Hohenwerfen Castle: Austria’s Fairytale Fortress in the Alps

Perched high on a rugged cliff in the heart of the Salzach Valley, Hohenwerfen Castle (Burg Hohenwerfen) is a striking fortress that looks like it leapt straight out of a fairytale. Surrounded by the Berchtesgaden Alps, this 11th-century castle offers visitors a journey through Austria’s turbulent medieval history—complete with knights, dungeons, and falconry shows.
 

Just a short drive from Salzburg, Hohenwerfen Castle is a must-visit destination for history lovers, families, and anyone enchanted by majestic mountain scenery and castle lore.

Let me be your guide as we explore everything you need to know to visit and appreciate one of Austria’s most spectacular castles.

📍 1. Where Is Hohenwerfen Castle?

Location:

Town: Werfen

Region: Salzburg State, Austria

About 40 km south of Salzburg city

Elevation: Approximately 623 meters (2,044 ft) above sea level

How to Get There:

By Car: About 40 minutes via A10 from Salzburg

By Train: Trains run from Salzburg to Werfen station (~45 minutes), then a short walk and funicular or hiking path to the castle

By Tour: Many half-day guided tours from Salzburg include Hohenwerfen

🕰️ 2. A Glimpse into Hohenwerfen Castle’s History

📜 Founding & Early History:

Built in 1077 during the Investiture Controversy by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg

Part of a triad of defensive castles along the Salzach River

Served as a military base, prison, and hunting retreat

🛡️ Strategic Importance:

Controlled access through the Salzach Valley, vital for trade and military movement

Played roles in regional wars and peasant uprisings

Used as a state prison for centuries

🎬 Hollywood Fame:

Featured in the 1968 film Where Eagles Dare starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood

Occasionally used as a filming location and event space

🏯 3. Exploring the Castle Grounds: What to See

Your castle adventure includes a scenic funicular ride (or hike) up the forested hill, leading to a dramatic reveal of towers, ramparts, and inner courtyards.

🏰 Key Highlights:

Main Courtyard: Surrounded by towers and arcades; often hosts medieval festivals

Chapel: Small but atmospheric, with centuries-old religious artifacts

Armory & Weaponry Exhibits: Swords, armor, and siege weapons from various eras

State Rooms: Reconstructed noble quarters with period furniture and artwork

Knight’s Hall: A vaulted chamber once used for feasting and court gatherings

Guided tours bring these rooms to life with stories of noble families, prisoners, and epic sieges.

🦅 4. The Legendary Falconry Shows

One of Hohenwerfen’s most unique and memorable features is its daily falconry demonstrations.

🪶 What to Expect:

Birds of prey in flight: Falcons, eagles, vultures, and hawks soar over the valley

Live narration (in German and English) explains techniques and history of falconry

Located in the castle's falconry arena with panoramic views

🎓 The Falconry Museum:

Learn about the ancient art of falconry

Explore falconry tools, gear, and historical illustrations

Fun for all ages, especially kids and wildlife lovers

🕒 Show Times vary seasonally; usually twice daily from May to October.

🕵️ 5. Dungeons and Dark Tales

The castle’s dungeon and torture chamber offer a glimpse into the darker side of medieval justice.

💀 Featured Elements:

Replica torture instruments

Chains, cuffs, and grim execution tools

Stories of real prisoners held at Hohenwerfen, including political dissidents and criminals

The guided tour handles these exhibits with historical sensitivity—educational yet haunting.

🎟️ 6. Tickets, Opening Hours, and Tours

💵 Admission Prices (2025 estimate):

Adults: €15.00

Children (6–15): €9.00

Family Ticket: ~€36.00

Guided tour, museum entry, and funicular included

🕒 Opening Hours:

April to November: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)

Closed during winter months (except special events)

🎧 English-speaking guided tours are available and highly recommended.

🧭 7. Suggested Itinerary for Your Visit

Here’s a sample itinerary for a half-day trip to Hohenwerfen Castle:

🥾 8. Hiking Trails Around the Castle

For those who love the outdoors, there are scenic hiking trails around the fortress:

Panorama Trail: Offers the best views of the castle and valley

Werfen Loop Trail: Connects the castle, town, and river for a leisurely 2-hour walk

Nearby: Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave—the world’s largest ice cave, just 10 minutes away

Wear sturdy shoes and bring your camera!

📷 9. Best Photography Spots

📸 From the train station: Castle framed by Alpine peaks

📸 Castle courtyard: Dramatic angles of towers and falconry arena

📸 Falconry arena: Capture raptors mid-flight against mountain backdrops

📸 Sunset from the tower: Glorious golden light over the Salzach Valley

A drone would capture stunning shots—just check local regulations first.

🍽️ 10. Food and Drink Options

Inside the Castle:

Castle Tavern (Burgschenke): Offers hearty Austrian fare like goulash, sausages, and strudel

In Werfen:

Obauer Restaurant: Michelin-starred dining, perfect for foodies

Local Gasthäuser: Traditional Austrian dishes in cozy settings

Pro tip: Try local Alpine cheese and homemade schnapps.

🧠 11. Interesting Facts About Hohenwerfen Castle

Once used as a military training center during WWII

“Burg” means “castle” or “fortress” in German

Shares historical roots with Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg

Features a deep well carved straight into the rock for sieges

Offers themed medieval events including reenactments and knight tournaments

🧒 12. Family-Friendly Activities

Interactive exhibitions and audio guides for children

Bird of prey adoption program

Treasure hunts and knight-themed workshops (summer only)

Medieval dress-up and photo opportunities

Families can easily spend 3+ hours exploring the castle and enjoying its engaging activities.

🎭 13. Seasonal Events & Festivals

Hohenwerfen Castle hosts several cultural and historical events throughout the year:

🛡️ Medieval Days: Reenactments, archery contests, jousting shows

🎄 Christmas Markets (limited dates in early December)

🎶 Live concerts in the courtyard

🦅 Falconer’s Day: Celebrating traditional bird handlers

These events offer a lively, immersive experience beyond the usual visit.

🧳 14. Nearby Attractions

Make the most of your trip by combining your visit with these sites:

❄️ Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave: Largest ice cave in the world (open May–Oct)

🏔️ Salzach Valley Scenic Views

⛪ St. Johann im Pongau: Baroque church and nature trails

🏞️ Liechtensteinklamm Gorge: Deep, dramatic gorge perfect for hiking

🎬 Sound of Music Tour: Begins in Salzburg, includes Werfen filming locations

💬 Final Thoughts: Why Visit Hohenwerfen Castle?

Hohenwerfen Castle is more than just stone walls and turrets—it’s a living museum of medieval life, a stage for falcons in flight, and a window into Austria’s Alpine past. Towering high above the Salzach Valley, it rewards visitors with sweeping views, rich history, and a touch of magic.

Whether you're exploring Salzburg’s surroundings, chasing castles through Europe, or searching for that perfect blend of adventure and culture, Hohenwerfen belongs on your list.