Festungsberg

The Festungsberg rises up from the very heart of Salzburg’s historical district. And enthroned on top of it is the emblem of the Town of Salzburg, Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Festungsberg in the center of Salzburg

At a height of 542 meters, the Festungsberg towers almost 120 m above the city. It is the second-highest city mountain after the Kapuzinerberg especially suitable for city hikers and fans of outdoor recreation. Standing proudly on its crest is Hohensalzburg Fortress, the biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe.

The dividing line between the Festungsberg and the neighboring Mönchsberg lies below the Bürgermeisterloch in the so-called "Scharte" amid the dense forest. If you wish to reach the top of the Festungsberg, you have several options available to you:

Up the Festungsberg on foot

From Kapitelplatz square via Festungsgasse or the Michael-Haydn-Stiege stairway (Route...)
Via the Nonnberg (Nonnberggasse or Erhardgässchen) past Nonnberg Abbey to the castle (Route...)
From the south (Hans Sedlmayr Weg) up the Festungsberg (Route...)
From the Festival District to the top of the Festungsberg (Route...)

Comfortable rides up and down the mountain with the help of the Fortress Funicular

The valley terminal of the Fortress Funicular (Festungsgasse 4) can be found in the remodeled former home of composer Johann Michael Haydn. This funicular rises almost 100 vertical meters and was actually first put into operation back in 1892. Today, it is the oldest still-running funicular in Austria.

TIP: The Salzburg Card includes the fare for the Fortress Funicular as well as admission to Hohensalzburg Fortress!