Top 9 Castles around Werfen

Hohenwerfen Castle is a highlight on the route to Werfen.

Beautiful little town, many guesthouses and beautiful cycling routes

Golling Castle is a medieval hilltop castle built in the 13th century by the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg and served for centuries as a court, administrative seat, and defensive structure. Due to its location on a rocky outcrop, it was an important strategic point in the Salzach Valley between the Tennengebirge and Hagengebirge mountains. The castle has been rebuilt and restored several times over the centuries, including after being destroyed during the Peasants' War and the Napoleonic Wars. Today, it is in excellent condition and houses a museum with natural and cultural history collections. Highlights include fossils such as a mammoth tusk and the rare skeleton of an Omphalosaurus, archaeological finds from the Bronze Age, a large collection of pocket watches, and preserved original rooms such as the Prince's Chamber, the former torture chamber, and a chapel with a Rococo altar. In addition, the castle regularly hosts events such as concerts, readings, and themed tours. The surrounding area offers many natural and cultural experiences, such as the Lammerklamm Gorge, the Golling Waterfall, and other nearby castles. Golling Castle is a worthwhile destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Hohenwerfen Castle has also served as a backdrop for various films, which gives it an additional touch of glamour. The castle is particularly well-known for the film “The Secret Service” (1968) starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who were one of the most famous couples in Hollywood in the 1960s, also contributed to the castle’s fame.

This over 900-year-old fortress sits majestically on a steep rocky cone above the Salzach Valley and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains🙈. The castle has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. It was originally built by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg during the Investiture Controversy to protect the archbishopric. Over the centuries, the castle has served various purposes, including as a prison and hunting lodge. A particular highlight of our visit was certainly the bird of prey show. This impressive display shows the majestic birds in action and offers a unique opportunity to experience these fascinating animals up close.

Beautiful cycle path along the Salzach - not far from Bischofshofen. From now on, cycling is very relaxed.

From the 5th century BC, the area was settled by Celts, around 200 BC it became part of the Kingdom of Noricum, which was occupied by the Romans from 15 BC and became part of the Roman Empire around 50 AD. After the division of the kingdom, the current municipal area became part of Noricum Ripense around the year 300. In the 5th century, Roman rule collapsed, and in 488 Odoacer ordered the withdrawal of the Roman population from Noricum. In the 8th century, systematic Christianization began (see History of Christianity in Austria), the Archdiocese of Salzburg was founded by Rupert of Salzburg, and in 711 the monastery "Cella Maximiliana" was founded in Bischofshofen. Pfarrwerfen was first mentioned in a deed of donation by Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein in 1074 (parochia s. Cyriaci, parish of St. Cyriak) and belonged to the Prince-Archbishopric of Salzburg since 1398. With the Peace of Pressburg in 1805, Pfarrwerfen and Salzburg became part of Austria. On April 9, 1809, Austria began a war against France. As a result of the Austrian defeat, Salzburg temporarily fell to Bavaria (Peace of Schönbrunn, October 14), after the Congress of Vienna in 1816, Salzburg returned to Austria through the Treaty of Munich (April 14). (Source https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pfarrwerfen)

Not a nice bike path, but great location of the fortress.