourself!

It’s also certainly worth mentioning the Castle Tavern with the historic Castle Hall as well as the Panorama Restaurant on Salzburg fortress with 2 unique panoramic terraces, which guarantee an unforgettable view of the town and countryside.

Salzburg Fortress History an guided Tours

The oldest part of the castle can boast more than 900 years of history. In around 1077, the past part was completed. In the centuries afterwards, the many different lords of the castle – the Salzburg archbishops - continued to develop the fortress. The money required for this was obtained from salt mining, as the “white gold” had made rich men of Salzburg’s rulers.

The greatest challenge for the medieval weir system was posed by the revolts staged by farmers and miners in 1525. However, the fortress always proved to be impregnable, as it continues to do so now. You can experience several anecdotes about the castle’s long history during a tour of the castle through the colossal rooms and walls.    

We are happy to help organise a special guided tour for you.

The Fortress Restaurant

As well as the exquisite gastronomical offer provided by the Fortress Restaurant on Salzburg fortress and the Castle Tavern with its historic Castle Hall, it is above all the 300 Best of Mozart Fortress Concerts in the Golden Hall played every year, which bring the fortress to life in the evening. The magnificent facilities on the fortress are suited for company celebrations, weddings and much more! For example, you could treat yourself and your guests to a Knight Meal, with all kinds of fun involved. On many occasions, there are also special offers for you, such as the orchestral concerts which take place from May to October, the impressive Advent concerts and the New Year’s Eve gala event - with a reception which includes sparkling wine - as well as waltzes on the panoramic terrace during the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

It’s up to you to decide which one of our many offers appeals to you the most. Salzburg Highlights will take care of the organisation for your ideal programme. As the organiser of the Salzburg Fortress Concerts and the operator of the Panorama Fortress on Salzburg fortress as well as the Castle Tavern with its historic Castle Hall, Salzburg Highlights is your primary contact for activities of all sorts on the fortress. Trust the professionals – and inform yourself today about company outings and packages with Salzburg Highlights.

The formation of Salzburg fortress, the world-famous landmark of the city of Mozart, traces back to 1077. The fortress has an installed surface area of 7,000 m³ and is the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe. The most magnificent chamber is the Golden Hall, in which the world-renowned Salzburg Fortress Concerts take place from January to December. The fortress is a tourist magnet and, with almost one million visitors per year, is one of the most visited attractions in Austria. The fortress, which lies in the heart of the Old Town, is accessible via the Kapitelplatz and the Festungsgasse. From there, a funicular railway brings the visitors to the top of the fortress within less than one minute, surmounting a difference in altitude of 99 metres. Regardless of the operating times of the castle lift, the rail guarantees the comfortable descent into the town for those visiting the Best of Mozart Fortress Concert. It is also possible for visitors to reach the top of Salzburg fortress on foot, though one should calculate about 20 minutes for the footpath.    

It is practically impossible to miss Salzburg fortress. In a majestic manner, the castle dominates Salzburg’s Old Town and can be seen from far away. You can find the shortest route here.

Salzburg fortress – the landmark of Salzburg – can be found in the heart of the Old Town behind the cathedral. You can reach the fortress on foot or take the castle lift which brings you directly to the fortress.

Travelling by car:

Arriving from the A1 / Villach A10 / Munich A8 

You take the exit from the airport and take the Innsbrucker Bundestrasse into town. At the Innsbrucker Bundesstrasse junction, you take the right into Neutorstrasse and follow this road towards the centre. After about 2 kilometres, you reach the Neutor (Sigmundstor), and directly in front on the Neutor, you can drive into the Altstadt-garage on the right for parking. The way to the fortress is already signposted by the garage exit. From there, it takes about 2 minutes to get to the lower station of the castle lift. The rail leaves every 10 minutes.

Opening times for fortress card holders*:

• January to April: 9.30am to 5pm*
• May to September: 8:30am to 7pm*
• October to December: 9.30am to 5pm*
• 24. December: 9.30am to 2pm*
• Advent weekends, Easter: 9am to 6pm*

*Last admission into the museums and interior facilities: 30 minutes before closing time.

• Londonbus Charter
• Wedding Coach London Double-Decker Bus
• Fortress Hohensalzburg (active)
• Hellbrunn Palace & Zoo Salzburg
• Mozart & Culture
• Tour Guides
• Marionette Museum

• Private Tours

World of Marionettes

Make a journey into the magical world of marionettes.

This unique museum is in the cellars of the world famous Hohensalzburg Fortress. Here you can admire many historical marionettes from the well-known Salzburg Marionette Theatre, such as Papageno and Papagena from Mozart's Magic Flute, as well as exhibits from various European and Asian countries. You can also try out the marionettes and pull the strings yourself.

Festung Hohensalzburg 5020 Salzburg

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Festung Hohensalzburg Hohensalzburg-Quick Touren

• 28. Juni 2024, 14:34 Uhr

• Vielen Touren durch die Festung Hohensalzburg. Foto: Burgen&Schlösser
• hochgeladen von Josef Wind

SALZBURG. Noch bis Ende September gibt es die Möglichkeit, täglich an den Hohensalzburg-Quick Touren teilzunehmen, um das Salzburger Wahrzeichen besser kennenzulernen und interessante Informationen zu erfahren. Die Festung ist ein mächtiger und imposanter Blickfang und Teil der weltberühmten Silhouette. Hinter den dicken Mauern wird die Geschichte erlebbar. Und ist man nach der Quick-Tour neugierig geworden, gibt es ein umfangreiches Führungsprogramm zu unterschiedlichen Terminen. Eine Quick-Tour startet um 9.30 Uhr, eine zweite dann um 19 Uhr. Nach der Abend-Führung bieten sich im Anschluss die Basteien als attraktive Aussichtspunkte an, um den Abend gemütlich ausklingen zu lassen. Morgens können kann der Besuch nach der Führung fortgesetzt und die Innenräume erkundet werden. Treffpunkt ist der Info-Point A beim Eingang zum Innenbereich. Die Führungen sind kostenlos, eine Anmeldung ist nicht erforderlich.

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Salzwelten Hallstatt

Hours updated 3 months ago

Review Highlights

“ I did the tour of the salt mine and the best part was sliding down and taking the mini train ride back out. ” in 4 reviews

“ We took the funicular up the mountain and went to the viewpoint before heading to the tour. ” in 3 reviews

“ Other parts of the tour require you to watch a screen and light show . ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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Salzbergstr. 21

4830 Hallstatt

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Overall rating

Oldest salt mine in Europe. Make sure you buy tickets for the skywalk and salt mine if you're interested in the salt mine. Be aware that it's about 2 hour tour start to finish and 1.2 miles walk in the mine. From the Skywalk, it's at least a 15 minutes walk up hill to the building. Tour runs every 30 minutes. We did not reserve ahead of time and just walked up to the line. There's a clock that tells you when the next tour starts. You go inside to give them your ticket then you're escorted into the locker room where they will give you protective clothing to wear over your own clothing. Then you're in a holding area where they go over the rules. I asked if I was allowed to bring my selfie stick and she said yes even though the safety video showed it as prohibited. Then you walk outside and you're in front of the salt mine. As you enter the cave, you walk in single file line between the tracks. Be aware that you'll be walking a total of 1.243 miles on foot deep deep into the mountain. There are two sets of slides. The first is shorter and practice round. The second one is the longest in Europe. You have the option of using the stairs. Don't forget to smile as there are cameras and it records your speed. Other parts of the tour require you to watch a screen and light show. Instead of walking back 1.2 miles, you sit on a train that will take you back outside the cave. You go back into the locker room to remove the protective clothing and have a chance to purchase your photo. You receive a mini salt bottle as a souvenir.

See all photos from Myphuong L. for Salzwelten Hallstatt

*4 stars borderline 3. You can almost skip this one. But if you plan to spend the day at Hallstatt, I would recommend it. It's cool mind you I've never been to one of these, plus they've been operating a salt mine for 7000 years. So why can you almost skip it. We'll that's because the hike of 850 meters UP A MOUNTAIN after the funicular is strenuous. Might be better if you take elevator up to cut some uphill steps BUT we did not see that until we left. Plus the crowd was too large. We were maybe 80% capacity and it still took like 2 hours. Cutting the number in half would help to hasten the pace and lessen the waiting time/standing around for everyone to finish.

This is a must for your visit to Halstatt! Part history lesson, part thrills, and part one-of-a-kind experience in the world's oldest salt mine. The ride to the top of the mountain and tour ticket costs 31euro for adults. Plan to set aside 3-4 hours for the experience. Note that once you reach the top, it's a somewhat steep fifteen minute walk to where the tour begins. If you want to break up the experience, there's also a lovely restaurant at the top overlooking the city and lake. Fun fact: this is a "UNESCO World Heritage View". Before hopping on the lift, you'll find a new Salt gift store for souvenirs. The path to the tour is part of the adventure. I appreciated these stops as it was a sweaty climb. The signs along the way provide insight into the archeology and history of salt mining including one of the 1,000 bodies found buried on the site. Note that the salt mine is only open from April to November. I loved that the experienced required a fun getup to protect your clothes as you walk (and slide!) 400 meters deep into the mine. I have to admit, even though I was traveling solo, I found myself giggling like a kid on the two wooden slides. On the larger one, folks were clocking in at 25km per hour. All in all, an incredibly fun and memorable experience!

See all photos from Brittany S. for Salzwelten Hallstatt

Awesome place to spend a few hours of your day (or more if you like to take pictures like me). I did the tour of the salt mine and the best part was sliding down and taking the mini train ride back out. It was actually pretty cool. More fun than I expected. Totally recommended for both kids and adults :) you'll also get this great view of Hallstatt from above, what's not to like about this? just go if you're visiting Hallstatt! Ticket's a bit pricey, if you're coming from Salzburg and got a Salzburg card while you were there, you can use it to get a discount. A side note on the Salzburg card - if you're debating on whether to get one or not in Salzburg, I recommend getting it! It's worth it for multiple attractions when you're visiting different places (for Mozart), comes with a cruise, it's good for trams/buses in the city, and also works for a discount at Dachstein Mountains!

Visiting a old salt mine? ZZZzzz... I was skeptical at first, but this was surprisingly entertaining. Its eerie but fun walking deep into the mountain. There some light shows, a couple of fun slides, some education, a couple videos, an animatronic miner, and a fun train ride out of the mountain. €30 Adult, but that includes a round trip on the funicular.

See all photos from Chun P. for Salzwelten Hallstatt

Interesting but pricey attraction (30 euros) in Hallstatt. We took the funicular up, and walked about 15 minutes to the tour start. If you aren't up for any exercise, this is not the tour for you. There are also steps and walking involved during the tour. The view from the platform was fantastic. The tour was done in English for our group because everyone spoke the language. Unfortunately the multiple videos shown throughout the tour were translated poorly into English - very simplified. I learned a lot about the history and geology of salt mining in Hallstatt, along with archaeological discoveries about early communities in the area. It was fun to ride the longest wooden slide in Europe (felt like a roller coaster ride without any protection!)

There aren't a ton of activities in Hallstatt so this is one of the main tourist spots. I loved the cable car and skywalk but since that is technically a different attraction I am writing a different review for that. The mine itself is interesting but not the most exciting thing ever. You take a pretty hike up to the actual mine and wait for the next tour. They give you jumpsuit-coverall type outfit to protect your clothing and then you get on a fun little train type thing to start your journey into the mine. You then continue the rest of the way on foot. You get to go down two old miners slides which are pretty fun but the rest of the tour isn't that exciting. I still think it is worth doing but don't have your sights set too high.

I came on time at 2:10. They said it was closed. Their hours state that the last tour starts at 2:30. I looked on google and it still says that. They didn't update their tour times, and had changed it. I heard about this place a few years ago when studying Austria. I came halfway across the world for this place. The rest of the town is just as amazing as expected, but this salt mine tour was not it. Do not come for the salt mine tour. Come for the view of the pretty lake.

Business owner information

Business Owner

Mar 23, 2022

Dear Alexander, We are very sorry that you were not able to join our tour, but we are glad you enjoyed the rest of Hallstatt! At the time of your visit, those would indeed have been the actual opening hours, but unfortunately, assuming you arrived at the valley station of the cable car at 2:10, as stated, you would not have been able to make it up to the mine entrance in time for the tour’s starting time, as even once the cable car has arrived at the top station visitors have a walk of approximately 30 minutes to reach the tour’s starting point. We understand that this would have been a frustrating experience, especially given how far you traveled to visit, and we truly apologize for any miscommunication on our part. We do sincereley hope that if you’re ever back in Hallstatt you’ll give us another shot and be able to join us for a tour. With a traditional “Glück Auf,” Sashi and the Salzwelten team.

Must do! You walk for a while so be prepared but nothing too steep. Very, very cool experience. It's cold so dress warm. €30 a ticket for up to the mine, tour of mine and back down. Definitely worth it!

Worth the price of admission if only for the incredible view of the city and the lake. The tour is available in German and English, and was well presented and very informative. You can actually hike up the mountain to the entrance, but we opted for the easier route. From the base of the mountain, the funicular takes you up to a secondary station with an incredible viewing platform. From there you get an orientation, your fashionable jumpsuit, and make the hike up to the entrance to the mine. The tour covered a lot about the history of Hallstatt, the evolution of mining techniques, and even had a video presentation/light show inside one of the larger chambers. This is still an active mine, and our guide said it will continue to be for another 60 or 70 years. There are a couple of miner slides you get to ride during the tour which are used to move down from one level to the next, and that alone made it a memorable and worthwhile experience for our boys. There is a gift shop at the exit, and it had some wonderful items at very good prices. Decorative items, lamps, candlesticks, cooking salts, etc. This is definitely something you should do while visiting Hallstatt.

See all photos from Brandon J. for Salzwelten Hallstatt

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