Salzburg Fortress: Complete Guide to Visiting Hohensalzburg

Introduction

Perched high above the old town, Salzburg Fortress (Hohensalzburg) is the city’s most iconic landmark and one of the largest medieval castles in Austria and Europe. Built in the 11th century and expanded over time, it has stood watch over Salzburg for centuries, offering incredible views of the city and the surrounding Alps.

For us, this was one of the first places we explored in Salzburg, and it instantly became a highlight of our trip. Arriving early in the morning meant we had the fortress almost to ourselves — the perfect way to soak in its history and breathtaking panoramas without the crowds.

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Salzburg Fortress: why it’s worth a stop, how to get there, the best time to visit, ticket options, and our own experience exploring its museums, towers, and hidden corners.

Tip: Skip the line with the online Hohensalzburg Fortress Admission Ticket

Why visit?

If there’s one place you absolutely can’t miss in Salzburg, it’s the Salzburg Fortress. Not only is it the most iconic building in the city, but it also gives you unbeatable views over the old town, the Salzach River, and the Alps in the distance.

Hohensalzburg Fortress is over 900 years old and one of the largest, best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Beyond the courtyards, towers, and museums, what really stands out is how much you can learn about Salzburg itself.

The Salzburg Fortress tells the story of how the city was shaped by the prince-archbishops, powerful church leaders who ruled both the land and its people. Salzburg literally means “Salt Fortress,” and the wealth from salt mining was what allowed the church to finance this massive stronghold and build the beautiful city we see today.

For us, the highlight was the Panorama Tour, which takes you up to the top of one of the towers. The views from there were breathtaking, especially early in the morning when the city was still quiet. We also enjoyed the room with a kinda of instrument, though the armory felt more aimed at kids than adults.

Visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress isn’t just about exploring an old castle — it’s about stepping into the history of Salzburg itself, and seeing how faith, wealth, and power shaped the city from the top down.

Here are all your accommodation options in Salzburg

How to get there

The Hohensalzburg Fortress sits on a hill right above Salzburg’s old town, so getting there is quick and easy. You have two main options:

• FestungsBahn Funicular: This is the fastest and easiest way up, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a stroller like we were. The funicular leaves from the station at the edge of the old town (next to St. Peter’s Abbey) and takes you up in under a minute. We used it both ways, and it was super convenient.
• On Foot: If you prefer a more active start, you can hike up the steep footpath from the old town. It takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on your pace. The walk is scenic, but keep in mind that it’s quite a climb.

We personally recommend the funicular to reach the Salzburg Fortress, especially in the morning when it’s less crowded. If you buy your ticket online, you can skip the lines at the station and go straight up to the fortress.

Tip: This is the stroller we recommend for traveling — it’s super lightweight and compact enough to fit in airplane cabins.

When to visit

The best time to visit the Salzburg Fortress is early in the morning, right when it opens. We went up first thing and it was perfect — the views were clear, the courtyards were quiet, and we had plenty of space to explore before the crowds arrived.

If mornings aren’t an option, late afternoon can also be a good choice, especially for catching golden light over Salzburg and the surrounding Alps. Just make sure you allow enough time before closing, as the fortress is huge and you’ll want at least a couple of hours to see everything.

Season-wise, the Salzburg Fortress is open year-round, and each season offers something different. In summer, the courtyards are lively with visitors and events, while in winter, you get a magical atmosphere with snow on the rooftops and Christmas markets in the city below.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

How to Visit

Once you hop off the funicular, you’ll step out onto a wide terrace that already gives you stunning views over Salzburg. The whole city lies below you — the rooftops of the Old Town, the Salzach River winding through, and the mountains in the distance. It’s the perfect way to start the visit.

From here, follow the signs for the Panorama Tour, which guides you through the highlights of the fortress. The first building has lockers where you can leave your bag (you’ll need a €1 or €2 coin). If you’re traveling with a stroller, this is where it has to stay — the fortress itself is much easier to explore with a baby carrier.

The tour begins with an exhibition that tells the story of Salzburg, a city that was built and shaped by the power of the church. Bishops controlled not just the fortress, but also the city’s politics and trade, and you can really see how religion and power were tied together here.

From there, you walk through an old prison before climbing up into the tower. At the very top, you’re rewarded with a 360° viewpoint that’s nothing short of breathtaking. You can see across Salzburg, the Alps, and all the way to Bavaria on a clear day.

After soaking in the views, you’ll descend into a series of long corridors. One of the most fun surprises along the way is a wall of fixed trumpet-like instruments that you can actually play with. It’s a quirky little interactive stop that adds some fun to the history.

The path then takes you into the inner courtyard, where you’ll find a beautiful chapel and several historic wings. From here, you can step into the fortress museums, where exhibitions walk you through different periods of Salzburg’s history. Each room feels like a time capsule — from medieval halls to more modern displays — and it’s a great way to understand how the fortress evolved over the centuries.

The last part of the visit is the armory, filled with weapons and armor. It’s a bit less impressive compared to what you’ve already seen, but kids will probably enjoy it. Before heading back down, make sure to step out onto one of the smaller terraces for another round of views — they’re different from the first and give you new angles over the city.

And if you’re ready for a break, there’s even a restaurant inside the fortress, where you can sit down for a meal or just enjoy a drink while overlooking Salzburg. It’s a pretty unique spot for lunch!

Here are all your accommodation options in Salzburg

Tickets & Opening Hours

There are four ticket options for visiting the Salzburg Fortress:

• All-Inclusive Ticket with FestungsBahn: Includes the funicular ascent and descent, castle grounds, Panorama Tour, all museums, Princely Rooms, and Magic Theater. Price: Adults €18.00 / Children (6–14) €6.80
• Basic Ticket with FestungsBahn: Includes the funicular ascent and descent, castle grounds, Panorama Tour, and main museums. Price: Adults €14.50 / Children (6–14) €5.90
• All-Inclusive Ticket Footpath: Same as the all-inclusive option but without the funicular (you walk up). Price: Adults €13.60 / Children (6–14) €5.20
• Basic Ticket Footpath: Includes only the castle grounds, Panorama Tour, and main museums. Price: Adults €11.20 / Children (6–14) €4.60

Our recommendation: We chose the All-Inclusive Ticket with FestungsBahn, and it was worth it. Taking the funicular saves time (and energy, especially with a stroller or kids), and the full ticket means you won’t miss out on the Princely Rooms or Magic Theater.

Opening hours of Salzburg Fortress:

• January–April & October–December: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
• May–September: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
• (Open every day of the year.)

Tip: Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the line at the funicular station.

Tip: Now, that we travel with baby Milo, we always bring this Babybjorn baby carrier with us.

Is it Worth It?

Absolutely — visiting Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the best things you can do in Salzburg. Not only is it the city’s most iconic landmark, but it also gives you sweeping views over Salzburg and the Alps that you simply won’t get anywhere else.

We went first thing in the morning, and that was perfect. The fortress was almost empty, making it easy to enjoy the Panorama Tour, climb the tower, and wander the courtyards without the crowds.

Inside, the museums give a good mix of history and atmosphere. We especially enjoyed the Panorama Tour and the quirky trumpet-like wall instrument you can actually play with. The Princely Rooms and exhibits are interesting, while the armory felt more like a children’s section — nice to see but not the highlight.

If you’re traveling with kids or a stroller, know that some areas are easier with a baby carrier than wheels, but overall the site is manageable.

Between the history, the views, and the unique experience of taking the funicular up to the Salzburg Fortress, it’s 100% worth the visit and deserves a spot at the top of your Salzburg itinerary.

Travel Tips

• Go early: We visited first thing in the morning, and it was the best decision. The fortress was quiet, almost empty, and we had the views and exhibitions to ourselves before the big tours arrived.
• Tickets online: If you’re taking the FestungsBahn (funicular), buy your tickets online in advance. This way, you avoid the line at the lower station.
• Stroller vs. carrier: Parts of the fortress are stroller-friendly, but if you want to do the Panorama Tour and climb the tower, you’ll need to leave it at the entrance. We switched to our baby carrier, and it made the visit much easier.
• Lockers available: There are lockers near the Panorama Tour entrance where you can leave bags or your stroller (bring a €1 or €2 coin).
• Food options: If you’re hungry, there’s a restaurant inside the fortress with great views. Otherwise, wait until you’re back in the Old Town, where options are better and more varied.
• Timing: Plan at least 2–3 hours for your visit. If you take your time with the museums, you could easily spend half a day here.

Tip: Skip the line with the online Hohensalzburg Fortress Admission Ticket

Where to stay

To really enjoy Salzburg without rushing, we’d recommend staying at least 3 nights. This way, you’ll have two full days to explore the city, with time left to wander at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly, mid-range, or more luxurious, Salzburg has plenty of great options:

(€) Motel One Salzburg-Süd – A modern and budget-friendly choice with stylish design, comfy rooms, and easy access to public transport. Perfect if you want a simple base and plan to spend most of your time exploring.

(€€) Altstadt Hotel Hofwirt Salzburg – Located right by the old town, this hotel is ideal if you want to be close to the main attractions. Spacious rooms, a good breakfast, and a great balance of price and location.

(€€€) Hotel Bristol Salzburg – A historic 5-star hotel in the heart of Salzburg, offering elegant rooms, outstanding service, and views of the old town. A great choice if you want to treat yourself during your stay.

Here are all your accommodation options in Salzburg