Tour the Historic Hohensalzburg Fortress

The Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the most emblematic and eye-catching buildings in all of Austria. Towering above the city of Salzburg, the intimidating structure is known for its white ramparts, which contrast enigmatically against the natural mountain backdrop. The best way to reach the fortress is to ride the funicular to the top. Before you go inside, take a walk around the exterior and check out the views. The balcony that faces Salzburg is where you’ll find the best vistas.

The entire ancient Old Town, the river that flows through Salzach, and the distant mountains can all be seen from here. The view is even more breathtaking in the winter when the area is blanketed with new, white snow. When you're prepared to explore within, you'll have the chance to discover how the fortress was created and the numerous ways in which it has evolved over time. There are many elaborately adorned rooms to explore, as well as some genuine torture implements from the Middle Ages.