Hohensalzburg Fortress
Salzburg, Austria
A medieval fortress on a ridge above Salzburg's old town, with sweeping views over the roofs and the Salzach. Ride the funicular up or take the steep walking path, and come in the morning when the light is clearer.
Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Europe and rises 122 m above the Salzach. Archbishop Gebhard began building it in 1077 as a wooden fortification during his dispute with King Henry IV. Under Leonhard von Keutschach (1495 to 1519) it was expanded into a late Gothic residence with magnificent princely chambers. From 1502 the "Salzburg Bull", a mechanical organ in the Krautturm, sounded to tell the townspeople their working hours. The fortress was never captured and later served as barracks. Between 1951 and 1981 it underwent extensive restoration.
The funicular, opened in 1892, takes you up from the centre; alternatively a steep footpath leads to the top. The view over the rooftops of the old town is usually clearer in the morning. Allow two to three hours if you want to see the museums and the princely chambers.
- Nearest town
- Salzburg, Austria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 47.7950, 13.0475
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Austria: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t need a GO-Box for distance-based tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camping Nord-SamCampsite4 km from Hohensalzburg FortressTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Reisemobilstellplatz SalzburgMotorhome stopover5 km from Hohensalzburg Fortress · 106 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping SeekirchenCampsite14 km from Hohensalzburg FortressTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping Fenninger SpitzCampsite15 km from Hohensalzburg Fortress · 200 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Campingplatz Winkl-LandthalCampsite16 km from Hohensalzburg FortressTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping AllweglehenCampsite16 km from Hohensalzburg FortressTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Austria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hohensalzburg Fortress?
Hohensalzburg Fortress is in Salzburg, Austria, at GPS 47.7950, 13.0475. It is about 15 km from Bad Reichenhall.
Can you camp near Hohensalzburg Fortress?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Schloss Aigen, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 45 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Hohensalzburg Fortress?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hellbrunn Palace and trick fountains (4 km), Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) (20 km), Königssee (27 km) and St. Wolfgang (30 km).
When is the best time to visit Hohensalzburg Fortress?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)