Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress

We got up early and decided to beat the crowds and see the number one attraction in Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress. We paid for the combo ticket that includes admission to the fortress as well as the ride up the funicular to the top. Definitely worth it.



The fortress was founded in 1077, and has been strengthened over the centuries. It was such an imposing presence, that no one dared to invade Salzburg until the French under Napoleon, at which time, Salzburg surrendered without resistance.



Going first thing in the morning is the best way to see it, as we had the fortress almost completely to ourselves. We wandered around the massive grounds taking in the large squares and many different sights.

Given the almost sheer cliffs, and very steep walls of the fortress, it is obvious why no one dared to try to attack it for so long.



The views from the fortress are amazing. You can see for miles. Even on a cloudy day like the day we were there, it has some spectacular vistas.









I bet the mountains are really lovely when they are topped with some snow.

Tony and I took the guided Audio tour of the interior of the palace, and we both felt it was a waste of time. The amount of security for the little that is seen, and even that was practically nothing.






Save your time, and just go to the museum where you can see the real lavish interior rooms. There are evening concerts held in the large reception room.




Another strange inclusion in the fortress complex is the Marionette Museum. Evidently, puppetry has a strong history in Salzburg.







Definitely unusual and somewhat creepy, but definitely worth a brief stop.









After wandering around the large fortress complex, it was time for a break. We had Topfenstrudel, which is like Apfelstrudel, but instead of apples, it is filled with a sweet cream cheese filling. Served with a vanilla cream sauce, it is absolutely delicious.




We decided not to take the funicular back down to town, but instead to follow Rick Steve's advice and walk down by using the long alternate path.








The sun had peaked out, and it was a lovely green walk through the park in the hills overlooking Salzburg.






Salzburg had been a walled city, and along the walk, you could see portions of the wall that were still remaining.




We also came across some wild raspberries that were growing along the side of the path, and these became a welcome snack to munch as we walked.

The views of Salzburg were beautiful, and though it took longer than if we had taken the funicular back down, it was a lot more enjoyable.





Before long it was time to eat again. . .



We saw a show on TV where they ate these cheese hot dogs called Kasekrainer. Tony is a huge hot dog fan, and to pass up an opportunity to try a huge cheesey hot dog would not be possible.



Believe it or not, I was still full from the strudel and I was not able to eat my entire hot dog. It was delicious. Kind of a Bratwurst with a slight cheddery taste.

There was a open air market going on, and Tony and I stopped at this stall where a man was selling schnapps. It seems that they make schnapps out of anything and everything. We tried several different types including: hazelnut, apple, and apricot. We ended up buying a bottle of the hazelnut to bring home with us. You can't visit Austria and not bring back a small bottle of schnapps.