One of the largest fully preserved medieval castles in Europe, Hohensalzburg has crowned the Festungsberg above the Old Town since 1077 and is reached by a short funicular ride.
Hohensalzburg was begun in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard and expanded over the following centuries into the mighty complex seen today. The fortress was never taken by force. Inside, visitors can see the Golden Hall and Golden Chamber, the Prince's Rooms with their carved wooden ceilings, the Fortress Museum, the Marionette Museum, and the Rainer Regiment Museum. The courtyard and ramparts give the best panorama over the Old Town, the Salzach river and the Alps.
| Admission | Basic ticket with funicular approx. EUR 15.50-19 (~$18-22); all-inclusive ticket with funicular approx. EUR 19.20 (~$22); funicular alone approx. EUR 4 (~$4.60) one way; included in the Salzburg Card |
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| Hours | Daily; funicular and fortress hours vary by season (roughly 9:00-17:00 in winter and 8:30-21:00 in summer); last entry about 30 minutes before closing |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Early morning or evening for fewer tour groups and soft light over the city |
| Getting there | Funicular (Festungsbahn) from Festungsgasse 4, a 5-minute walk from Residenzplatz; or a 15-minute uphill walk from Kapitelplatz |
| Address | Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg |
Location
Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg
47.7948, 13.0476 View on map
Highlights
- Panoramic ramparts above the roofs of the Altstadt
- Late Gothic Prince's Rooms and Golden Hall
- Funicular opened in 1892, one of the oldest in Europe still running
Tips for visiting
- Buy the funicular-inclusive ticket and walk down via the Festungsgasse path to save time
- Check the funicular maintenance dates on festung-hohensalzburg.at before travelling, as it is closed for a few days each year
When to visit
Visit right at opening or after 16:00 on a clear day for the best light over the Salzach valley.
Accessibility
The funicular and the main courtyard are step-free; the upper rooms and ramparts involve stairs and some cobblestones.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the funicular worth it?
Yes, the ride takes about one minute and saves a steep 15-minute climb; it is included in the standard fortress ticket.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend two to three hours; the Prince's Rooms and museums need extra time.