Hohenwerfen Castle:
Your journey back to the Middle Ages

Thick walls, tall towers and birds of prey in flight: Hohenwerfen Castle adds a touch of variety to your mountain holiday. High above the Salzach Valley lies a destination where you can discover history and enjoy some stunning views. From the aja Bergresort Werfenweng, the journey takes you to nearby Werfen. Fancy a little trip back in time?

Here’s what you can expect at Hohenwerfen Castle

A castle on a hill, with a river and mountains in the background.

Hohenwerfen Castle makes quite an impression even from below. Perched on a 155-metre-high rock, it towers over Werfen, surrounded by the mountains of the Salzburg region. Whether you’re a fan of ancient ruins, travelling with children or simply looking for a day out with stunning views: there’s plenty to discover here.

On a guided tour of the castle, you’ll get a glimpse behind its thick walls. The tour takes you through the chapel, into the former torture chamber and up to the bell tower. Along the way, you’ll learn what life was like at the fortified castle in days gone by. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a view over the Salzach Valley.

The tour lasts around 50 minutes and involves climbing about 300 steps. There’s a dedicated audio guide for children. Important to note when planning your visit: you can only visit the historic interiors as part of a guided tour.

Experience birds of prey up close

Look up: Birds of prey show off their skills during the flight demonstrations at the historic Landesfalkenhof. On the Lindenwiese in the lower castle courtyard, you can watch the birds in flight and gain an insight into falconry.

Depending on the weather, the display lasts around 25 minutes and is included in the admission price. The flight displays usually take place twice a day during the season, and more frequently in the height of summer. You can find the exact times and any possible exceptions on the Hohenwerfen Castle website.

Learn even more about castles

How did a defensive castle develop into the complex we see today? And what role did it play during the Peasants’ Wars? The exhibitions on the history of the building and the Peasants’ War of 1525/26 provide you with the background information. At the Austrian Falconry Museum, everything revolves around the history of hunting with birds of prey. This is a great way to extend your tour at a leisurely pace.

The history of the
Hohenwerfen Castle

It all began in 1077: Archbishop Gebhard had Hohenwerfen Castle built as a defensive structure. What were probably initially simple wooden structures developed over the centuries into a mighty fortress.

During the Peasants’ Wars, rebels occupied the castle in 1525. Parts of it were destroyed during fighting the following year, but were subsequently rebuilt and reinforced. Later, Hohenwerfen served, amongst other things, as a prison and a hunting lodge.

A major fire in 1931 is also part of its eventful history. Following its reconstruction and subsequent use as a gendarmerie training school, the complex became a tourist attraction in 1987. Today, you can embark on a journey of discovery through almost 950 years of history here.

Advent at the
Hohenwerfen Castle

Ancient walls, festive lights and the scent of Christmas: the Advent market at Hohenwerfen Castle adds a particularly cosy touch to your winter holiday. Stroll through the castle courtyard, soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the run-up to Christmas. Combined with the historic setting, it makes for an outing that really builds anticipation. It’s the perfect complement to your winter break at the aja Hotel Werfenweng.

The Advent market at Hohenwerfen Castle will take place on the following days in 2026 , from 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm each day:

Saturday, 28 November
Sunday, 29 November
Saturday, 5 December
Sunday 6 December
Tuesday, 8 December

Winter in Werfenweng

Your visit to Hohenwerfen Castle
at a glance

A castle on a hill, with trees and mountains in the background.

Getting here

From your holiday home at the aja Bergresort Werfenweng, this day trip takes you to Werfen. Enter the following address into your sat-nav: Burgstraße 2, 5450 Werfen.

There are free parking spaces available below the castle. From there, you have a choice: walk up through the woods or take the inclined lift for a more comfortable journey. You should allow around 20 to 30 minutes for the climb and wear sturdy shoes. The funicular takes around 90 seconds, plus any waiting times. You cannot drive right up to the castle.

A bird of prey is flying across the sky.

Opening hours

Season: Early April to early November
April, October and November: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm, closed on Mondays, except on public holidays
May to September: daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
In high summer: opening hours are sometimes extended until 6.00 pm
In winter: closed, with the exception of the Advent market

A group of people are walking along a path in a wood.

Tickets

Basic Ticket: Admission to the outdoor areas, museums and exhibitions, as well as the birds of prey flight display
All-Inclusive Ticket: also includes a guided tour of the castle, including the bell tower
Ascent: all tickets available either by lift or on foot
Prices:* Adults from €13.90, children aged 6 to 14 from €4.60
Children under 6: free entry, no ticket required
Ticket purchase: online or on site

Buy tickets for Hohenwerfen Castle

Please note that prices are subject to change. Additional charges may also apply for special programmes.

An aerial photograph of the aja Mountain Resort in Werfenweng, taken from above, with mountains in the background.

A woman is sitting on a bed, holding a cup of coffee.

aja Mountain Resort
Werfenweng

A sunny spot with mountain views? Already booked.
Werfenweng offers the best of both worlds: the joy of the peaks and deep relaxation. At the aja Bergresort Werfenweng, you’re right at the heart of the Salzburg region: with crisp mountain air, a panoramic pool and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

A prime location in one of Austria’s most beautiful regions

Spacious wellness area with heated indoor and outdoor pools

Hotel rooms and holiday flats

Situated in the heart of the mountains

2 restaurants, an outdoor dining area and a bar

Sauna area and fitness centre

Dogs welcome

Book Now Hotel Werfenweng Holiday flats in Werfenweng

Current offers at the
aja Bergresort Werfenweng

An illuminated hotel building set against a snow-covered ground.

aja Bergresort Werfenweng

All offers on request and subject to availability. This is a limited contingent, depending on the offer plus single room, seasonal, weekend and public holiday surcharges.

Frequently Asked Questions about
Hohenwerfen Castle

How much time should I allow for a visit to Hohenwerfen Castle?

Allow at least two hours. If you’d like to combine the castle tour, the flying display and the exhibitions at a leisurely pace, you might want to allow a little longer. Is Hohenwerfen Castle suitable for children?

Is Hohenwerfen Castle suitable for children?

Yes, the birds of prey and the children’s audio guide in particular make the visit exciting. Children under the age of six get in for free and do not need a ticket.

Can my dog come with me to Hohenwerfen Castle?

Dogs are permitted on a lead in the outdoor areas, in the inclined lift and during the flight demonstrations. They are not allowed inside the castle during the guided tour. Assistance dogs are exempt from this rule.

Is Hohenwerfen Castle accessible?

Only to a limited extent. The castle courtyard is accessible to all. The guided tour of the castle involves climbing around 300 steps and is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route to the flying display also includes steps and a steeper descent. A baby carrier is recommended for small children.

Can I visit Hohenwerfen Castle without a guided tour?

Yes, with a standard ticket you can visit the outdoor areas, museums and exhibitions, and watch the flight demonstration. The historic interiors and the bell tower are only accessible as part of a guided tour of the castle.

Is Hohenwerfen Castle open in winter?

During the regular winter season, the castle remains closed. The exception is the Advent market, which has its own schedule of events.

Where do you want to go?