Salzburg, Austria
Built in 1077, Hohensalzburg is perched high above the musical town of Salzburg and is one of Europe’s largest and best preserved ancient castles. It served to protect a series of archbishops during the Hungarian and Peasants’ War in Austria, never having been conquered in its long history. It was significantly expanded during the 1500’s to the form that it is today. Not only was the outside of the castle added, but the interior rooms were made grander to reflect the growing power and influence of the archbishops.
To reach the castle, take the funicular railway to the top of the hill to visit the magnificently decorated apartments, the Fortress Museum, and to take pictures of the view over Salzburg and the mountains beyond. If you wish to instead walk up to the castle, expect it to take about 10 minutes and be a pretty steep climb.
If you are lucky, you will be visiting when Fortress Concerts are in play as well as other festive events. Do not miss touring the various chapels, Trumpeter’s Tower, the Marionette Museum that children will love, and the medieval rooms including The Golden Chamber. There is a good self-guided audio tour available as well.
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