🏰 Hohensalzburg Fortress – A Timeless Crown Above Salzburg

📍 Location: Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
🕰️ Opening Hours:

• Jan–Apr & Oct–Dec: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• May–Sep: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  ⏳ Visit Duration: 2–3 hours
  Access: Funicular from Festungsgasse or hike (~15–20 min uphill)

🏰 About the Fortress

• Founded in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard during the Investiture Controversy

• Expanded into a mighty fortress in the 15th–16th centuries

• Never conquered by enemy troops — a symbol of Salzburg’s defensive strength

• Today, it’s a top Salzburg attraction with museums, historic rooms, and concerts

---

🧭 Top Things to See and Do

🚠 1. Funicular Ride or Hike

• Take the Festungsbahn (funicular railway) for fast, scenic access

• Or hike up the Mönchsberg trail for rewarding city views along the way

🏛️ 2. Fortress Museum & State Rooms

• Explore the lavishly decorated Golden Hall, Golden Chamber, and bedroom of the prince-archbishops

• Learn about medieval military life and Salzburg’s history

• See ancient weaponry, torture instruments, and a historical organ

🔭 3. Tower Views

• Climb the Reckturm Tower for 360° panoramic views of Salzburg, the Alps, and the Salzach River

• Especially beautiful at sunset

🎼 4. Concerts at the Fortress

• Enjoy classical evening concerts in the Prince's Hall — often include Mozart's works

• Stunning acoustics and candlelit ambiance

📺 5. Marionette Museum

• Quirky exhibition showcasing puppets and Salzburg’s famous Marionette Theatre legacy

---

🎟️ Ticket Prices (Approx.):

Type	Price
Basic (Fortress + Museum)	€13.90 (adults)
All-Inclusive (w/ Funicular)	€16.70 (adults)
Children (6–14 years)	~€6.30
Evening concert + dinner combos	€65–€100

• Free entry with Salzburg Card

• Family and group discounts available

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots

• Fortress walls with the Alps as backdrop

• Looking down over Domplatz and Salzburg Old Town

• Inside the Golden Hall or from the funicular cabin

---

☕ Dining at the Fortress

• Restaurant Festung Hohensalzburg – Offers Austrian cuisine with breathtaking views from the terrace

• Snacks, strudels, and drinks also available at casual cafés inside

---

🛍️ Souvenirs & Shops

• Replica medieval swords, coins, postcards, and fortress-themed toys

• Art prints and books on Salzburg’s baroque and medieval history

---

🚌 How to Get There

• On foot: From Kapitelplatz or via the Mönchsberg trails

• By funicular: Festungsbahn from Festungsgasse 4

• Public transport: Easily accessible from anywhere in Salzburg Old Town

---

💡 Insider Tips

• Buy tickets online or with a Salzburg Card to skip lines

• Mornings and late afternoons are less crowded

• Stay for sunset or book an evening concert for a magical finale

• Wear comfortable shoes – even with the funicular, there are cobbled and uneven paths

---