Mix of Highlights: Salzburg Fortress

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The fortress of Salzburg, "Hohensalzburg Castle" is one of the mightiest fortifications of Europe. Its core dates back to the 12th century, but most of today's walls were built in the early 17th century. Being a native of Salzburg myself, I am still overwhelmed by the building every time I see it from an angle that I am not very familiar with it - such as on this picture, taken from the Gaisberg Moutain.

If you go to Salzburg, do visit the fortress and climb up to the main tower - here you will get a great impression of the Salach valley with its vast plain and the city of Salzburg sitting just in the centre of it with its hills forming a natural barrier. During the 30-Years'-War, the fortress was only the centrepiece of a network of walls and towers that could lock the entire city. Unsurprisingly, Salzburg was not only spared from fighting, but also succeeded in becoming a safe haven for several orders that were persecuted in protestant pricipalities of the Holy Roman Empire.