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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 Hohensalzburg fortress spreads out over a length of up to 250 metres and has a width of up to 150 metres, thereby making it the largest preserved fortification in Central Europe. The castle complex is situated on the fortress mountain directly in the centre of Salzburg. You can comfortably reach Salzburg fortress with the fortress railway.Fortress hohensalzburg - the Salzburg 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 History of Salzburg fortress Learn more about the historic secrets of the castle
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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.    

Location and Travel Location and Travel to Salzburg fortress
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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.

Location:

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.

Salzburg fortress opening times You can find the opening times of Salzburg fortress here.
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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.

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