Salzburg Fortress (Hohensalzburg)

Medieval stronghold in Salzburg Old Town

Salzburg Fortress (Hohensalzburg) towers over Mozart's city. As well as being the icon of Salzburg, it is the largest fortress of its kind in Europe to have survived intact in its entirety.

Hohensalzburg, the imposing fortress overlooking Salzburg, was built by Archbishop Gebhard in 1077. Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach (1495-1519) presided over an extensive expansion of the fortress. Its greatest attractions for today's visitor include the medieval Princes' Chambers and the Fortress Museum. A short funicular railway was built in 1892 to provide a convenient way up the hill on which the fortress is situated; it begins its steep ascent from the station in the Festungsgasse.

The origins of the building, now almost a thousand years old, can be traced back to the time of the Investiture Controversy, the dispute between the kings and the Papacy over the investiture of bishops. In the course of the conflict, Archbishop Gebhard von Salzburg, who sided with the Papacy, ordered the construction of the defensive installations of Hohensalzburg, Hohenwerfen, and Friesach in his territory. This first stage in the development of Hohensalzburg Fortress came to an end under Gebhard's successor, Archbishop Conrad I (1160-47).

For centuries, the archiepiscopal fortress retained its role as a refuge for the ecclesiastical rulers of the diocese of Salzburg. For example, the archbishops withdrew to the fortress when Salzburg and its lands were caught up in the upheaval of the Hungarian War and the Peasants' War. It was during this period that the main building was extended and the arsenal and granary created. The fortress owes its modern appearance to Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach (1495-1519), who had it extended and commissioned the lavish decoration of its interior. Ornamental paintings and skilfully crafted Gothic carvings can be admired in the Golden Hall and the Golden Room. Fifty-eight inscriptions and the famous coat of arms are additional reminders of his rule. Since the days of Leonhard von Keutschach, the lion that is the symbol of the fortress has held a beetroot in its paws. The last significant structural modification to the fortress was the construction of the impressive Khuenburg bastion.

It is notable that, throughout its long history, Hohensalzburg has never been captured or successfully besieged by its enemies. The only damage suffered by the fortress was relatively insignificant and occurred during the Peasants' War. Malevolent peasants managed to gain control of a cannon and fired straight at their overlord's residence from the Kapitelplatz square in the city below. To this day, the dent left in a thick column of Untersberg marble bears witness to the only direct threat to leave its mark on the building.

But the fortress was more than just a defensive position and residence in war-torn times. During periods when there was no direct military threat to the city, it was used - somewhat unceremoniously - as a barracks and prison. Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich was held prisoner there by his nephew and successor, Markus Sittikus, for five years until his death in 1617.

Any trip to Salzburg should include a visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress, an unmissable attraction. It is open all year round. As well as the courtyards, it is also possible to visit the Fortress Museum or hire an audio guide and take a tour of the Princes' Chambers.

Festung Hohensalzburg
Mönchsberg 34
Tel.: +43 (0)662 84 24 30 11
Fax: +43 (0)662 84 24 30 20
salzburger.burgen.schloesser@salzburg.gv.at

Opening Hours
Courtyards
15 March to 14 June: 9 am to 6 pm
15 June to 14 September: 8.30 am to 8 pm
15 September to 14 March: 9 am to 5 pm

Princes' Chambers
Tour with audio guide
15 March to 14 June: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (last admission 5 pm)
15 June to 14 September: 9 am to 6 pm (last admission 5.30 pm)
15 September to 14 March: 9.30 am to 5 pm (last admission 4.30 pm)

Admission Fees
Courtyards
Adults: EUR 3.60
Children: EUR 2.00
With Salzburg Card: free

Princes' Chambers Adults: EUR 3.60
Children: EUR 2.00
With Salzburg Card: free