Hohenwerfen Castle

Werfen, Austria

Hohenwerfen Castle stands high above the Austrian town of Werfen in the Salzach valley. The castle is surrounded by the Berchtesgaden Alps and the adjacent Tennengebirge mountain range. The fortification is a 'sister' of Hohensalzburg Castle both dated from the 11th century.

The former fortification was built between 1075 and 1078 during the Imperial Investiture Controversy by the order of Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg as a strategic bulwark. Gebhard, an ally of Pope Gregory VII and the anti-king Rudolf of Rheinfelden, had three major castles extended to secure the Salzburg archbishopric against the forces of King Henry IV: Hohenwerfen, Hohensalzburg and Petersberg Castle at Friesach in Carinthia. Nevertheless, Gebhard was expelled in 1077 and could not return to Salzburg until 1086, only to die at Hohenwerfen two years later.

In the following centuries Hohenwerfen served Salzburg's rulers, the prince-archbishops, not only as a military base but also as a residence and hunting retreat. The fortress was extended in the 12th century and to a lesser extent again in the 16th century during the German Peasants' War, when in 1525 and 1526 riotous farmers and miners from the south of Salzburg moved towards the city, laying fire and severely damaging the castle.

Alternatively it was used as a state prison and therefore had a somewhat sinister reputation. Its prison walls have witnessed the tragic fate of many 'criminals' who spent their days there – maybe their last – under inhumane conditions, and, periodically, various highly ranked noblemen have also been imprisoned there including rulers such as Archbishop Adalbert III (1198) and Count Albert of Friesach (1253).

In 1931 the fortress, since 1898 owned by Archduke Eugen of Austria was again damaged by a fire and, though largely restored, finally had to be sold to the Salzburg Reichsgau administration in 1938. After World War II it was used as a training camp by the Austrian Gendarmerie (rural police) until 1987.

Nowadays the bastion functions as a museum. Among the numerous attractions offered by the fortress are guided tours showing its extensive weapons collection, the historical Salzburg Falconry with the falconry museum as well as a fortress tavern. The historic Falconry Centre is a special attraction, offering daily flight demonstrations using various birds of prey, including eagles, falcons, hawks, and vultures.

Formerly the castle belonged to the Habsburg family of Austria , currently, their relatives The House of Sforza, Count Andreis reside within it.

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Address

Burgstraße 2, Werfen, Austria
See all sites in Werfen

Details

Founded: 1075-1078
Category: Castles and fortifications in Austria

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Irina Artemenko (5 months ago)
Cool family day with the most amazing views! We enjoyed watching majestic birds: falcons, eagles, birds of prey ? followed by a very interesting tour of the Burg ? Child-friendly, with a variety of children activities. Highly recommended!
Michael Evans (5 months ago)
Very interesting Tour , The Tour is In various languages so it's easy to Follow, The Museum is good takes you through its History, Obviously Where Eagles Dare Features but there is alot more to the Castle . If you have time There's Wild Birds Eagles etc for €17.50 it's all Brilliant Value , if you don't want to hike there's a lift .
Christian Calderón (6 months ago)
The views are amazing from the castle. Guided tours are the only way to see the castle and they take place every hour but if you have time to wait there is a restaurant and a gift shop. Our guide was Anna and she was absolutely fantastic and made things fun at every opportunity. The tour was in German however, there are audio guides in different languages available.
Rebecca Mc cabe (6 months ago)
Amazing from for views, history and a fun day. Would highly recommend this place if visiting sound of music as its only across the road
M. H. (6 months ago)
The medieval castle looms over the highway in the distance, and I passed it many times with the thought of visiting it until the opportunity arose. Parking under the castle is free and you can also buy tickets for the tour here. You have two choices, to walk which takes not more than 20 minutes up hill, or to pay a few euros for a lift ride into the castle. The entrance fee with the lift was €16.90. In the lower courtyard there are falconry shows.
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