If you have watched the famed musical drama film called “The Sound of Music,” you definitely could visualize the charming city of Salzburg. With the Alps on its background and Salzach River that traverses at the center, this Austrian city has a dramatic setting. Salzburg also lures its guests with its “Old Town” sculpted by fine buildings in Baroque architectural style. Not to miss in this is historic old town is the street called Gertreidegasse where the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born.
Salzburg is rich in history depicted in its palaces, castles and churches. To explore the city’s culture, you could visit the museums, hop on bus to transfer from one palace to the other, or walk in the old town. However, no matter where you go the mighty fortress situated atop of the hill will never leave your sight – the Hohensalzburg Fortress. It is like a way of saying that it should be climbed. I met a native and told me that I could never say I visited Salzburg if I have not been to the top of the fortress. This means a visit in Salzburg would not be complete without ascending to the top of Hohensalzburg Fortress.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress/Castle
It is among the largest and best-preserved medieval European castle sitting gloriously above the Festungsberg hill at an altitude of around 500 meters. The fortress was gradually expanded century after century since its construction in 1077 until it occupied almost the entire Festungsberg area. This towering monument manifests the political power and authority of the archbishops during those period building fortifications to protect their interests.
Highlights
The omnipresent structure over the roofs of the city’s Baroque buildings is unmistakably the symbol of Salzburg. It dominates the skyline of the city thus offers the best panoramic views of the entire Salzburg. Though there are numerous things to see and explore behind the thick walls of the fortress, nothing compares to the breathtaking silhouette of Salzburg seen from the top. You might be interested to look into the museums, art galleries, and the interior of the castle, but what would struck you the most is the fantastic views of the city. There might be several viewpoints of Salzburg, but for a first time visitor ascending the top of the fortress is the best option. You could stop by and dine at the restaurant while enjoying the landscape.
Getting There
In less than a minute, you could reach Hohensalzburg Fortress through the funicular railway (Festungbahn) that runs every 10 minutes from Festungsgasse. However if you have walking stamina, you can make your way on top by foot which would take around 30 minutes.
Opening Hours
The Fortress is open to the public all year round with the following time schedule:
January – April & October – December: 9:30am to 5:00pm
May – September: 9:00am to 7:00pm
Ticket Prices
Basic Ticket
Includes the following: Go up & down through Funicular, Audio guide, Castle museum, Rainer Regiment museum, puppet museum and Alm passage exhibition.
Adult = € 12.0
Child (aged 6-14) = € 6.80
Family =€ 26.60
Standard Ticket
Includes all the following mentioned in the basic ticket plus Prince’s Chambers and Magic Theater
Adult = € 15.20
Child (aged 6-14) = € 8.70
Family =€ 33.70
Salzburg is such a lovely city. I was there many years ago on a school trip.
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The pictures are so beautiful. Now I am itching to rewatch “Sounds of Music”. 🙂
Great pictures! I would love to visit.
I believe I saw Rock Steeve’s discuss Salzburg and thought it was such an interesting city. Your pictures of the view from ghe fortress are really great.
I can picture the scenes from The Sound of Music in this beautiful place! I have always thought Austria would be amazing! Have fun!
It looks and sounds amazing!
The Sound of Music is one of my family’s favorite movies!! I love the pictures you shared in this post. Never thought to go there before, but now that I see I think I want to go!