| Burg Hohenwerfen Willkommen! Hohenwerfen Castle is perched high above the Salzach Valley of central Austria, about 25 miles south of Salzburg, where the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle is located. Hohenwerfen is surrounded by the Berchtesgaden Alps as well as the Tennengebirge Mountain Range. It is the sister castle of Hohensalzburg Castle and Petersburg Castle in Carinthia. These three palaces all date from the 11th century and are part of a series of fortifications to defend the area from Henry IV's army. Hohenwerfen not only served as a military base but also as a royal residence and hunting retreat. The castle was expanded upon in the 12th century and 16th century during the German Peasants' War, when in 1525-1526 riotous farmers and miners set fire to the city of Salzburg and the castle. Much of the castles history is dark. It was used as a state prison that had a large reputation of torturing many of its inmates. In 1931 Hohenwerfen was again damaged by a fire. After World War II it was used by the Austrian Gendarmerie (rural police) until 1987. Formerly the castle was occupied by the Habsburg family of Austria. Today their relatives Count Andreis and The House of Sforza reside in the fortress. Like many castles of this size and beauty, today it is a tourist attraction to visitors of Austria. It has its own tavern, guided tours, weapons collection, and falconry museum. The historic Falconry Center is a unique attraction, offering flight demonstartions by various birds of prey overlooking the scenic views of the Salzach Valley. Danke für Ihren Besuch! |
http://www.salzburg-burgen.at/en/werfen/erlebnisburg-hohenwerfen/index.htm