Visiting Hohenwerfen Fortress Guide, Expectations, and Tips
Despite its small size, Austria is home to several castles and fortresses.
While these Austrian castles may not be as famous as Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, Cité de Carcassonne in southern France, or Alhambra Palace in Spain, they are undoubtedly remarkable, especially in terms of historical significance and enchanting fairytale experiences.
One such castle is Hohenwerfen Fortress, situated in the Austrian Alps.
Hohenwerfen Fortress is an incredible, time-transporting landmark, equally deserving of a visit alongside:
- Kreuzenstein Castle, Liechtenstein Castle, and Laxenburg Castle near Vienna, as well as
- Ambras Castle in Innsbruck and
- Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg.
However, unlike the other castles mentioned, Hohenwerfen Fortress is unique due to its location amidst the mountains. It’s a breathtaking destination! Interestingly, this fortress sits atop a hill and has stood there for nearly 900 years!
Situated near Salzburg, it makes for an incredible day trip if you’re spending two days in Salzburg or three days exploring the area.
If you’re contemplating a visit, here’s an overview of what awaits you within the fortress, along with helpful tips and essential visitor information.
Summary
Hohenwerfen Fortress is an 11th-century castle perched on a 623-meter-high cliff in Werfen, a town 40 kilometers south of Salzburg.
Built by the prince-archbishops, it is also known as the “sister” of Hohensalzburg Fortress. Today, this fortress is considered one of the top tourist destinations in Salzburg outside the city, an eye-catching landmark of the Salzach Valley, and an enchanting sight that can make fantasies come to life for wanderers.
Overall, from what I’ve discovered, Hohenwerfen Fortress a great place to visit with kids. But it’s not just for kids! As an adult, visiting Hohenwerfen Fortress is a chance to immerse yourself in another time and place, just like in the movies, but in real life.
No digital creation, no matter how realistic, can compare to that experience!
If you are a photographer, Hohenwerfen Fortress is a must-see during your trip to Salzburg or Austria. The fortress offers a variety of photo opportunities, from its small windows to the wide-open garden with views of the Alps. You will not be disappointed with the number of great shots you can take.
Sadly, there’s a caveat: drones aren’t allowed to fly from the fortress.
Expectations
Hohenwerfen Fortress is more than a picturesque magical scene in the Alps.
After exploring the fortress, I realized there are five beautiful aspects you can look forward to experiencing during your visit.
Rich History: Time Transporting Destination
If you haven’t visited a historical place in the Alps, this 11th-century fortress is a great place to start.
You might find these interesting!
Medieval Architecture: Straight Out of a Fantasy Novel
Most of Hohenwerfen Fortress may not date back to the 11th century, but its quaint appearance is still captivating.
It’s like a real-life version of Disneyland — with its well-preserved medieval architecture!
From the fortified gatehouses with portcullises to the thick walls that could withstand cannon fire and the belfry housing ancient bells, fans of fantasy movies like Narnia, Lord of the Rings, King Arthur, Willow, and Warcraft would love to see it!
The moment you set foot inside the fortress, the rustic atmosphere will already surround you, even before you see the main parts! Expand the sections below to get a virtual tour of the different parts of the fortress.
Intriguing Exhibition: Wizards and Witches in Salzburg
Some of the unique discoveries you can have from Hohenwerfen Fortress is in one of its exhibitions, The Legend of Jackl.
Unique Find: The Historic Regional Falconry Center
Hohenwerfen Fortress offers a variety of discoveries in one location, making it a worthwhile stop while in Salzburg.
Aside from the history of sorcery in Salzburg, you can also learn about Falconry which is a passion of some prince archbishops of Salzburg.
Spectacular Fun: Falconry Show
The Austrian Falconry Museum, located in Hohenwerfen Fortress, not only offers knowledge about falconry and its connection to the fortress.
But also, it allows visitors to witness the art of falconry through their birds of prey show.
How to Get to The Fortress
Getting to Hohenwerfen Fortress is easy. But of course, the easiest way to get to Hohenwerfen Fortress is by car. There’s a large parking lot that’s available for a few Euros.
Below are the steps if you prefer using the public transportation to Hohenwerfen Fortress.
- From Salzburg, you can hop on the OBB railway or the S-Bahn local rail service to Werfen station. The S-Bahn runs every 30 minutes and the journey takes about 45 minutes.
- Once you arrive at Werfen station, you have several options for getting to the fortress.
- You can take a scenic walk along a shady footpath directly from the station to the castle in around half an hour
- Use the shuttle service provided by Hohenwerfen Fortress.
- Tip: If you want to ride the shuttle to Hohenwerfen Fortress, please call the phone number listed on the official website of Hohenwerfen Fortress at least one hour in advance. This is because the shuttle only runs on a limited schedule, and it is important to book your spot in advance to ensure that you get a seat. The shuttle ride takes about 15 minutes, and it is a great way to get to the fortress without having to worry about parking or walking a lot.
- After arriving at the parking lot, you will continue your journey to the fortress by either hiking or taking the funicular.
If you choose to hike, be sure to wear shoes with a good grip, especially in case of wet weather. The hiking trail is inclined (155 meter elevation gain) and takes around 15 minutes before reaching the first and second gateway arches where you can buy your tickets. The funicular is a faster option, taking only a few minutes to reach the top. However, the tickets to the fortress will be slightly more expensive.
Hohenwerfen Fortress is open to the public from April to November. Castle tours are available continuously throughout the day, and falconry demonstrations are held a few times per day. However, tour and opening hours vary by month so please check Hohenwerfen Fortress’ official website (see link in the resources section) for the most up-to-date information.
Okay! Are you traveling to Salzburg in a group and you want convenience in going to Werfen to see Hohenwerfen Fortress (and Werfen Ice Caves)? Check out this tour: Werfen Ice Caves & Hohenwerfen Castle Private Tour
Tickets
There are four kinds of tickets available to Hohenwerfen Fortress (similar to Hohensalzburg Fortress in Old Town Salzburg). All of them will let you access:
- Birds of prey show
- Castle history exhibition
- Austrian falconry museum
- New interactive exhibition: The Legend Of Jackl
The only differences between each ticket are the access to the funicular (ascent and descent) and the castle tour of the fortress’ interiors.
- Ticket Via Footpath — Basic
- Ticket Via Footpath and Tour — Best for wanderers, physically fit history buffs
- Ticket Via Lift — Best value for family travelers and general public
- Ticket Via Lift and Tour — Full experience and convenience
Here’s where you can check the price of Hohenwerfen Fortress’ Ticket Via Lift and Ticket Via Footpath if you want to book your tickets online. You can buy the tickets to the tour separately in the fortress.
Tips
Here are more tips and reminders before you go to Hohenwerfen Fortress.
- Scenic Walk from Werfen. If you are in the mood for a scenic experience, take the 30-minute walk from the quaint town of Werfen to the fortress. The route offers stunning views and is well worth the effort. This may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy walking, it can be a pleasant stroll, especially on a sunny day.
- Footpath Option. If you’re looking for a more adventurous route, you can take the footpath from the parking area to the top of the fortress. It’s scenic, and you get a unique view of the fortress below. However, be aware that it involves climbing steep hills.
- Family-Friendly Visit. Hohenwerfen Fortress can be a great outing for families with older kids, like 10 and 14-year-olds, who can appreciate the history and attractions. Consider purchasing the quiz at the entrance for a fun and engaging experience for kids during the guided tour.
- Plan for Crowds! If visiting during peak times, be prepared for potential crowds and waiting times. Arriving early can help you avoid long queues. For a less crowded experience, try visiting the castle during off-peak times or avoiding peak tourist seasons.
- Guided Tour Audio Guide. If you choose to take the guided tour, which includes the chapel, torture chamber, dungeon, and bell tower, be sure to get the audio guide. It allows you to listen to the tour in multiple languages for easier comprehension.
- Again, arrive early for the Falconry Show. To secure a good spot at the falconry show, try to arrive early. The show features a fantastic display of trained birds of prey, making it a must-see attraction.
Resources
So, that’s all I can share about Hohenwerfen Fortress and why you should visit it. If you’re eager to learn even more about this fantastic place or if you’re planning your trip, the links below should be super helpful for you. Feel free to explore and get ready for an unforgettable experience at Hohenwerfen Fortress!
- Opening Hours, Tour, and Birds of Prey Show Schedule (Official website of Hohenwerfen Fortress)
- Most Beautiful Castles in Europe (Conde Nast Traveler)
- Hohenwerfen Fortress History (visit-salzburg.net)
- Hohenwerfen Fortress History (wikipedia.org)
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