Hohensalzburg Fortress - Salzburg’s landmark - high above the towers of the Mozart city

Fortress Hohensalzburg, more than 900 years old, landmark of the city, is Europe’s largest and still best preserved castle fortress. The fortress was built during the investiture disputes in the year 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard. It served to protect the clergy and the population. At the same time, and for the same reasons, Hohenwerfen Fortress in the Salzach Valley was built.

One reaches the fortress from the Kapitelplatz through a street called Festungsgasse, from here the visitor can travel up with the "train" which departs about every 10 minutes. On foot, the walk takes about half an hour. Once up at the fortress, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view over the city and country of Salzburg. Beautiful inner courtyards, inviting terraces and a castle fountain permit the visitor to feel a touch of the Middle Ages.

In the course of a guided tour, with modern audio-guides (in seven languages) one visits unique princely rooms, the "Salzburg Stier" (a 500-year old organ), defense passages, the torture chamber and the castle chapel (in which weddings are still performed). The Burg and Rainer Regimental Museum, an impressive multi-vision show, and a Marionette Museum round out the offerings for visitors.

Following one’s visit, the Castle Restaurant with 2 shady gardens to dine in and a wonderful view over the entire old town of Salzburg invites one to a stopover.

In the stylish ambiente of the Prince’s Rooms, the well known and popular fortress concerts take place.

Hohensalzburg Fortress - open all year round

Tel.:  ++43/662/84 24 30-11
e-Mail: festung@salzburg.gv.at
Internet: www.salzburg-burgen.com

Press information:
Ms. Birgit Meixner
Tel: ++43-662-846181, e-Mail: sbsb.meixner@aon.at