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Hohenwerfen Castle
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Landmark
Hohenwerfen Castle is a former 11th-century fortification located on a 155-meter-high rock cone above the Salzach Valley in the Pongau region. It was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard simultaneously with Hohensalzburg Fortress to secure the strategic Pass Lueg bottleneck. Over the centuries, the castle served not only as a defense facility but also as a residence, state prison, and hunting lodge for the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg. A severe fire in 1931 destroyed large parts of the complex, which was subsequently rebuilt to its original design. Today, the castle houses the historic regional falconry center with daily birds of prey flight demonstrations, continuing the centuries-old tradition of falconry. Hohenwerfen gained international fame as a filming location for Hollywood movies such as "Where Eagles Dare" (1968). The site features comprehensive insights into medieval torture chambers, the armory, and the historic bell chamber.
- Location: Salzburg, Austria
- Top sights: Festung Hohenwerfen · Brennhof · Feuersengkopf
- Nearby: Werfenweng (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -5 | -4 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 1 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 91 | 72 | 89 | 85 | 151 | 176 | 184 | 184 | 135 | 102 | 76 | 82 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Burgstraße 2, 5450 Werfen
Hours
Mon-Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry
€16.90 adults (including elevator and bird of prey show)
Transit
ÖBB regional train to Werfen, then approx. 15-20 min. walk.
Parking
Free visitor parking directly on the B159 federal road.
Accessibility
Inclined elevator to the castle available; the castle grounds themselves have steep sections.
Photos
Allowed, but flash photography is not permitted during the bird of prey show.
Best time
Arrive early to see the first bird of prey demonstration (usually at 11:15 AM).
Audio guide
Available in several languages for the castle tour.
Geography
Facts
- Year built: 1077
- Located on a 155-meter-high rock
- Home to the historic regional falconry center
- Severe fire in 1931
- Filming location for 'Where Eagles Dare'
- Possesses a bell from 1586 ('Burgahnl')
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hohenwerfen Castle (6)
Sound of Music
Attraction related to the Sound of Music film in Werfen.
Ansitz Windbichlgut
Building in Werfen, Austria, a historic manor house.
Sankt Barbara
Church building in Werfen, Austria.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction at Hohenwerfen Castle?
The spectacular birds of prey flight show by the historic state falconry center.
How do I get to the castle?
Either on foot (approx. 15-20 min steep climb) or comfortably via the inclined elevator for a fee.
Was a movie filmed at the castle?
Yes, the castle served as the backdrop for the famous movie 'Where Eagles Dare'.
When do the birds of prey shows take place?
Usually twice a day, in the morning and afternoon. Check the times on the website beforehand.
Is the castle open in winter?
The castle is mostly closed from November to March, except for special events like the Christmas market.
Hohenwerfen Castle: where is it located?
Hohenwerfen Castle is located in Salzburg, Austria.
Hohenwerfen Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Festung Hohenwerfen, Brennhof, Feuersengkopf.
Hohenwerfen Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hohenwerfen Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Hohenwerfen Castle is a former 11th-century fortification located on a 155-meter-high rock cone above the Salzach Valley in the Pongau region.
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