HOHENSALZBURG FORTRESS (FESTUNG HOHENSALZBURG)

An impressive visit not to be missed. The funicular to this fortress is the oldest in Austria (1892). The monumental 250 m long, 150 m wide (1.5 ha!) fortress overlooking Salzburg, perched on top of the Festungsberg, is a landmark of local history, as it was once the castle of the prince-archbishops. Hohensalburg remains the largest castle in Central Europe to have been preserved in its entirety. Its construction, begun in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, was completed in the ^17th century. It was enlarged and remodeled several times. Visit the castle's many rooms and museum areas, including the horrifying one featuring a collection of torture instruments. The Festungsmuseum (fortress museum) exhibits historical objects relating to the life of the court of the archiepiscopal princes, while the puppet museum and the Rainer regiment museum also evoke bygone days. An interactive exhibition reveals the historic armory and weapons of yesteryear. On the third floor of the fortress, you can visit the princes' sumptuous living quarters. You'll be impressed by the ceiling painted with a night sky and golden stars on a royal blue background, as well as the tiled stove in the gilded bedroom. Enjoy the inner courtyard with its pretty fountain and chapel. From the panoramic tower, you can enjoy a 360° view over the city and the plain.