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Hohensalzburg Fortress

Castles

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Highlight • Castle

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Recommended by 224 cyclists out of 240

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Historisches Zentrum der Stadt Salzburg

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Location: Salzburg, Austria

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Top cycling routes to Hohensalzburg Fortress

4.6

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1. Saalach River in Salzburg – View of Hohensalzburg Fortress loop from Hammerau

53.9km

03:22

140m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.7

(42)

697

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2. Gaisberg Summit – Gaisberg Summit loop from Salzburg Mülln-Altstadt

36.8km

02:50

900m

Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Expert

4.8

(100)

498

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3. Salzach Rapids – Salzburg Cathedral loop from Köstendorf Weng

63.1km

04:02

630m

Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips

Paul

January 21, 2025

Hohensalzburg Fortress (built between 1060 and 1088)
It is often described as the largest fortification in Central Europe, it is known as a bulwark in a prominent location, and tourists from overseas often refer to it somewhat incorrectly as "Salzburg Castle": Hohensalzburg Fortress dominates the cityscape and is Salzburg's landmark. No self-respecting tourist should miss a visit to the fortress.
The oldest defenses on the southern slope of the Mönchsberg date back to Roman times. Where exactly they are located and how strongly fortified the mountain really was is unclear, however. The location of today's fortress would have made sense even then: from the position of the fortress, the surroundings of Salzburg and the Salzach River can be better controlled than from any other point in the city.
Prince Archbishop Eberhard (1060 to 1088) built the first castle here, on the segment of the Mönchsberg that is now known as the Festungsberg. This first castle was completed in 1077 and can be seen as the result of the Investiture Controversy: a power struggle between the Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation, Henry IV, and Pope Gregory VII in Rome. The Archbishop of Salzburg was caught in the crossfire and sided with the Pope.
Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg
visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/festung-hohensalzburg.htm

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Paul

January 21, 2025

Construction & expansion of the early Hohensalzburg Fortress
Under the leadership of Prince Archbishop Conrad I (1106 to 1147), a stone tower was built and over the next few years the fortified areas of the castle were continuously expanded. This trend continued throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, until most of today's fortress hill was enclosed. This area was called Bering. By this time, the Investiture Controversy had long since been settled, but Salzburg had developed economically and new conflicts between Bavaria and Babenberg and later Habsburg Austria caused new problems in the region. The "Salz Castle" became increasingly strategically important.
The prosperity that Salzburg experienced in the late Middle Ages was accompanied by social unrest. Prince Archbishop Burkhard III of Weisspriach (1461 to 1466) had the four main towers that still exist today built, together with the outer fortification wall: bell tower in the north; trumpeter tower in the northeast; Krautturm in the north; and Schmied- or Arrestantenturm in the south.
The Rohrbastei was built under the rule of Burkhard's successor, Prince Archbishop Bernhard von Rohr (1466 to 1481) - the rulers at that time had concerns: the miners in the south of Salzburg were becoming increasingly rebellious and the city's wealthy citizens were demanding more power and influence. But the fear of a Turkish invasion from the east was even more serious. The fortress had to be expanded further.
Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg
visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/festung-hohensalzburg.htm

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Günther🦎

December 23, 2024

Interesting

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Elevation 470 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 28 October

12°C

5°C

100 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

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Location: Salzburg, Austria

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Hohensalzburg Fortress

1. Saalach River in Salzburg – View of Hohensalzburg Fortress loop from Hammerau

2. Gaisberg Summit – Gaisberg Summit loop from Salzburg Mülln-Altstadt

3. Salzach Rapids – Salzburg Cathedral loop from Köstendorf Weng

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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