The wooden-covered bridge above us is the Reisszug - a funicular railway. It is the oldest operational funicular railway in the world, and it connects the fortress to the city below. The railway was first built in the early 15th century, and it was used to transport goods and supplies up to the fort.
The story goes that in the 18th century, the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, was so impressed by the newly invented funicular that he decided to build one within the fortress to improve the transportation of goods and supplies. He commissioned engineers to design and develop the funicular, but they were very surprised after they were enthusiastically told about the innovation, which was completed in 1504.
Anyway, the new funicular powered by water was built on another slop. Today this is an electric funicular, a short but steep ride during which visitors can learn about the history of the railway and the fortress. It is a great way to reach the fort, especially for those who prefer not to walk up the steep hill.
Today, the Reisszug is a popular tourist attraction, and it is a unique way to access the fortress. Visitors can purchase tickets to ride the railway as part of their visit to the fort.
The Hohensalzburg Castle in Salzburg, Austria, is a stunning medieval fortress that sits atop a hill overlooking the city. It was initially built in the 11th century to protect the Archbishop of Salzburg. It has been expanded and renovated over the centuries to become one of the most impressive castles in Europe.
One interesting story about the castle is that in the 16th century, the Archbishop of Salzburg, Markus Sittikus, commissioned the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's father, Leopold Mozart, to design and build a magnificent palace within the castle walls. Leopold, who was a skilled musician and composer himself, created a court that featured beautiful frescoes, ornate furnishings, and a grand ballroom where the Mozart family would often perform.
In addition to the palace, the castle also features several other exciting attractions, such as the Golden Hall, adorned with gold leaf and intricate frescoes, and the Torture Chamber, where visitors can see instruments of punishment used in medieval times. The castle can be reached by a funicular railway from the city or by a hike up the hill.
Today, the castle is a major tourist attraction, and it is open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the palace and other parts of the court and take in the beautiful views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps. It is a must-see place for anyone visiting Salzburg.
But let us first visit the catacombs at the bottom of monk hill. It is worth noting that the Catacombs are not prominent places, and they may not offer the same experience as some of the more famous catacombs worldwide. But it is a fascinating historical site that gives a glimpse into the past of Salzburg and offers a different perspective on the city's history.
