view to the Fortress © Tourismus Salzburg / G. Breitegger
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Hohensalzburg Fortress
News
The Fortress Railway will not be in operation due to maintenance from January 12 to January 30, 2026. However, there is a footpath to the fortress (or alternatively, with the Mönchsberg Lift).
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
January-April*: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
May-September: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM (Museums, Prince's Rooms, Magic Theater 9 AM - 7 PM)
October-December*: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
*Easter and Advent weekends: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
December 24th: 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
(last entry 30 minutes before closing time)
Guided tours: Advance registration for groups of 10 or more 2-3 weeks in advance!
May-September: free quick tours (guided tour of the outdoor area with inner courtyards and ramparts), daily at 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM, in German and English, meeting point Info point, duration 30 minutes
Dogs allowed only in the outdoor area (not allowed indoors, muzzle and leash required on the fortress railway)
(Status: 10/2025)
2025
Basic ticket
Incl. ascent and descent by Fortress funicular
Fortress area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, Panorama tour, Fortress museum, Rainer Regimental Museum, Marionette Museum, armoury house
Adults € 14.50
Children (6-14 years) € 5.90
People with disabilities greater than 50% € 13.30
Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 13.30
Dogs free
SalzburgCard: one-time free admission, quick access and entrance before 11 am includes access to state rooms free of charge
Footpath
Only available at the 'Sperrbogen' (entrance gate to the fortress grounds) or online
Fortress area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, Panorama tour, Fortress museum, Rainer Regimental Museum, Marionette Museum, armoury house, descent on the funicular included
Adults € 11.20
Children (6-14 years) € 4.60
Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 10.40
Dogs free
All-inclusive ticket
Incl. ascent and descent by Fortress funicular
Fortress area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, Panorama tour, Fortress museum, Rainer Regimental Museum, Marionette Museum, armoury house, Princes' chambers in the main castle and the Magic Theater
Adults € 18.00
Children (6-14 years) € 6.80
People with disabilities greater than 50% € 16.70
Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 16.70
Dogs free
Footpath
Only available at the 'Sperrbogen' (entrance gate to the fortress grounds) or online
Fortress area: courtyards, bastions, chapel, Panorama tour, Fortress museum, Rainer Regimental Museum, Marionette Museum, armoury house, Princes' chambers in the main castle and the Magic Theater, descent on the funicular included.
Adults € 13.60
Children (6-14 years) € 5.20
Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 12.60
Dogs free
Panorama Ticket
Only available May-September: 8:30 am-10 am and 6 pm-8 pm
Fortress area: courtyards, bastions, chapel and Panorama tour incl. observation tower
Incl. ascent and descent by Fortress funicular*
Adults € 12.00
Children (6-14 years) € 4.90
People with disabilities greater than 50% € 11.00
Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 11.00
Dogs free
*Descent also possible with the Mönchsberg Lift [MönchsbergAufzug]
Footpath
Only available at the 'Sperrbogen' (entrance gate to the fortress grounds)
Descent with the funicular or with Mönchsberg Lift [MönchsbergAufzug] included
Adults € 9.20
Children (6-14 years) € 3.80
Groups of 10 adults or more, per person € 8.50
Dogs free
Online tickets (with quick access) available www.festung-hohensalzburg.at
Tickets funicular
available after the fortress closes
see Funicular to the Fortress
(Status: 11/2024)
- - - -
2026
Basic Ticket
Includes return trip on the Fortress Railway
Castle grounds: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, puppet museum, armoury
Adults € 15.50
Children (6-14 years) € 6.30
People with disabilities (50% or more) € 14.20
Groups of 10 or more adults, per person € 14.20
Dogs free of charge
SalzburgCard: one-time free admission and fast track access to the Fortress Railway. Admission to the Prince's Rooms until 11 a.m. is also included
Footpath
Only available at the footpath ticket office in the 2nd archway (entrance to the fortress grounds) or online Fortress grounds: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, Marionette Museum, armoury, descent on the Fortress Railway
Adults € 12.00
Children (6-14 years) € 4.90
Groups of 10 or more adults, per person € 11.10
Dogs free of charge
All-inclusive ticket
Includes return trip on the Fortress Railway
Castle grounds: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, puppet museum, armoury, prince's chambers, magic theatre
Adults € 19.20
Children (6-14 years) € 7.30
People with disabilities (50% or more) € 17.80
Groups of 10 or more adults, per person € 17.80
Dogs free of charge
Footpath
Only available at the footpath ticket office in the 2nd archway (entrance to the fortress grounds) or online
Fortress grounds: courtyards, bastions, chapel, panorama tour, fortress museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, puppet museum, armoury, prince's chamber, magic theatre, descent on the fortress railway
Adults € 14.50
Children (6-14 years) € 5.60
Groups of 10 or more adults, per person € 13.50
Dogs free of charge
Panorama Ticket
Available May-September: 8.30 am-10 am and 6 pm-8 pm
Castle grounds: courtyards, bastions, chapel and panorama tour including observation tower
Includes ascent and descent on the Fortress Railway*
Adults € 10.80
Children (6-14 years) € 5.20
People with disabilities (50% or more) € 11.80
Groups of 10 or more adults, per person € 11.80
Dogs free of charge
*Descent also possible with the Mönchsberg lift
Walking tour
Only available at the barrier arch (entrance to the fortress grounds), incl. descent with the FestungsBahn or Mönchsberg lift
Adults € 9.80
Children (aged 6-14) € 4.00
Groups of 10 or more adults, per person € 9.00
Dogs free of charge
Online tickets (with fast-track entry) available at: www.festung-hohensalzburg.at
Events
Current events and special tours can be found at: https://www.festung-hohensalzburg.at/de/angebote-programme/veranstaltungskalender
Fortress Railway tickets
Available after the fortress closes
See Fortress Railway
(Status: 11/2025)
- 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
