High above the city of Salzburg lies the fortress Hohensalzburg. You should absolutely not miss out on what is a view over the city that is most definitely worth seeing.
Some history
Construction of the fortress commenced in 1077. A residential tower, a church, a residential building and the first wall were the first features to be built. Until the 13th century, the construction of the outer fortress ring had resulted in an expansion of the castle terrain, which as a result became already almost identical to today’s shape.
Over the course of time, multiple construction projects were carried out in the castle. Examples are the bell tower, the trumpet tower, the “Krautturm”, the blacksmiths and the arrestee tower, the “Stockhaus” and a cistern for the water supply. Every ruler who lived in the castle tried to improve the system in such a way that it met the latest standards for defence in case of an attack. Tactical measures, such as the non-combatant surrender to Napoleon’s troops, also prevented the slighting of the castle complex.
After the Emperor Franz Joseph I had moved away from the fortress character of the facility in 1861, the touristic importance of the castle grew. In 1892, the railway to the Hasengraben Bastion was put into operation. The former house of Johann Michael Haydns was converted into the Valley Station.
After the World Wars and the occupation, tourists came back to the city, eager to visit the fortress Hohensalzburg. Today, numerous cultural events take place and in addition, there are different museums and collections to admire.
The outer fortress can be visited without a guide. For insights into buildings like the Salt Depot, the Torture Chamber, the Tower and the Wall Walk guided tours and audio guides are offered.
Our visit to the fortress Hohensalzburg
We took the railway up to the fortress and went down on foot after the visit. Honestly, the way up was too steep for me. I live in a flat city after all.
The view from the fortress is stunning. Unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy and we could not see as far. But the view of the city and the surrounding mountains was still enjoyable.
We explored the grounds of the fortress at leisurely pace. We left out some parts of the museums. I especially liked the torture chamber and the armour and weapons that hung from the ceiling like marionettes from their ropes. The princely Chamber is also worth seeing and you should take your time.
I enjoyed exploring the fortress Hohensalzburg. And if you look closely, you will find beautiful and interesting corners.
Address:
Mönchsberg 34
5020 Salzburg
Opening hours:
January-April: daily 9.30am-5pm
Easter: 9.30-18
May to September: daily 9 am – 7 pm
October-December: daily 9.30am-5pm
Advent weekends: 9.30-18 24.12 .: 9.30-14
Entry fees (2017):
Online Ticket
Adults from 11.50 €
Child (6-14 years) from 6,00 €
Basic Ticket
Mountain and valley ride with the funicular, entrance to the castle, Audioguide, fortress museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, Marionette museum, Almpassage.
Adults 12 €
Children (6-14 years) € 6.80
With the Salzburg Card free admission!
Basic ticket walk
incl. downhill funicular, available only at the bow
Adults 9,20 €
Children (6-14 years) € 5.20
Standard Ticket
Includes, in addition to the basic ticket, the unique Fürstenzimmer in the main castle incl. Mechanical theater (Goldener Saal, Goldene Stube, bedroom by Fürsterzbischof Keutschach).
Adult 15,20 €
Children (6-14 years) € 8.70
Standard ticket walk
incl. downhill funicular, available only at the bow
Adults 11,50 €
Children (6-14 years) € 6.60
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