Fortresses & castles in the Salzburg region

Festung Hohensalzburg – in the centre of the city

The Festung Hohensalzburg fortress is part of the skyline of the city of Salzburg, just like the Salzach river and the Mönchsberg peak. The fortress can be seen from afar, looming high above the towers of the city. Behind the thick walls, hidden corners offer a close encounter with history. Step inside and explore the museum and the prince's rooms. You should allow 2–3 hours for an in-depth tour of the fortress. If you're tired and hungry after trekking through the halls, finish up with a refreshing visit to the fortress tavern.

The Salzburg Residenz – a palace full of art & culture

Would you like to see true splendour? Then you should definitely take a tour of the Residenz palace in Salzburg, where you will find more than 200 years' worth of art history, from the Renaissance to Baroque and Neoclassical magnificence. The city of Salzburg's huge investment in culture culminated with the opening of the DomQuartier in May 2014. This museum covers 15,000m2, with 2,000 stunning exhibits and 1,300 years of history on public display. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the upper floor with beautiful views over the city and previously unavailable insights into its beating cultural heart.

The Erlebnisburg Hohenwerfen – guarding the city and defending against its enemies

The fortress is more than 900 years old, and was originally constructed as a defensive fortification against enemies of the city of Salzburg. The site of the fortress is no accident – no-one could pass the narrow point along the course of the Salzach river without being seen from the walls of Hohenwerfen. Those thick walls, dotted with arrow slits, add to the formidable impression of the medieval fortification. The castle interior is full of labyrinthine passages and interesting places to explore. Today, the building is home to the feathered hunters of the historic falconry association, which offers flight displays and opportunities for visitors to see the birds of prey.

The Mauterndorf Castle experience

Let us wander a little further to the south of Salzburg, where a massive sundial looms over the gates of Mauterndorf Castle. Travellers and merchants of centuries past relied on its timekeeping for hundreds of years – but only in fine weather. In those days, road tolls or "Maut" were calculated here, giving rise to the name of Mauterndorf. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Middle Ages. A highlight of any visit is a tour of the guard tower, from which visitors can see just how the structure was used in the Middle Ages. The 360° panoramic views across the Lungau region are also worth a mention.