Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress is enthroned on the Festungsberg, high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district. The biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, this emblem of Salzburg, offers a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings.

The History of Hohensalzburg Fortress

In 1077, Archbishop Gebhard began the construction of the castle complex. In the following centuries, his successors significantly expanded Hohensalzburg. Around 1500, the fortress attained its current appearance under Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach. The original aim of the fortress was to protect the principality and the archbishops from enemy attacks. Throughout all these years, it was never captured by foreign troops.

The Museums of Hohensalzburg Fortress

The highlights include the many museums of the fortress: The Fortress Museum displays historically significant exhibits from the prince-archbishop's court life. The Puppet Museum and the Rainer Regiment Museum also invite visitors on a journey into the past. The historic armory explores the theme of armor and weapons in an interactive exhibition. On the third floor of the fortress, there are also the magnificent Gothic prince's rooms, consisting of the Golden Room, the Golden Hall, and a bedroom. The furnishings of these rooms are original and unchanged since 1501/1502. Particularly impressive are the imitation of the night sky, consisting of golden spheres on a azure background, as well as the Gothic tiled stove in the Golden Room. A Magical Theater and modern media stations provide an innovative experience!

The Panorama Tour: The Pleasure of Seeing

A special experience is the Panorama Tour, which leads from the salt magazine through the dungeon to the observation platform of the keep, where the most beautiful view of the city can be enjoyed. Afterwards, it continues through the battlements to the famous Salzburg Bull.

A Visit to the Fortress

The fortress is open all year round. Since 1892, it has been conveniently accessible not only on foot but also by the fortress railway from Fortress Street.

What Else Can You Experience at the Fortress?

Every Sunday at 11:45 AM, the tower trumpeters play from the trumpet tower. Baroque fanfares and festive processions can be heard on these days down to the old town.
Additionally, the over 900-year-old fortress is the venue for the famous Salzburg Fortress Concerts.
Special tours and events at Hohensalzburg Castle can be found at: https://www.festung-hohensalzburg.at/en/offers-programs/calendar-of-events

Opening times

January-April*: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
May-September: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM (Museums, Prince's Rooms, Magic Theater 9 AM - 7 PM)
October-December*: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
*Easter and Advent weekends: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
December 24th: 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
(last entry 30 minutes before closing time)

Guided tours: Advance registration for groups of 10 or more 2-3 weeks in advance!

May-September: free quick tours (guided tour of the outdoor area with inner courtyards and ramparts), daily at 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM, in German and English, meeting point Info point, duration 30 minutes

Dogs allowed only in the outdoor area (not allowed indoors, muzzle and leash required on the fortress railway)

(Status: 10/2025)

Prices

One-time free entry and quick access to the Fortress Railway with the Salzburg Card

The Hohensalzburg Fortress offers 3 ticket categories (All-Inclusive Ticket, Basic Ticket, and Panorama Ticket) with or without the Fortress Railway.

All-Inclusive Ticket

Incl. ascent and descent with Fortress Railway
Castle area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, puppet museum, armory, prince's rooms, magic theater
Adults € 19.20
Children (6-14 years) € 7.30
Persons with disabilities from 50% € 17.80
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 17.80
Dogs free of charge

Footpath
Available only at the footpath ticket counter in the 2nd arch (entrance to the fortress grounds) or online
Castle area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, puppet museum, armory, prince's rooms, magic theater, descent with Fortress Railway
Adults € 14.50
Children (6-14 years) € 5.60
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 13.50
Dogs free of charge

Basic Ticket

Incl. ascent and descent with Fortress Railway
Castle area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, puppet museum, armory
Adults € 15.50
Children (6-14 years) € 6.30
Persons with disabilities from 50% € 14.20
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 14.20
Dogs free of charge

Footpath
Available only at the footpath ticket counter in the 2nd arch (entrance to the fortress grounds) or online
Castle area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, puppet museum, armory, descent with Fortress Railway
Adults € 12.00
Children (6-14 years) € 4.90
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 11.10
Dogs free of charge

Panorama Ticket

Available May-September: 8:30-10 a.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Castle area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, and panorama tour including observation tower

Incl. ascent and descent with Fortress Railway*
Adults € 12.80
Children (6-14 years) € 5.20
Persons with disabilities from 50% € 11.80
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 11.80
Dogs free of charge
*Descent is also possible with the Mönchsberg elevator

Footpath
Available only at the arch (entrance to the fortress grounds), incl. descent with Fortress Railway or Mönchsberg elevator
Adults € 9.80
Children (6-14 years) € 4.00
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 9.00
Dogs free of charge

Online Tickets (with quick access) available at: www.festung-hohensalzburg.at

Events
Current events and special tours can be found at: https://www.festung-hohensalzburg.at/de/angebote-programme/veranstaltungskalender

Tickets Fortress Railway

available after the fortress closes
see Fortress Railway

(As of: 10/2025)

Tickets

One-time free admission with the Salzburg Card.

Buy a ticket for single admission in the online shop .

Accessibility

Barrier-free access to Hohensalzburg Fortress via the fortress funicular, unrestricted access to the panorama terrace and bastion in the area of the top station and access to the castle courtyard, the exhibition in the armoury, the Kuenburg bastion and the marionette museum by means of a lift in the bell tower. The interior areas of the fortress do not provide barrier-free access. Video-guide tablets are available in sign language as well as for persons with walking disabilities. More information please consult the official website.