Salzburg Castle [Festung Hohensalzburg] holds a commanding position on Festungsberg Hill. It is one of Europe’s largest medieval castles. This fortress was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard to protect Imperial troops of the Holy Roman Empire. Ring walls and towers were built by Burkhard II of Weißpriach in 1462. The castle was further expanded under the reign of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach [1495 to 1519].
The fortress has only been under siege once: In 1525, a group of miners, farmers, and townspeople tried to oust Prince Archbishop Cardinal Matthäus Lang, but failed to take the castle.
During the twentieth century the fortress was used to hold Italian prisoners of war during World War I and Nazi activists in the 1930s before the Anschluss with Germany.
Today, the castle can be accessed via a funicular railway or a short hike. The castle offers a great view of Salzburg and there are several informative displays about medieval weapons, life in the fortress, torture instruments, and puppetry.
Sources and more information:
- Salzburg Castle [Visit-Salzburg.net]
- Hohensalzburg Castle [Wikipedia]
- Hohensalzburg Castle Austria [Official Tourist Website]
More posts from our trip to Europe can be found here. Also, be sure to check out my Salzburg Flickr set for more pictures from Salzburg.
The Daily Bubble Tea 
awesome photos todd! heading to to austria next week for the conference and will be taking a 3 day trip to salzburg too. i’ll be sure to check out the castle!
Gorgeous view from the castle, and a beautiful day you two had. I only stayed in Austria for one day, wish to go back there again.
Bebe – Three days is enough time to comfortably explore the city, you’ll have a great time!
Micki – We were blessed with great weather for most of our trip. Hope you have the opportunity to go back!