Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress is a large medieval fortress perched on the Festungsberg above Salzburg’s historic centre, originally begun in the late 11th century and expanded across the medieval and early modern periods.

The complex contains fortified walls, towers, state rooms and small museum displays that document its military and episcopal history. Access is commonly by the short funicular from the Kapitelplatz or by walking trails up the hill.

Construction began in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard and the site was progressively enlarged and modernised in subsequent centuries, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries; it remained a dominant defensive and administrative centre for the archbishopric.

The fortress overlooks Salzburg’s Altstadt and sits within easy walking distance or a short funicular ride from the city centre, providing direct views over the cathedral, Residenzplatz and the surrounding valley.

• Best viewpoint: The fortress stands on the Festungsberg and provides unrestricted views across Salzburg's Old Town and surrounding alpine foothills, making the outer bastions popular for city panoramas.

What to See #

• State rooms and medieval interiors: A collection of preserved state rooms and medieval interiors that illustrate the fortress's role as an episcopal stronghold and later a military structure.
• Fortress museum: A small fortress museum displays weapons, medieval artefacts and historical displays about the construction and use of the castle over the centuries.
• Festungsbahn funicular: A funicular railway (Festungsbahn) links the fortress to the city centre and provides regular visitor access from the Kapitelplatz area.