T his fortress overlooking the city was built by the Archbishop Gebhard to protect the city during its turbulent history. Specifically, it was constructed during a dispute with the Pope over who should be allowed to appoint the bishop. Getting there can be as easy or as hard as you like. For the athletic, there is a footpath. For the rest of us, a funicular (inclined) railway (called the tröpferlbahn) scales the side of the mountain, and will take you to the stop for a small fee. The railway was built in 1892. The Hohensalzburg Fortress is the largest fully-preserved fortress in Europe. At one time it was a prison, and was also used as a military post. There is a museum, and a gift shop which sells all the usual Salzburg trinkets and compact discs, but very little that is specific to the fortress, itself. One you're done looking through the museum, take some time to wander around and admire the various views. The city of Salzburg spreads out before you to the south, and the Alps surround you on the other three sides.
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