An airy experience awaits you at the over 900-year-old Hohenwerfen adventure castle in Salzburg's Pongau region. On the steep rocky cone high above the Salzach Valley, the breeze of the surrounding mountain giants blows around your nose as you look through the embrasures. Hohenwerfen Castle sits majestically enthroned on a rock high above the Salzach Valley. Birds of prey circle around its towers and those who pass through the mighty walls enter another world. Here you can experience the Middle Ages with all your senses. No wonder the adventure castle is one of Salzburg's most popular family excursion destinations.
Myth of Jackl: witches and wizards in Salzburg
One of the absolute highlights of every visit to the castle is the special exhibition "Myth of Jackl - Wizards and Witches in Salzburg", which became a magnet for visitors as soon as it opened. It is dedicated to the Werfen craftsman and gang leader Jakob Tischler or Jakob Koller, better known as Magician Jackl. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of witches and sorcerers on a total of four levels of the historic arsenal - from the events surrounding the Salzburg witch trials to current witch cults around the world. The exhibition fascinates and captivates with authentic and sometimes spooky exhibits, multimedia installations and fairytale-like figures.
Experience the Middle Ages up close
But it's not just legendary wizards and witches you can marvel at at Hohenwerfen Castle. A guided tour of the fortress is a fixed point of every visit. Guests are immersed in the history of the building and learn many a spooky detail from days long past. For example, in the torture chamber with its terrifying dungeon, which was once inhabited by a mute prisoner. The bell tower is high up, where a wonderful view over the Salzburg mountain landscape invites you to take photos and marvel. The tour for foreign-language visitors is offered with an audio guide in 13 languages. After the tour, the castle tavern beckons with regional delicacies and knightly delicacies.
Historical birds of prey up close
The flight demonstrations of the historic falconry center, which take place at the castle twice a day (even three times in July and August), are also extremely popular. People from all over the world visit the castle to watch the spectacular flight maneuvers of falcons, eagles, buzzards and the like up close. The trained falconers and the falconry museum offer insights into an ancient craft that is now only practiced authentically in a few places.
Hohenwerfen Castle, falconry © Salzburger Burgen und Schlösser
From medieval fortress to family attraction
Hohenwerfen Adventure Castle looks back on an eventful history: construction began in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein at the same time as Hohensalzburg Fortress and Friesach Castle in Carinthia. Great rulers and sovereigns were prisoners at the castle. In its eventful history, the mighty fortress served as a film set and gendarmerie school, among other things, until Hohenwerfen was finally opened to visitors from all over the world over 30 years ago. Since then, the castle has become one of the most popular attractions in Salzburger Land.
Hohenwerfen Castle © Salzburg castles and palaces
A paradise for families
Families in particular feel at home at Hohenwerfen Castle. There is a special audio guide in six languages (German, Italian, English, Dutch, Danish and Hebrew) to give children a vivid and entertaining insight into the world of the Middle Ages. The children's puzzle rally is an exciting experience: equipped with a puzzle booklet, the young visitors set off on an exciting treasure hunt. Those who solve all the puzzles will receive a small surprise in the knight's store.
360° tours invite you to discover from home
A free virtual tour of Hohenwerfen Adventure Castle has recently been launched for all castle fans. Visitors can explore the interior of the building on their own from home and admire the special exhibition in the armory. The 360° tour is supplemented by interviews with experts and fascinating background information.
March 29 to November 3, 2024
www.burg-hohenwerfen.at
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