Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg (must see)

The mighty fortress dominates the skyline over Salzburg, as of course was the intention. Constructed about 1077 by one of the city's Archbishops, it was more a show of the Catholic Church's power and determination than anything else. Let's just say that the Archbishops were more businessmen and politicians than churchmen... but that sums up the Middle Ages in many places. What started off as a small castle eventually grew into a mighty, whitewashed fortress – so foreboding that no army even tried attacking for over eight centuries (thought it was once unsuccessfully besieged by a group of Protestant peasants in the 1500s).

After a stint as a military barracks, the fortress was opened to the public in the 1860s by Habsburg Emperor Franz Josef. Today, it remains one of Europe's mightiest castles, offering unique panoramic views (of the city, mountains, and surrounding plains) as well as cafés and a handful of museums. It’s a pleasant place to grab an ice-cream cone and wander the whitewashed maze of buildings while soaking up some medieval ambience. Don't miss visiting the few rooms with the marionettes on display, and try to leak into the old church as well.

Why You Should Visit:
Worth going to for the views alone, but the short guided tour is also fascinating. They do a great job telling the story of this fortress and its growth over the centuries.

Tip:
Although most visitors opt for the one-minute trip on the funicular, consider walking up if you are in decent shape and if weather allows, as that makes the experience more enjoyable and there are some nice things to see on the way.
To save money and avoid the crowds, take advantage of online booking using the 'early bird' pricing (you'll then scan tickets from your device to get access to the site). If time allows take advantage of dinner and the concerts which feature local musicians playing wonderful classical music from the region.

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am-7pm (May-Sep); 9:30am-5pm (Oct-Apr)