Hohensalzburg Fortress: Landmark Above the Salzburg Old Town

Visible from far away atop the Festungsberg above the old town stands Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest fully preserved castle complexes in Europe. Watching over Salzburg since 1077, it remains the unmistakable landmark of the city today.

Nearly 1,000 Years of Building History

Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg laid the foundation stone of the fortress, which was continuously expanded and reinforced over the centuries, especially under Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach around 1500. Unlike many castles, Hohensalzburg was never conquered, which explains its exceptionally good state of preservation.

Princely Chambers and Museums

Inside, visitors find lavishly furnished princely chambers with late Gothic art, along with several museums covering the history of the fortress, the Salzburg archbishops, and regional history. The Festungsbahn funicular conveniently carries visitors from the foot of the hill up to the complex's entrance.

Views Over the Old Town

From the ramparts and viewpoints of the fortress, a panorama opens over Salzburg's old town with its church towers and domes, extending to the surrounding alpine peaks. This view, combined with the fortress's location itself, makes Hohensalzburg one of Austria's most visited destinations.