view to the Fortress© Tourismus Salzburg / G. Breitegger
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Hohensalzburg Fortress
News
From January 11 to March 14, 2027 inclusive, the fortress railway will be under revision. The fortress, interior rooms, and museums are open, but can only be accessed via the footpath.
Hohensalzburg Fortress is enthroned on the Festungsberg, high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district. The biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, this emblem of Salzburg, offers a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings.
The History of Hohensalzburg Fortress
In 1077, Archbishop Gebhard began the construction of the castle complex. In the following centuries, his successors significantly expanded Hohensalzburg. Around 1500, the fortress attained its current appearance under Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach. The original aim of the fortress was to protect the principality and the archbishops from enemy attacks. Throughout all these years, it was never captured by foreign troops.
The Museums of Hohensalzburg Fortress
The highlights include the many museums of the fortress: The Fortress Museum displays historically significant exhibits from the prince-archbishop's court life. The Puppet Museum and the Rainer Regiment Museum also invite visitors on a journey into the past. The historic armory explores the theme of armor and weapons in an interactive exhibition. On the third floor of the fortress, there are also the magnificent Gothic prince's rooms, consisting of the Golden Room, the Golden Hall, and a bedroom. The furnishings of these rooms are original and unchanged since 1501/1502. Particularly impressive are the imitation of the night sky, consisting of golden spheres on a azure background, as well as the Gothic tiled stove in the Golden Room. A Magical Theater and modern media stations provide an innovative experience!
The Panorama Tour: The Pleasure of Seeing
A special experience is the Panorama Tour, which leads from the salt magazine through the dungeon to the observation platform of the keep, where the most beautiful view of the city can be enjoyed. Afterwards, it continues through the battlements to the famous Salzburg Bull.
A Visit to the Fortress
The fortress is open all year round. Since 1892, it has been conveniently accessible not only on foot but also by the fortress railway from Fortress Street.
What Else Can You Experience at the Fortress?
- Every Sunday at 11:45 AM, the tower trumpeters play from the trumpet tower. Baroque fanfares and festive processions can be heard on these days down to the old town.
- Additionally, the over 900-year-old fortress is the venue for the famous Salzburg Fortress Concerts.
- Special tours and events at Hohensalzburg Castle can be found at: https://www.festung-hohensalzburg.at/en/offers-programs/calendar-of-events
2026
January-April*: 9.30 a.m.-5 p.m.
May-September: 8.30 a.m.-8 p.m. (Museums, Prince's Rooms, Magic Theater 9 a.m.-7 p.m.)
October-December*: 9.30 a.m.-5 p.m.
*Easter and Advent weekends: 9.30 a.m.-6 p.m.
24.12.: 9.30 a.m.-2 p.m.
(last admission 30 minutes before closing time)
On days of the Advent market the interior areas and museums are accessible until 6 p.m.
Guided tours: Pre-registration required for groups of 10 or more 2-3 weeks in advance!
May-September: free quick tours (guided tour of the outdoor area with courtyards and bastions), daily at 9.30 a.m. and 7 p.m., in German and English, meeting point Info point, duration 30 minutes
Dogs only allowed in the outdoor area (not allowed indoors, muzzle and leash required on the fortress railway)
(Status: 10/2025)
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2027
January-April*: 9.30 a.m.-5 p.m.
May-September: 8.30 a.m.-8 p.m. (Museums, Prince's Rooms, Magic Theater 9 a.m.-7 p.m.)
October-December*: 9.30 a.m.-5 p.m.
*Easter and Advent weekends: 9.30 a.m.-6 p.m.
24.12.: 9.30 a.m.-2 p.m.
(last admission 30 minutes before closing time)
Closed: November 8-12, 2027 (Train revision: fortress, all indoor areas and museums closed)
Guided tours: Pre-registration required for groups of 10 or more 2-3 weeks in advance!
May-September: free quick tours (guided tour of the outdoor area with courtyards and bastions), daily at 9.30 a.m. and 7 p.m., in German and English, meeting point Info point, duration 30 minutes
Dogs only allowed in the outdoor area (not allowed indoors, muzzle and leash required on the fortress railway)
(Status: 10/2026)
One-time free admission and fast access to the Fortress Railway with the Salzburg Card
The Hohensalzburg Fortress offers 3 ticket categories (All-Inclusive Ticket, Basic Ticket, and Panorama Ticket) with or without the Fortress Railway.
All-Inclusive Ticket
Includes mountain and valley rides on the Fortress Railway
Castle area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer regiment museum, marionette museum, armory, prince's rooms, magic theater
Adults € 19.20
Children (6-14 years) € 7.30
People with disabilities from 50% € 17.80
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 17.80
Dogs free
Foot path
Available only at the foot path ticket counter in the 2nd barrier arch (entrance to the fortress grounds) or online
Castle area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer regiment museum, marionette museum, armory, prince's rooms, magic theater, valley ride on the Fortress Railway
Adults € 14.50
Children (6-14 years) € 5.60
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 13.50
Dogs free
Basic Ticket
Includes mountain and valley rides on the Fortress Railway
Castle area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer regiment museum, marionette museum, armory
Adults € 15.50
Children (6-14 years) € 6.30
People with disabilities from 50% € 14.20
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 14.20
Dogs free
Foot path
Available only at the foot path ticket counter in the 2nd barrier arch (entrance to the fortress grounds) or online
Castle area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer regiment museum, marionette museum, armory, valley ride on the Fortress Railway
Adults € 12.00
Children (6-14 years) € 4.90
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 11.10
Dogs free
Panorama Ticket
Available May-September: 8:30-10 a.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Castle area: courtyards, bastions, chapel and panorama tour including observation tower
Includes mountain and valley rides on the Fortress Railway*
Adults € 12.80
Children (6-14 years) € 5.20
People with disabilities from 50% € 11.80
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 11.80
Dogs free
*Valley ride also possible with Mönchsberg lift
Foot path
Available only at the barrier arch (entrance to the fortress grounds), including valley ride with Fortress Railway or Mönchsberg lift
Adults € 9.80
Children (6-14 years) € 4.00
Groups from 10 adults, per person € 9.00
Dogs free
Online Tickets (with fast access) available at: www.festung-hohensalzburg.at
Events
Current events and special tours can be found at: https://www.festung-hohensalzburg.at/en/offers-programs/event-calendar
Tickets Fortress Railway
available after the fortress closes
see Fortress Railway
(Status: 10/2026)
- One-time free admission with the Salzburg Card.
- Buy a ticket for single admission in the online shop .
Barrier-free access to Hohensalzburg Fortress via the fortress funicular, unrestricted access to the panorama terrace and bastion in the area of the top station and access to the castle courtyard, the exhibition in the armoury, the Kuenburg bastion and the marionette museum by means of a lift in the bell tower. The interior areas of the fortress do not provide barrier-free access. Video-guide tablets are available in sign language as well as for persons with walking disabilities. More information please consult the official website.
Links
Impressions
Hall Hohensalzburg Fortress | © www.anibaltrejo.com
view to the Fortress through archway | © Tourismus Salzburg / G. Breitegger
birds'-eye view | © www.anibaltrejo.com
interior view Hohensalzburg Fortress | © www.anibaltrejo.com
St. Georgs' Church | © Salzburger Burgen & Schlösser / www.guenterstandl.
Hohensalzburg Fortress in the fog | © Tourismus Salzburg / G. Zeiner
Fortress with snowy mountains | © Tourismus Salzburg
courtyard of Hohensalzburg Fortress | © Salzburger Burgen & Schlösser
Interaktive Ausstellung im Zeughaus | © Salzburger Burgen & Schlösser
Waffenausstellung im Zeughaus | © Salzburger Burgen & Schlösser
Panoramarundweg | © Festung Hohensalzburg
Salz-Stadtkulisse | © Festung Hohensalzburg
Verlies | © Festung Hohensalzburg
view to the Fortress | © Tourismus Salzburg / G. Breitegger
Videos
Contact
Festung Hohensalzburg
Mönchsberg 34
5020 Salzburg
Mönchsberg 34
5020 Salzburg
Tel. +43662 842430-14
