Take the dizzying cable-car ride to visit this enormous mountain castle, a monument to the defensive technology of medieval Europe.
Translated as “High Salzburg Fortress”, Festung Hohensalzburg is a hugely impressive castle surrounded by imposing battlements. It was built at the command of Archbishop Gebhard in 1077, and has been used as a home, a prison and a military barracks, as well as its original purpose as a fortress.Take in the views, both inside and out – the castle's elevation gives it a wonderful vantage over the surrounding area and the opulent interiors make for a high-class tour. More recently, the fortress has been transformed into a hugely popular place to visit, with an attractive outdoor market in the courtyard, and concert recitals from time to time. All in all, it's a perfect place to take the family for an afternoon's fun.Stroll around the regal bedchambers and dining halls. Admire the wooden Gothic carvings in the Great Hall, and keep your eyes open for the coat of arms of Leonhard von Keutschach – a royal lion holding a beetroot (or a turnip). This insignia can be found in over 50 different places all around Festung Hohensalzburg. Soak up the splendour of the king's Golden Chamber and imagine what life must have been like living here.You can walk around as you please, or take an audio guide to help you explore the fortress' long, and sometimes gruesome, history – part of the tour takes in the torture chambers. Climb to the heights of Reckturm Tower for the most impressive vistas from the tallest point in the castle. There are a total of three different museums, including the Marionette Museum, showing the puppets from the Salzburg Marionette Theatre.Festung Hohensalzburg is particularly busy during the high tourist season from June to September. There are regular art exhibitions, as well as concerts held in medieval chambers: it's best to check the website before your visit to find out what's going on.The fortress is at the east end of Monchsberg Mountain, close to Salzburg's Old Town. The cable car leaves every 10 minutes, and the trip up takes only a few minutes. Alternatively, you can walk up Festungasse lane to the courtyard. Open daily.
