Across Mönchsberg mountain to Hohensalzburg Fortress
Hohensalzburg castle towers high above the city of Salzburg. During its centuries-old history it was not captured once. These days, it prefers to let in guests and besiegers voluntarily, albeit, unfortunately, not free of charge. There are many ways up to the castle.
The most traditional one is probably the Festungsbahn railway, which quickly takes you up the steep hill. Tip: The train ride and admission to the castle are included in the Salzburg Card.
Alternatively, if you’re brave enough, you can walk up, starting from the old town. The route doesn’t seem all that steep at first, but it is quite arduous.
Mönchsberg mountain
I advise you to take a detour via Mönchsberg mountain. Mönchsberg mountain is a beautiful place with a great view of the city. And it’s also a nice hike over to the castle.
The Mönchsberg lift takes you up the mountain in a few seconds. Unfortunately, you can’t look out of the lift, but the observation deck at the top provides great photo opportunities and views of Salzburg.
From here you can see the course of the Salzach river, Mirabell Palace on the left, Kapuzinerberg mountain in front of you, and on the right the cathedral and the charming old town.
Museum of Modern Art
The lift, by the way, takes you to the Museum of Modern Art. (Lift and admission are free with the Salzburg Card, an inexpensive way to see many sights of Salzburg.)
Don’t rush and take a look around the museum. The modern architecture alone offers a nice contrast to the buildings in the city, which you can see from here. The museum’s exhibitions change regularly.
But now we leave the museum and walk along the wide path towards Hohensalzburg castle. The first part of the route takes us through a small wood, and throughout the walk you have a great view of the city some 70 metres below you. Every so often you come to a little vantage point with views of Salzburg.
Photo stop at the inn
After a short while you arrive at a meadow and head towards the Mönchsberg fortress. You pass this former defensive wall through a gateway, and if you now bear left you will get to the Stadtalm inn. This is where you will also find also a small youth hostel. It is run by the Naturfreunde association, and there is also another vantage point outside the inn. It also affords a great view over the city. And it is an excellent photo stop.
We continue. Stay on the left hand side, if possible, because then you continue to have views of the city. But you will notice that you will get further and further away from the edge of the mountain. But only to walk past a Buddhist stupa for a short section of the route; but if I remember right, there are some seats there and it’s a nice place for a break. Now we’re not far away.
The castle
A few meters further along you turn left. From this point onwards, the path is called Doktor-Ludwig-Prähauser-Weg, after a teacher and writer from Salzburg. You follow this path until you suddenly walk underneath the tracks of the Festungsbahn railway. You turn right and follow the steep hill up to the entrance of the fortification. This last section is quite tricky, because the path is unpleasantly steep.
Then suddenly you are by the entrance to Hohensalzburg castle. And you will soon realise that you simply have to pay it a visit, whichever route you chose.
Salzburg's Hohensalzburg Fortress: FAQs
What is the Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg and what makes it special?
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is a castle that towers high above the city of Salzburg. Throughout its centuries-old history, it has never been captured and today welcomes guests voluntarily, although not for free. It stands as a symbol of the city and is a significant site for visitors.
How can one reach the Hohensalzburg Fortress?
There are many ways to get to the castle. The most traditional one is probably the Festungsbahn railway, which quickly takes you up the steep hill. Alternatively, if you're brave enough, you can walk up from the old town, although the route can be quite strenuous.
What can be experienced on Mönchsberg mountain?
The Mönchsberg mountain is a beautiful place with a great view of the city and a pleasant hike to the castle. The Mönchsberg elevator takes you up the mountain in a few seconds, and from there, you can see the course of the Salzach river, Mirabell Palace, Kapuzinerberg, and the charming old town.
What does the Museum of Modern Art on Mönchsberg mountain offer?
The Museum of Modern Art offers changing exhibitions, and its modern architecture provides a nice contrast to the buildings of the city. The lift to the museum and the entrance are free with the Salzburg Card.
What can be discovered on the way to the Hohensalzburg Fortress?
On the way to the castle, you pass a small forest and enjoy the view of the city. You also come across a small lookout platform with a view of Salzburg. After a short while, you arrive at a meadow and head towards the Mönchsberg fortress.
What can be found at the Stadtalm?
The Stadtalm is an inn and a small youth hostel run by the Naturfreunde association. There is also a viewpoint outside the hostel from which you can get a great view of the city and take excellent photos.
What is the Doktor-Ludwig-Prähauser-Weg?
The Doktor-Ludwig-Prähauser-Weg is a path named after a teacher and writer from Salzburg. You follow this path until you suddenly walk underneath the tracks of the Festungsbahn railway. You turn right and follow the steep hill up to the entrance of the fortress.
What is the experience like upon arrival at the Hohensalzburg Fortress?
Suddenly you are at the entrance to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. You will soon realize that you simply have to pay it a visit, regardless of the route you chose. The sight of the fortress and the view of the city are impressive and worth the climb.
Is the Salzburg Card recommended for visitors?
Yes, the Salzburg Card provides a cost-effective way to see many sights in Salzburg. It includes the ride on the Festungsbahn railway and admission to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, as well as other attractions such as the Museum of Modern Art.
Here you find cheap accommodation in Salzburg.
