Perched atop Festungsberg mountain at an altitude of 506 meters, Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg) is a massive medieval stronghold overlooking Salzburg, Austria. Spanning 250 meters long and 150 meters wide, it stands as one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval castles. Originally commissioned in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein as a basic wooden-walled bailey, the fortress was expanded over centuries by Salzburg’s powerful prince-archbishops to protect their interests, add ring walls, towers, gunpowder stores, and external bastions.
Today, you can explore its historic wings, courtyards, and state apartments located in the "Hoher Stock" upper floor. Inside, discover the magnificent Golden Hall with its coffered ceiling adorned with gold buttons, marble pillars, and a 17-meter-long painted beam displaying historical coats of arms. You will also see the lavish Golden Chamber with its vine-decorated benches, the intimately wainscoted bedchamber featuring early modern toilet facilities, and the Chapel of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach with its star vault ceiling.
Do not miss the 1502 "Salzburg Bull" mechanical organ housed in the Krautturm, or the Reisszug—a primitive funicular railway dating back to 1515, considered likely the oldest operational railway in the world.
What to see at Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Golden Hall featuring marble pillars, gold ceiling buttons, and a painted 17-meter beam
- Salzburg Bull mechanical aerophone built in 1502 inside the Krautturm
- Golden Chamber adorned with benches decorated with carved vines, foliage, and animals
- Chapel of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach featuring a richly ornamented star vault ceiling
- Reisszug freight funicular railway dating to 1515, likely the world's oldest operational railway
Visiting tips
Listen for the historic "Salzburg Bull" mechanical organ playing daily at 7:00, 11:00, and 18:00 between Palm Sunday and October 31.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Hohensalzburg Fortress is easy to reach on Salzburg’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Salzburg travel guide.
See the full Salzburg travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.