How to Visit the Fortress Hohensalzburg

How to Get to the Fortress Hohensalzburg

Visiting the Salzburg Castle, officially known as the Fortress Hohensalzburg, is one of the highlights of a visit to Salzburg, Austria. The fortress, which dates back to the late 11th century, sits high atop Old Town Salzburg. At a length of 820 feet and a width of 490 feet, Fortress Hohensalzburg is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. The Fortress served as the residence for the Archbishop.

Hohensalzburg Seen from Old Town Salzburg
Hohensalzburg Seen from Old Town Salzburg

The easiest way to visit Fortress Hohensalzburg is to walk through Old Town Salzburg to the funicular station. After purchasing a ticket, visitors can either walk up the ramp or ride the funicular for an additional fee. I highly recommend paying an addition few Euros for the funicular.

The Fortress Hohensalzburg Funicular
The Fortress Hohensalzburg Funicular

If you have the Salzburg Card, the funicular and all of the entrance fees to Fortress Hohensalzburg, as well as the exhibits, are free. For those who don’t have the Salzburg Card, admission costs between €10 and €17, depending on the package.

The Fortress Hohensalzburg Ticket Office
The Fortress Hohensalzburg Ticket Office

How to Visit the Fortress Hohensalzburg - Table of Contents

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The Best Views of Salzburg are from the Fortress Hohensalzburg

During my visit to Fortress Hohensalzburg, I mostly wanted to get some great photographs of the town of Salzburg. After disembarking the funicular, I came across an observation platform that was roped off. Do not worry about trying to take photos in this location, as there are many better photo opportunities throughout the self-guided tour of the fortress.

The First Viewing Area at Fortress Salzburg
The First Viewing Area at Fortress Salzburg

Another nice viewing area is just inside the entrance to Fortress Hohensalzburg. Here, there are a bunch of holes that provide an interesting perspective. Try to frame your photograph to include some of the hole, with Old Town Salzburg in the background.

Old Town Salzburg Seen from Fortress Hohensalzburg
Old Town Salzburg Seen from Fortress Hohensalzburg

Fortress Hohensalzburg Bell Tower - The Best Views

The best views from Fortress Hohensalzburg are from the top of the Bell Tower. Unfortunately, the Bell Tower was closed due to high winds. Thankfully, just behind the Bell Tower is a viewing platform.

The Bell Tower at Fortress Hohensalzburg was Closed due to High Winds
The Bell Tower at Fortress Hohensalzburg was Closed due to High Winds

The Viewing Platform at Fortress Hohensalzburg - Great Views of Old Town

This viewing platform provided a great view of Salzburg, Old Town Salzburg, and the Salzach River Valley. With the Bell Tower being closed, this area had the best views of Salzburg from Fortress Hohensalzburg.

The Viewing Platform at Fortress Hohensalzburg
The Viewing Platform at Fortress Hohensalzburg

The photo below shows Old Town Salzburg. Pictured in the middle are the Salzburg Cathedral, Dom Quartier, and St. Peter’s Church.

Looking Towards Old Town Salzburg from the Viewing Platform at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Looking Towards Old Town Salzburg

Be sure to bring a zoom lens so you can zoom in on the famous Spharea. The Spharea is the golden ball with the man standing on top of it. You will also want to zoom in on parts of Old Town Salzburg, including the Salzburg Cathedral.

Zoomed in on the Sphaera (Golden Ball) from the Observation Platform at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Zoomed in on the Sphaera (Golden Ball)
Zoomed in on the Salzburg Cathedral from the Observation Platform of Hohensalzburg
Zoomed in on the Salzburg Cathedral

The photo below is looking up at the Salzach River. At the bottom of the picture are the Salzburg Cathedral and the Old Town Clock Tower.

Looking up the Salzach River from the Hohensalzburg Observation Platform
Looking up the Salzach River

Also, be sure to look the opposite direction from Old Town Salzburg. The photo below is looking up river away from Old Town.

Looking Up River from Old Town Salzburg from the Observation Platform of Fortress Hohensalzburg
Looking Up River from Old Town Salzburg

Unique Views at Fortress Hohensalzburg - The Cannon Embrasures

One other great view point at Fortress Hohensalzburg is the cannon embrasures near the museum. When taking a photo, be sure to adjust your camera settings so you get the city in the background.

One of the Cannon Embrasures
One of the Cannon Embrasures
The View from the Cannon Embrasure
The View from the Cannon Embrasure

I had one big disappointment when it came to seeing the best views from Fortress Hohensalzburg. The best views of the mountains that overlook the Salzburg valley are from the Bell Tower, which was closed. Below was the best photo I was able to get of the mountains without accessing the Bell Tower.

Looking towards the Mountains from Fortress Hohensalzburg
Looking towards the Mountains from Fortress Hohensalzburg

The Dungeon at Fortress Hohensalzburg

One of the things I learned during my visit to Fortress Hohensalzburg is that history often misinterprets how the dungeon was used during the Medieval Period. At Fortress Hohensalzburg, the dungeon was used to house prisoners until they received a verdict and their sentence was carried out. Typically, that sentence was the execution of the prisoner.

The photo below shows the dungeon of Fortress Hohensalzburg.

The Dungeon at Fortress Hohensalzburg
The Dungeon at Fortress Hohensalzburg

The Salzburg Bull

One of the most interesting parts of my visit to Fortress Hohensalzburg was seeing the Salzburg Bull. Created in 1515, this instrument created a “bull-like” sound from over 100 organ pipes. The Salzburg Bull was the sound that the citizens of Salzburg woke up to at 4 am, which signaled it was time for work. The Bull performed was heard again at 7 pm, which announced that it was bedtime. Famous composer Leopold Mozart was one of the many who wrote music for the Salzburg Bull.

The Salzburg Bull
The Salzburg Bull

Visitors are able to play the Salzburg Bull by turning the crank pictured below. On a side note, there is an employee who stands beside the Salzburg Bull, ensuring that visitors interact with it gently. I felt bad for her, as I am sure she hears the song that the Salzburg Bull plays over and over again in her dreams.

The Controls to the Salzburg Bull
The Controls to the Salzburg Bull

The Estate Rooms at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Entering the Estate Rooms at Fortress Hohensalzburg requires an additional ticket. Thankfully, my Salzburg Pass covered entry into this part of the Fortress. After showing my Salzburg Card, I first walked into the Golden Hall, also sometimes known as the Great Hall. This location served as part of the residence for Arch Bishop Leonhard von Keutschach, whose coat of arms is painted on the support beam holding up the roof. On the ceiling of the Golden Hall are golden buttons that are supposed to resemble stars in the sky.

The Golden Hall at Fortress Hohensalzburg
The Golden Hall at Fortress Hohensalzburg

The Golden Hall at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Beside the Golden Hall is the most famous room at Fortress Hohensalzburg, the Golden Chamber. Unfortunately, during my visit, the Golden Chamber was partially closed for renovation. All I was able to photograph was the entrance of the Golden Chamber and the ceramic fireplace that was used to heat the Golden Chamber. It is believed that the Golden Chamber served as a waiting room for people who wanted to talk to the Arch Bishop.

Inside the Golden Chamber at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Inside the Golden Chamber (Looking Towards the Golden Hall)
The Ceramic Fireplace Inside the Golden Room at Fortress Hohensalzburg
The Ceramic Fireplace Inside the Golden Room at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Sleeping Chamber at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Opposite of the Golden Chamber is the Royal Apartment which served as the sleeping chamber. It was built in 1501 by Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach and included a private toilet. Like the Golden Room, the Royal Apartment was also under renovation.

Toilet Inside the Estates at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Toilet Inside the Estates at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Inside the Sleeping Chamber of the Royal Apartment
Inside the Sleeping Chamber of the Royal Apartment

The Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg

After walking through the Estate Rooms, I decided to visit the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg. Before entering the museum, I walked by an impressive model of Fortress Hohensalzburg created entirely out of salt. One of the oldest salt mines in the world is located near Salzburg, and a sign on the wall reminds visitors that humans can live without gold but not without salt.

A Model of Fortress Hohensalzburg Made out of Salt
A Model of Fortress Hohensalzburg Made out of Salt

Kitchen at Fortress Hohensazlburg - Meals fit for an Archbishop

Just inside the entrance to the museum are the kitchen and cook’s quarters. During the time the Archbishop lived inside Fortress Hohensalzburg, he had his own personal chef. The chef’s kitchen was also his living quarters, as preparing the meals took up the entirety of the day.

The Kitchen at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Body Armor at Fortress Hohensalzburg

There are many artifacts on display at the museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg. I only included a few photographs of the parts that I found the most interesting. Below is a picture of various types of body armor.

Body Armor in the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Body Armor in the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg

A Life of Luxury for the Arch Bishop at Fortress Hohensalzburg

It was no surprise that the Archbishop lived a life of luxury. Pictured below is one of the beds that was in the Royal Apartment’s sleeping quarters.

A Bed in the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
A Bed at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Some other interesting items located inside the museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg were children’s toys and a beautiful crest. The toys below were a hoop and stick, and a small wooden doll.

Children's Toys at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Children's Toys at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
A Crest at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
A Crest at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Pictured below are golden coins that were found during the excavation of Fortress Hohensalzburg. 

Gold Coins at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Gold Coins at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Weapons at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Fortress Hohensalzburg wasn’t just the home of the Archbishop. It also had many other uses. During World War I and II, the Fortress served as a prison until Germany annexed Austria in 1938. Many of the exhibits in the museum show artifacts from the various wars that Austria has participated in, including World Wars I and II.

Muskets at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Muskets at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Machine Guns at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Machine Guns at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg

A beautiful Cupboard

Pictured below is a cupboard that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was one of the most beautiful pieces of furniture on display in the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg.

Decorative Cupboard at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Decorative Cupboard at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Zoomed in on the Decorative Chest at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Zoomed in on the Decorative Cupboard at the Museum at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Walking Around Fortress Hohensalzburg

One of my favorite parts about exploring Fortress Hohensalzburg was walking around and imagining what it would have been like to live there during the Medieval Period. As I walked around the Fortress, I stumbled across a few interesting parts that had not been on my radar. One of them was the chapel, where the Archbishop came to pray.

Chapel at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Chapel at Fortress Hohensalzburg

When you visit Fortress Hohensalzburg, be sure to spend some time walking inside the walls. One of the best areas to walk around is the area near the Bell Tower.

Inside the Walls of Fortress Hohensalzburg
Inside the Walls of Fortress Hohensalzburg
The Bell Tower at Fortress Hohensalzburg
The Bell Tower at Fortress Hohensalzburg

Finally, for those who visit, there are restrooms located inside the walls of Fortress Hohensalzburg. These are modern restrooms, not to be confused with the private bathroom that is located in the Archbishop’s estate. Use the restroom pictured below, and you can tell everyone that you used a bathroom inside a real castle.

Ever Use a Bathroom Inside a Real Castle? The WC at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Ever Use a Bathroom Inside a Real Castle? The WC at Fortress Hohensalzburg

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Fortress Hohensalzburg Tours and Packages

A tour of Fortress Hohensalzburg is not necessary as every exhibit has signs in various languages, including English. That being said, I know some people prefer to be led around by a local guide. Below, I have linked a few tour packages that include Fortress Hohensalzburg. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.

Prices are accurate as of January 2024.

Skip the Line Fortress Hohensalzburg Tour
Skip-the-line Fortress Hohensalzburg Castle Tour with Private Guide - $222.49

Discover a millennium of history on a private tour of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Includes skip-the-line tickets and an exciting funicular ride. Extended option: see the Old Town and visit Salzburg Cathedral.

Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:

2:-hour Hohensalzburg Fortress
Choose this tour to visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Includes skip-the-line tickets and funicular ride.

4:-hour Hohensalzburg Fortress & Old Town
Choose this tour to see the Old Town and visit Salzburg Cathedral and the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Includes skip-the-line tickets and funicular ride.

The all-inclusive ticket to the Hohensalzburg Fortress grants you access to all areas of one of the most visited attractions in Austria without waiting in line at the ticket office. Join our 5-Star Private Guide on a guided tour of the hilltop castle to discover its rich history, impressive architecture, and breathtaking views.

Salzburg Highlights Including Fortress Hohensalzburg
Salzburg Highlight Tour with Fortress Hohensalzburg - $378.35

This guided tour will give you the insider’s view of the city with tips on how to get the most out of your stay.
Great for your first visit to Salzburg! Get to know the best sites and the basic historic historical facts along with fun facts and anecdotes about Salzburg.
You will go to hidden gems that you will only see with a guide.
All guides are qualified and experienced guides and speak fluent English and German. Any other Language on request possible.

Mozart Concert with Fortress Hohensalzburg
Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg - $132.30

High above the rooftops of the city of Mozart, the evening begins with a GOLDEN VIP Dinner in the Panorama Restaurant at the famous Fortress. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the city and the beauty of the landscape, surrounded by majestic mountains.
After the dinner you will experience a top classical concert.
Hear some of Mozarts most popular works, like "A little Nightmusic", as well as other great masters of music, performed by internationally renowned musicians.
During Advent and Christmas time you also listen to traditional Salzburg Advent and Christmas music.
Individual tables at dinner in the Panorama fortress restaurant! Your table will be allocated according to the number of people booked, except 23.-25.12.
In case of fine weather and suitable weather conditions, the VIP dinner is served on the panorama terrace.

Salzburger Mozart Ensemble
Mozart Kammerorchester Salzburg
May to October
every Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Program subject to modification!

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