Burg Hohenwerfen

In the northern Pongau region of the Salzburg province, Austria, surrounded by the mighty Tennen and Hagen mountain ranges, the great Hohenwerfen stronghold surveys the Salzachtal from its 155-meter-tall crag. The castle was built in 1077, during the turbulent Investiture Controversy, when Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII were locked in a power struggle over the appointment of bishops. Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg, a staunch supporter of the pope, ordered the construction of this fortress to secure his territory and protect the important north-south route through the Salzach Valley, the main communication line between Salzburg and the Tyrol. Together with the fortresses Hohensalzburg and Mauterndorf, Hohenwerfen formed a strategic triangle of power and defense in the archbishopric’s domains.

Built primarily as a refuge and barrier at the entrance of the narrow Lueg Pass, the fortress’s mere presence acted as a powerful deterrent. Its steep, isolated position made it almost impregnable, and throughout its long history, Hohenwerfen was rarely attacked and suffered virtually no damage from enemy forces. For centuries it stood as a symbol of authority and control, overseeing the crucial trade and military routes of the region. In 1876, the fortress’s active military function came to an end, closing nearly eight centuries of defensive service.

Yet Hohenwerfen’s story is not one of peace alone. For a long time, the fortress served as a state prison, earning a grim reputation. Its cold and damp dungeons saw the suffering of countless prisoners—many condemned under harsh medieval justice. Among its most famous inmates was Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, who was deposed and imprisoned here in the early 17th century after a failed power struggle. He remained confined within these walls until his death, a poignant reminder of how swiftly power could turn into captivity.

Over time, Hohenwerfen underwent numerous extensions and reconstructions, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries, when the art of fortification evolved in response to gunpowder weaponry. The massive bastions, high outer walls, and gate systems visible today largely date from this period, giving the castle its formidable Renaissance appearance. Painters and chroniclers alike have long been fascinated by its grandeur—its towers rising dramatically above the river valley, a perfect emblem of medieval might.

In 1931, disaster struck when a fire swept through the fortress’s central buildings, destroying valuable collections of arms, furniture, and artworks. Despite economic hardship, the owner, Archduke Eugen of Austria, ordered immediate restoration. Within a year, the work was completed, carefully preserving the fortress’s historical silhouette and inner courtyards.

When Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938, Hohenwerfen came under state control. During the Second World War, it served as a training camp for Nazi organizations, and later, from 1945 to 1987, it was repurposed as the Austrian Gendarmerie School, training generations of law enforcement officers. Only after the academy relocated did the fortress begin a new life—as a place of education, culture, and tourism.

On July 1, 1987, Burg Hohenwerfen officially opened to the public. Since then, it has been continually adapted and restored under the management of the Province of Salzburg, ensuring that the fortress remains in outstanding condition. The addition of new exhibitions, multimedia installations, and guided tours has made it one of Austria’s most engaging historical monuments.

In 1990, the introduction of the Birds of Prey flight demonstrations—featuring eagles, falcons, and vultures from the Landesfalkenhof (State Falconry Centre)—added a vivid new attraction. These daily shows, set against the stunning mountain backdrop, revive medieval hunting traditions and have become a major draw for visitors of all ages.

Hohenwerfen Today – A Living Castle

Today, Burg Hohenwerfen stands as both a cultural landmark and a vibrant visitor destination. The castle offers guided tours through its armory, chapel, kitchens, and dungeon, vividly illustrating medieval life and the harsh realities of fortress existence. Special exhibitions present the fortress’s architectural evolution and its cinematic fame—most notably as a filming location for the 1968 war classic “Where Eagles Dare” starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood, which brought the castle international recognition.

Events such as knight tournaments, falconry festivals, children’s adventure days, and open-air concerts animate its courtyards throughout the year. During winter, illuminated tours and Christmas markets lend the fortress a fairytale atmosphere. Visitors can reach the castle via a short hiking trail or a convenient funicular railway, enjoying panoramic views over the Salzach Valley and the surrounding peaks.

Having been built for political and military dominance, Hohenwerfen has transformed over nine centuries into a symbol of peace, culture, and regional identity. Its enduring stone walls no longer guard against invaders but welcome travelers seeking history, beauty, and a glimpse of Austria’s medieval soul.