Hohensalzburg Fortress

This Austrian Explorer takes us to the stunningly beautiful Hohensalzburg Fortress in the city of Salzburg.

The fortress sits atop the Festungsberg (fortress hill), high above the rooftops of the baroque historical district. It is the largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, and offers a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings.

Float up to the most popular attraction in Salzburg with the funicular to the fortress (Festungs Bahn) built in 1892 and modernized in 2011. It runs every 10 minutes and takes just 54 seconds to cover a distance of roughly 200 meters. The fortress is open throughout the entire year and shows historical exhibits focused on courtly life.

Archbishop Gebhard built the Hohensalzburg Fortress in 1077. Around 1500, under Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach, the fortress took on its present appearance. The original purpose of the fortress was to protect the principality and the archbishops from enemy attack.