Varied exhibitions in the medieval fortified castle

950 years of history to discover

In the armory of Fortress Hohenwerfen Castle you will find two exciting exhibitions, each extending over two levels with a gallery. They complement the personally guided time travel through the historic castle rooms - from the chapel to the bell tower - and open up additional perspectives on the life and history of the castle.

History is not only conveyed here, but brought to life: In addition to historical facts, a sense of the people, the times and the social changes that have shaped this almost 950-year-old castle is also created.

"Castle times" - A journey through the time of the castle

Permanent exhibition

The castle's armory once served as a weapons store and at times also as a pantry. Today, it houses the permanent exhibition "Castle Times", which takes visitors on a journey through the different periods of the castle. Curious insights range from the medieval dress code and early medicine to the diet of rich and poor . Finds from the late Middle Ages to the more recent modern era tell of both good and difficult times at the fortress. The exhibition also shows how differently time was experienced over the centuries. There are also exciting things for children to discover: In the magic mirror , the two castle mice Bärbel and Jacki accompany young guests through an imaginative "Age of Mice".

Location: Zeughaus
Duration: approx. 30 to 60 minutes
Price: included in admission
Accessibility: not suitable for wheelchairs or baby carriages
Age: suitable for all ages

"The Uprising" - Fortress Hohenwerfen during the Salzburg Peasants' War 1525/26

Special exhibition

On the upper floor and in the upper gallery of the Zeughaus , a special exhibition is dedicated to a dramatic chapter in regional history: the Salzburg Peasants' War of 1525/26. In the fight for freedom and justice , the peasants and tradesmen rose up against the authorities. After initial successes, the uprising was brutally crushed. Fortress Hohenwerfen also played a central role: it fell into the hands of the rebels. After a significant victory for the rebels near Schladming, aristocratic hostages were held at the castle until peace was concluded in the summer of 1525. Multimedia installations and interactive stations bring the exhibition to life and encourage visitors to become active themselves. The exhibition invites visitors to engage with issues that are still relevant today: Power, resistance, human rights and the long road to democratic social orders.

Location: Zeughaus
Duration: approx. 30 to 60 minutes
Price: included in admission
Accessibility: not suitable for wheelchairs or baby carriages
Age: suitable for all ages

Griffon vulture in flight with wings spread wide near a stone castle wall

The Austrian Falconry Museum

History of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Falconry Museum at Fortress Hohenwerfen is a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of falconry and the art of falconry. It is the first museum of its kind and is housed in the Wallerturm, a 16th century guard and defense tower. Here you can learn about the different species of falcons and birds of prey used in falconry, as well as the techniques and philosophy behind this centuries-old practice. There is also an impressive collection of falconry-related exhibits, including historical equipment from different eras and continents.

Location: Wallerturm
Duration: approx. 30 to 60 minutes
Price: included in admission
Accessibility: not suitable for wheelchairs or baby carriages
Age: suitable for all ages

Take a virtual tour of the falconry museum

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Hohenwerfen Castle on a rocky hilltop with stone walls under a clear blue sky

The building history of Fortress Hohenwerfen Castle

Fortress Hohenwerfen houses an exhibition in the casemate vault that deals with the building history of the fortress. This exhibition offers a detailed insight into the development and various construction phases of the castle, which was built in the 11th century as an archiepiscopal fortress. In three large model showcases, the three main castle sizes up to the 16th century are presented. The individual expansion stages are also explained in an animated film and assigned to the respective builders and prince archbishops. In addition, four large photo panels depict the great castle fire of January 8, 1931, which destroyed the Palas, one of the castle's main buildings, down to the foundation walls above the casemate vault.

Location: casemate vaults
Duration: approx. 15 to 30 minutes
Price: included in admission
Accessibility: not suitable for wheelchairs or baby carriages
Age: suitable for all ages

Take a virtual tour through the casemate vault.

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What else there is to experience at Fortress Hohenwerfen:

Gastronomy
Gastronomy at Fortress Hohenwerfen Castle
Falconry
Offers for school classes
Offers for children & families