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Hallwang

Top 20 Castles around Hallwang

Best castles around Hallwang, a municipality near Salzburg, Austria, offer a glimpse into the region's rich historical architecture. While Hallwang itself features Schloss Söllheim, its proximity to Salzburg makes it a base for exploring various historical structures. The area provides access to a range of castles and fortifications, from Baroque palaces to medieval fortresses. These sites are situated within a landscape that allows for both direct visits and scenic viewpoints.

Best castles around Hallwang

  • The most popular castles is Mirabell Palace, a castle that was originally built as "Altenau Palace" in 1606. Today, the building houses the city administration, and its magnificent garden and Marble Hall are open to visitors.
  • Another must-see spot is View of Hohensalzburg Fortress, a viewpoint offering perspectives of this prominent fortification. Visitors can expect views of one of Europe's largest fortifications, which dominates the Salzburg cityscape.
  • Visitors also love View of Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg’s Old Town from Franz-Josef-Kai, a viewpoint along the Salzach River. This location provides views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the historic Old Town, often enjoyed from cycle paths.
  • Hallwang is known for Baroque palaces and medieval fortresses. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, including those with historical gardens and commanding views.
  • The castles around Hallwang are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2200 upvotes and over 400 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

View of Hohensalzburg Fortress

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Great view of the city and castle.

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Mirabell Palace

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In 1606, Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau had the palace built outside the then city walls for his secret lover, Salome Alt. Later, it was incorporated into the expanded city wall, and numerous subsequent archbishops chose the palace as their residence. Today, the building houses the city administration, but the magnificent garden and the impressive Marble Hall are open to visitors.

The Marble Hall is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The park can be visited daily from 6 a.m. until dusk. Admission to both the park and the palace is free.

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First-class cycle paths take you along the banks of the Salzach and you can relax and enjoy the view of the magnificent buildings and the surrounding mountains.

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The beautiful bike path along the Salzach is always worth a ride!

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Marko-Feingold Footbridge

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Hohensalzburg Fortress (built between 1060 and 1088)
It is often described as the largest fortification in Central Europe, it is known as a bulwark in a prominent location, and tourists from overseas often refer to it somewhat incorrectly as "Salzburg Castle": Hohensalzburg Fortress dominates the cityscape and is Salzburg's landmark. No self-respecting tourist should miss a visit to the fortress.
The oldest defenses on the southern slope of the Mönchsberg date back to Roman times. Where exactly they are located and how strongly fortified the mountain really was is unclear, however. The location of today's fortress would have made sense even then: from the position of the fortress, the surroundings of Salzburg and the Salzach River can be better controlled than from any other point in the city.
Prince Archbishop Eberhard (1060 to 1088) built the first castle here, on the segment of the Mönchsberg that is now known as the Festungsberg. This first castle was completed in 1077 and can be seen as the result of the Investiture Controversy: a power struggle between the Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation, Henry IV, and Pope Gregory VII in Rome. The Archbishop of Salzburg was caught in the crossfire and sided with the Pope.
Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg
visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/festung-hohensalzburg.htm

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Paul
January 21, 2025, Schloss Mirabell

Mirabell Palace, Salzburg The Baroque Mirabell Palace was originally built as "Altenau Palace" under the reign of Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau in 1606. The palace was created as a gift for Salome Alt, the archbishop's concubine and mother of his children. Mirabell Palace is known for its gardens, which are discussed in a separate article. Wolf Dietrich's successor and adversary, Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus, renamed the building Mirabell Palace. Prince Archbishop Franz Anton Harrach had large sections of the building demolished and rebuilt between 1721 and 1727 according to plans by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. Mirabell Palace was severely damaged by the great city fire of 1818 and rebuilt in the following years according to plans by Peter Nobile. The formerly dominant tower on the east wing of the palace was destroyed, and the facade was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style. Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg https://www.visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/schloss-mirabell.htm

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Paul
January 21, 2025, Marko-Feingold-Steg

Construction & expansion of the early Hohensalzburg Fortress Under the leadership of Prince Archbishop Conrad I (1106 to 1147), a stone tower was built and over the next few years the fortified areas of the castle were continuously expanded. This trend continued throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, until most of today's fortress hill was enclosed. This area was called Bering. By this time, the Investiture Controversy had long since been settled, but Salzburg had developed economically and new conflicts between Bavaria and Babenberg and later Habsburg Austria caused new problems in the region. The "Salz Castle" became increasingly strategically important. The prosperity that Salzburg experienced in the late Middle Ages was accompanied by social unrest. Prince Archbishop Burkhard III of Weisspriach (1461 to 1466) had the four main towers that still exist today built, together with the outer fortification wall: bell tower in the north; trumpeter tower in the northeast; Krautturm in the north; and Schmied- or Arrestantenturm in the south. The Rohrbastei was built under the rule of Burkhard's successor, Prince Archbishop Bernhard von Rohr (1466 to 1481) - the rulers at that time had concerns: the miners in the south of Salzburg were becoming increasingly rebellious and the city's wealthy citizens were demanding more power and influence. But the fear of a Turkish invasion from the east was even more serious. The fortress had to be expanded further. Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg https://visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/festung-hohensalzburg.htm

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Paul
January 21, 2025, Marko-Feingold-Steg

Hohensalzburg Fortress (built between 1060 and 1088) It is often described as the largest fortification in Central Europe, it is known as a bulwark in a prominent location, and tourists from overseas often refer to it somewhat incorrectly as "Salzburg Castle": Hohensalzburg Fortress dominates the cityscape and is Salzburg's landmark. No self-respecting tourist should miss a visit to the fortress. The oldest defenses on the southern slope of the Mönchsberg date back to Roman times. Where exactly they are located and how strongly fortified the mountain really was is unclear, however. The location of today's fortress would have made sense even then: from the position of the fortress, the surroundings of Salzburg and the Salzach River can be better controlled than from any other point in the city. Prince Archbishop Eberhard (1060 to 1088) built the first castle here, on the segment of the Mönchsberg that is now known as the Festungsberg. This first castle was completed in 1077 and can be seen as the result of the Investiture Controversy: a power struggle between the Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation, Henry IV, and Pope Gregory VII in Rome. The Archbishop of Salzburg was caught in the crossfire and sided with the Pope. Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg https://visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/festung-hohensalzburg.htm

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Paul
January 21, 2025, Marko-Feingold-Steg

Makartsteg - Bridge over the Salzach, Salzburg The Makartsteg is a bridge over the Salzach in Salzburg's old town. It was named after the actually rather insignificant artist Hans Makart, who was born and grew up in Salzburg. As a painter, he established himself in Viennese historicism, appropriately in the capital, where he contributed many very lavish paintings for the redesign of the Ringstrasse buildings. The Makartsteg is only open to pedestrians and cyclists. The current Makartsteg is the youngest and most modern bridge over the Salzach, but already the third bridge of this name. The first was built here in 1905 in the Art Nouveau style, but was torn down again in 1967 when a larger construction became necessary. This second Makartsteg became known as the "swinging bridge" because it vibrated relatively strongly. The editorial team of Visit-Salzburg.net consists mainly of people who still walked the Makartsteg with great pleasure as children; The strong vibrations and oscillations are more likely to be due to weaknesses in the construction and planning than to desired effects. And with around 20,000 people crossing the Makartsteg every day, the second bridge was soon in poor condition too. In 2000 it was demolished. One year later, the current Makartsteg was opened with a big festival including fireworks over the Salzach. Live music along the Salzach on a warm June night ensured that the people of Salzburg immediately took the new bridge to their hearts. Around 25,000 visitors attended the opening. On one side of the Makartsteg you can see the mooring of the Amadeus, the tourist boat that first dropped anchor there at around the same time. Shortly before the bridge was opened, there was a suggestion to name the bridge after the physicist Christian Doppler, who was born not far from the bridge in 1803. Doppler had been virtually forgotten for decades and was only rediscovered by Salzburg in the late 1990s. In addition to a hospital, a school and a sweet from the Fürst house were also named after him. The city administration nevertheless decided to keep the much less important Hans Makart as the namesake. Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg https://visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/makartsteg.htm

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From the opposite bank of the Salzach you have a great view of the fortress and the old town. What's special is sitting in the Monkeys cafe bar cityoasis right on the waterfront, sipping a cocktail and enjoying the view.

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Mozart city Salzburg Salzburg is an Austrian city that lies on the border with Germany at the foot of the Eastern Alps. The Salzach flows through the middle of the city. On the left bank is the old town, designated as a pedestrian zone, with buildings from the Middle Ages and the Baroque period. On the opposite side of the river stretches the new town from the 19th century. Mozart's birthplace in the old town is now home to a museum that shows original instruments from the famous composer's childhood.

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07/27/2023 - A very helpful shortcut from the Mirabell Gardens to the old town. As well as an interesting history of the namesake.

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In the old town you often have a beautiful view of the castle

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Frequently Asked Questions

What castles can I visit directly in Hallwang?

While Hallwang is a great base for exploring the wider region, the most notable castle directly within its borders is Schloss Söllheim. This Baroque chateau, built in 1685, features characteristic Baroque design and the distinctive round Antoniuskapelle. The former vicarage next to the chapel now houses the renowned Pfefferschiff restaurant. Schloss Söllheim is privately owned, but you can appreciate its architecture and the surrounding historical ensemble. For more details, you can visit visit-salzburg.net.

What are some of the most popular castles and historical sites near Hallwang?

Beyond Hallwang, the region offers several prominent historical sites. Mirabell Palace in Salzburg, originally built in 1606, is a must-see with its magnificent garden and Marble Hall open to visitors. The iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe's largest fortifications, dominates the Salzburg cityscape and can be admired from various viewpoints like View of Hohensalzburg Fortress or View of Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg’s Old Town from Franz-Josef-Kai.

Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites around Hallwang?

Yes, several sites are considered family-friendly. Mirabell Palace is a great option, offering beautiful gardens that families can explore. The various viewpoints of Hohensalzburg Fortress, such as View of Hohensalzburg Fortress, are also categorized as family-friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy the impressive views of the fortress and the city.

What kind of architecture can I expect to see in the castles near Hallwang?

The castles around Hallwang showcase a range of architectural styles. Schloss Söllheim in Hallwang itself is a fine example of Baroque architecture. In the wider Salzburg region, you'll find the Baroque splendor of Mirabell Palace, alongside the medieval character of fortifications like Hohensalzburg Fortress, which dates back to 1077. Other regional castles like Hohenwerfen Castle and Mauterndorf Castle also offer medieval designs.

What outdoor activities can I combine with visiting castles near Hallwang?

The area around Hallwang is excellent for combining castle visits with outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the moderate 9.9 km "Zilling Viaduct – Ischlerbahn Cycle Path loop from Hallwang." For more challenging adventures, there are mountain hikes like the difficult 6.9 km "Nocksteingrat Ridge Trail – Nockstein Summit loop from Heuberg." Road cycling is also popular, with routes like the 79 km "View of Drachenwand – Mondsee (near Oberburgau) loop from Salzburg Kasern." You can explore more options on the Running Trails around Hallwang, Mountain Hikes around Hallwang, and Road Cycling Routes around Hallwang guides.

Are there any viewpoints to see castles and the surrounding landscape?

Yes, the region offers several excellent viewpoints. The View of Hohensalzburg Fortress provides panoramic perspectives of this prominent fortification. Another popular spot is the View of Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg’s Old Town from Franz-Josef-Kai, which offers views of the fortress and the historic Old Town, often enjoyed from cycle paths along the Salzach River. The View of Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg's Old Town from the Salzach Cycle Path also offers magnificent views.

What are some notable historical facts about Mirabell Palace?

Mirabell Palace was originally built in 1606 as "Altenau Palace" by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his secret lover, Salome Alt. Later, it was renamed Mirabell Palace by his successor. The palace was severely damaged by a city fire in 1818 and rebuilt in the Neoclassical style, though its magnificent garden and Marble Hall remain open to visitors today. It currently houses the city administration.

Can I visit castles near Hallwang using public transport?

Hallwang's proximity to Salzburg makes it convenient to reach many regional castles via public transport. For instance, Salzburg city, home to Mirabell Palace and Hohensalzburg Fortress, is well-connected. While specific public transport routes to every castle may vary, Salzburg's extensive bus network can get you close to many major attractions.

What are some unique features of the castles in the broader Salzburg region?

Beyond Hallwang, the broader Salzburg region boasts castles with unique features. Hohensalzburg Fortress is renowned for being one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval fortifications. Hohenwerfen Castle is known as an "adventure castle" with falconry demonstrations, while Mauterndorf Castle offers a journey back to the Late Middle Ages with exhibitions in its 13th-century toll fortress.

What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and sights around Hallwang?

Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning views, especially of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg's Old Town, often from scenic cycle paths along the Salzach River. The beautiful Mirabell Gardens are also a highlight, offering a pleasant experience. Many appreciate the historical significance and the opportunity to explore the rich architecture of the region, often noting the ease of combining sightseeing with cycling in Salzburg.

Are there any accessible castles or viewpoints for visitors with mobility needs?

Yes, some locations are noted for their accessibility. Mirabell Palace is listed as wheelchair accessible, allowing more visitors to enjoy its beauty. Additionally, viewpoints like the View of Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg’s Old Town from Franz-Josef-Kai and the Marko-Feingold Footbridge are also marked as wheelchair accessible, providing opportunities to enjoy the scenery.

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