☰Festung Hohensalzburg

The Festung Hohensalzburg, begun in 1077 and extended over the following six centuries, is the largest fully preserved medieval castle in central Europe and the single feature that defines Salzburg's skyline. Built by the prince-archbishops as a refuge from the Investiture Controversy and enlarged progressively as the city's power grew, the fortress was never successfully taken by an enemy force. Today the interior is a museum — the Festungsmuseum has exhibits on the fortress's history, medieval weapons and instruments of torture, and the restored Princely Chambers on the upper floors still have their original late-Gothic painted ceilings and carved wooden panelling. Reach it on the Festungsbahn funicular from the back of the cathedral square (a minute's ride) or on foot up the switchback path in about twenty minutes. The view from the ramparts over the old town and out to the Alps is the best in Salzburg.