Skip-the-line available What to see inside Fortress Hohenwerfen
The bell tower, the armoury, the dungeons and the falconry
Once you are through the gate, Hohenwerfen unfolds as a full medieval fortress — courtyards, state rooms, an armoury and a genuinely eerie set of dungeons. Here is what to look for.
The guided castle tour
The heart of the visit is the guided tour through the fortress interior — the living quarters, the chapel and the great bell tower, from which the views down the Salzach valley are the best on the whole rock. The tour is included with every ticket.
The armoury and the dungeons
The armoury holds weapons and armour from the fortress's centuries as a working stronghold. Below, the dungeons and torture chamber are a sober reminder that Hohenwerfen spent much of its life as a feared state prison — this is where its most famous captives, including an archbishop seized by his own officials in 1198, were held.
The Falconry Museum and flight show
The Austrian Falconry Museum traces the history of the hunt, and its falconers fly eagles, falcons and vultures over the ramparts twice a day. Try to time your visit around the 11:15 or 15:15 demonstration — it is the highlight for most visitors.
Frequently asked
Is the interior tour guided?
Yes — access to the interior state rooms is by guided tour, included in your ticket, and available in English as well as German.
Are the dungeons suitable for children?
Older children usually find them thrilling, but the passages are dark and narrow; use your judgement with younger ones.