Fortress Hohensalzburg is considered by many tourists to be one of the most beautiful and monumental sights in Salzburg. It is no coincidence that this ancient building makes the strongest impression on people. The fortress was built in 1077 and covers an area of 30,000 square kilometres.
The castle has survived almost untouched by time. Hohensalzburg is considered a true local relic — no other medieval building in Europe is so well preserved.
History of the castle in Salzburg
The fortress was rebuilt in the early 16th century. During this period, an arsenal, princely quarters, the main castle building and food stores were completed. The fortress owes its present appearance to Prince Archbishop Leonhard of Koychach.
The archbishop's coat of arms can be seen on almost all the walls of the castle. It shows a lion with a turnip in its paws. Leonhard of Keutschach was capable of a certain amount of self-irony — it was he who personally inscribed the turnip on the coat of arms. This root vegetable would often follow the prince as he strolled through the town. This was a way for people unhappy with his rule to express their negative feelings.
In the 19th century, the castle's apartments were converted into barracks, and in the 20th century the building's noble purpose was forgotten — it became a prison where Italian prisoners of war and Nazi soldiers were held.
Hohensalzburg nowdays
Today the castle covers an area of around 30,000 square metres. Tourists have access to the Castle Museum, the Princes' Chamber with its medieval setting and the Golden Hall with its luxurious decorations. The halls of the castle house a collection of weapons and ancient instruments of torture.
Visitors to the castle can now avoid the threat of having an impressive turnip thrown at their back and instead have the wonderful opportunity to admire the stunning panoramic views of Salzburg and the surrounding area from the walls and observation decks. There are two ways to get to the castle: on foot along the steep footpath or by modern means of transport: the funicular railway.
Many tourists believe that the only way to experience the impregnability and power of Hohensalzburg is on foot. The funicular is a good way to get to the top. It takes only a few minutes to reach the castle. The view of the city and the height is breathtaking — the whole of Salzburg's fantastic panorama is right in front of you.
What’s interesting for kids
To keep children entertained during a walk around the castle, find out what there is to see and do to amaze young travellers. In Hohensalzburg itself, several exhibitions are grouped together: the Armoury, the Doll Museum and the Austrian Military History Exhibition.
In the Hall of Arms you can see a variety of weapons used at all stages of the development of the country's army. The Salzburg Bull, the oldest organ in Europe, is also on display. The great Mozart's father once wrote music for it.
Visitors to the castle are particularly impressed by the "Golden Room" of the Princes' Chambers. It has everything the luxury-seeking soul desires, including gilded woodcarvings by Gothic craftsmen.
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The Puppet Museum deserves a special mention. This is a very unusual and even fabulous museum with many interesting exhibits. As you enter you are greeted by a 3D miniature of Archbishop Wolf Dietrich. There are also marionettes dedicated to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his works.
You will also see scenes from his world-famous works in miniature, such as "The Magic Flute and The Sound of Music". Another interesting option is to try your hand at puppetry. Thanks to this opportunity, you will understand how demanding this profession is. This museum is a branch of the Puppet Theatre founded by Professor Anton Eicher in 1913. It is here, at Hohensalzburg Castle, that most of the little artists who are not involved in theatre productions "rest".
