Fortress Hohensalzburg

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The fortress was never captured by an invading army, though it surrendered during the Napoleonic Wars without a fight.

2. 2

   It is home to the 'Salzburg Bull,' a massive pipe organ from 1502 that plays automatically at specific times.

3. 3

   The Prince's Chambers remain in their original 15th-century state, featuring some of the best-preserved Gothic interior design in Austria.

4. 4

   The complex was used as a prison during the First World War, housing Italian prisoners of war.

5. 5

   The funicular used to ascend the hill was originally powered by water ballast before being electrified.

6. 6

   Its foundation dates to the Investiture Controversy between the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.

7. 7

   The fortress walls were significantly expanded in the 16th century to defend against potential Turkish invasions.

Overview

Fortress Hohensalzburg is one of the largest fully preserved medieval castles in Europe, originally commissioned by Archbishop Gebhard in 1077. Situated atop the Festungsberg, the complex provides a panoramic view of the Salzburg city center and the surrounding Alpine landscape. The interior contains the Prince's Chambers, including the Golden Hall and the Golden Chamber, which feature late Gothic woodcarvings and decorative stonework. The fortress has never been conquered by enemy troops throughout its history. It served variously as a military barracks, a prison, and an ecclesiastical fortification. Access is provided by a funicular railway built in 1892, which remains the oldest of its kind in operation. The complex houses the Fortress Museum, which displays artifacts related to regional military history and the lifestyle of the Salzburg archbishops. It also features a mechanical organ known as the Salzburg Bull, dating back to 1502.

Insider tips

• Walk up the steep path instead of taking the funicular for better views of the fortress walls and the city from the exterior.

• Visit the 'Magic Theater' inside the fortress for a historical audiovisual perspective on the building's past.

• Bring a light jacket, as the stone interior halls remain significantly cooler than the outdoor temperatures.