Hohensalzburg Fortress

The Hohensalzburg Fortress is a landmark in Salzburg.It is located on the Festungsberg, a mountain that rises above the city and extends north-west into the Mönchsberg.The foothills to the east of the fortress hill are known as Nonnberg, and the Benedictine women’s monastery Nonnberg is located just under the castle’s eastern outer facilities – the Nonnberg bastions.Hohensalzburg Fortress, dated from the 11th century, is one of Europe’s largest castle complexes, with a built-up area of approximately 7,000 m2 (with the bastions of over 14,000 m2).It receives nearly a million tourists each year as one of the biggest totally restored castles in Central Europe, making it the most visited attraction in Austria outside of Vienna, but it is only surpassed in the federal capital by Schönbrunn Palace and Zoo and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Because of its superb condition and location, Hohensalzburg attracts a lot of visitors.The outer fortifications are self-guided; an interior guided tour with audio guides is available (salt magazine, torture chamber, stretching tower, battlements, Salzburg bull); the upper floor interiors (princely chambers, museums) are self-guided.Since July 2009, there has been a “Special Guided Tour” in German and English during the summer months, which must be paid for separately and takes guests on a stroll through the 16th century with disguised castle workers.The Pfisterei (old bakery), the wine cellar, the Kuenburgbastei, and the quadrangular weir, which are ordinarily closed, may only be viewed on such special visits.

Residents of the federal state of Salzburg get free admission to the outdoor area. In addition to the tours, there are regular performances, and the church is utilized for other purposes, such as church marriages or special festivals.The Salzburg Marionette Museum, which includes historical material from the Salzburg Marionette Theatre, the Imperial and Royal Archduke Rainer Regiment No. 59 Infantry Regiment, and the Fortress Museum are all housed in the fortress.The Salzburg International Summer Academy for Fine Arts also offers courses.