Bear's Trail - Hohensalzburg Fortress

Perched atop a hill in Salzburg, Austria, stands the ancient and majestic Hohensalzburg Fortress, silently narrating a thousand years of history. Construction of Hohensalzburg Fortress began in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg, built upon the ruins of an ancient Roman military camp. The fortress took over 700 years to complete, finally reaching its current form in 1861, making it over 900 years old. With dimensions of 250 meters long and 150 meters wide, it is the largest fully preserved fortress in Central Europe and one of the biggest medieval castles on the continent. The fortress boasts a solemn architectural style, with its gray-white stone walls shimmering like pearls in sunlight. Inside are numerous grand structures including the archbishop's residence, ceremonial halls, concert halls, armories, prisons, and storage rooms. Particularly notable are the opulent Golden Hall banquet room and Golden Chamber reception hall, forever frozen in the luxurious styles of 1501-1502. The spacious courtyards facilitated troop movements, while the high walls, cylindrical towers, and broad horse paths demonstrate its formidable defensive capabilities. Originally built as a defensive stronghold against invaders, Hohensalzburg served as both residence and refuge for Salzburg's archbishops during medieval turmoil. During the 1520-1525 Peasants' War, Archbishop Matthäus Lang was besieged here, but the rebels' attacks were repelled thanks to a monk's artillery skills. The fortress long served military purposes, functioning as both barracks and prison. Its underground granaries could store enough food to sustain 1,000 soldiers for a year. Today, Hohensalzburg Fortress stands as Salzburg's landmark, attracting visitors worldwide. Visitors can ascend the fortress for panoramic views of Salzburg, with the Salzach River flowing below and picturesque countryside stretching to distant mountains. The fortress houses a puppet museum displaying antique marionettes, while its 13-room museum showcases medieval artifacts from Salzburg Museum's collections alongside large multimedia installations that bring the fortress's history to life. This ancient fortress, witness to Salzburg's changing fortunes and bearer of countless historical tales, continues to stand guard over the city from its hilltop perch, sharing its legendary story with the world.