Castles around Freilassing offer a range of historical sites near the German-Austrian border. Located in Bavaria, Freilassing provides access to fortresses and palaces in the region, including those in nearby Salzburg. The area is characterized by its proximity to the Alps and the Salzach river, offering a blend of natural landscapes and historical architecture.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Freilassing.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Freilassing
Classic and fantastic – Mozart Cycle Route
Cycling for a half – 5 Tours to breweries and beer gardens in Germany’s Bavaria
Salzschleife – Wasser-Radlwege Oberbayern
Cycling around Freilassing
MTB Trails around Freilassing
Road Cycling Routes around Freilassing
Running Trails around Freilassing
Hiking around Freilassing
Gravel biking around Freilassing
Mountain Hikes around Freilassing
Mirabell Palace, Salzburg The Baroque Mirabell Palace was originally built as "Altenau Palace" under the reign of Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau in 1606. The palace was created as a gift for Salome Alt, the archbishop's concubine and mother of his children. Mirabell Palace is known for its gardens, which are discussed in a separate article. Wolf Dietrich's successor and adversary, Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus, renamed the building Mirabell Palace. Prince Archbishop Franz Anton Harrach had large sections of the building demolished and rebuilt between 1721 and 1727 according to plans by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. Mirabell Palace was severely damaged by the great city fire of 1818 and rebuilt in the following years according to plans by Peter Nobile. The formerly dominant tower on the east wing of the palace was destroyed, and the facade was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style. Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg https://www.visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/schloss-mirabell.htm
13
0
Construction & expansion of the early Hohensalzburg Fortress Under the leadership of Prince Archbishop Conrad I (1106 to 1147), a stone tower was built and over the next few years the fortified areas of the castle were continuously expanded. This trend continued throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, until most of today's fortress hill was enclosed. This area was called Bering. By this time, the Investiture Controversy had long since been settled, but Salzburg had developed economically and new conflicts between Bavaria and Babenberg and later Habsburg Austria caused new problems in the region. The "Salz Castle" became increasingly strategically important. The prosperity that Salzburg experienced in the late Middle Ages was accompanied by social unrest. Prince Archbishop Burkhard III of Weisspriach (1461 to 1466) had the four main towers that still exist today built, together with the outer fortification wall: bell tower in the north; trumpeter tower in the northeast; Krautturm in the north; and Schmied- or Arrestantenturm in the south. The Rohrbastei was built under the rule of Burkhard's successor, Prince Archbishop Bernhard von Rohr (1466 to 1481) - the rulers at that time had concerns: the miners in the south of Salzburg were becoming increasingly rebellious and the city's wealthy citizens were demanding more power and influence. But the fear of a Turkish invasion from the east was even more serious. The fortress had to be expanded further. Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg https://visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/festung-hohensalzburg.htm
12
0
Hohensalzburg Fortress (built between 1060 and 1088) It is often described as the largest fortification in Central Europe, it is known as a bulwark in a prominent location, and tourists from overseas often refer to it somewhat incorrectly as "Salzburg Castle": Hohensalzburg Fortress dominates the cityscape and is Salzburg's landmark. No self-respecting tourist should miss a visit to the fortress. The oldest defenses on the southern slope of the Mönchsberg date back to Roman times. Where exactly they are located and how strongly fortified the mountain really was is unclear, however. The location of today's fortress would have made sense even then: from the position of the fortress, the surroundings of Salzburg and the Salzach River can be better controlled than from any other point in the city. Prince Archbishop Eberhard (1060 to 1088) built the first castle here, on the segment of the Mönchsberg that is now known as the Festungsberg. This first castle was completed in 1077 and can be seen as the result of the Investiture Controversy: a power struggle between the Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation, Henry IV, and Pope Gregory VII in Rome. The Archbishop of Salzburg was caught in the crossfire and sided with the Pope. Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg https://visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/festung-hohensalzburg.htm
12
0
Makartsteg - Bridge over the Salzach, Salzburg The Makartsteg is a bridge over the Salzach in Salzburg's old town. It was named after the actually rather insignificant artist Hans Makart, who was born and grew up in Salzburg. As a painter, he established himself in Viennese historicism, appropriately in the capital, where he contributed many very lavish paintings for the redesign of the Ringstrasse buildings. The Makartsteg is only open to pedestrians and cyclists. The current Makartsteg is the youngest and most modern bridge over the Salzach, but already the third bridge of this name. The first was built here in 1905 in the Art Nouveau style, but was torn down again in 1967 when a larger construction became necessary. This second Makartsteg became known as the "swinging bridge" because it vibrated relatively strongly. The editorial team of Visit-Salzburg.net consists mainly of people who still walked the Makartsteg with great pleasure as children; The strong vibrations and oscillations are more likely to be due to weaknesses in the construction and planning than to desired effects. And with around 20,000 people crossing the Makartsteg every day, the second bridge was soon in poor condition too. In 2000 it was demolished. One year later, the current Makartsteg was opened with a big festival including fireworks over the Salzach. Live music along the Salzach on a warm June night ensured that the people of Salzburg immediately took the new bridge to their hearts. Around 25,000 visitors attended the opening. On one side of the Makartsteg you can see the mooring of the Amadeus, the tourist boat that first dropped anchor there at around the same time. Shortly before the bridge was opened, there was a suggestion to name the bridge after the physicist Christian Doppler, who was born not far from the bridge in 1803. Doppler had been virtually forgotten for decades and was only rediscovered by Salzburg in the late 1990s. In addition to a hospital, a school and a sweet from the Fürst house were also named after him. The city administration nevertheless decided to keep the much less important Hans Makart as the namesake. Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg https://visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/makartsteg.htm
13
0
Makartsteg - Bridge over the Salzach, Salzburg The Makartsteg is a bridge over the Salzach in Salzburg's old town. It was named after the actually rather insignificant artist Hans Makart, who was born and grew up in Salzburg. As a painter, he established himself in Viennese historicism, appropriately in the capital, where he contributed many very lavish paintings for the redesign of the Ringstrasse buildings. The Makartsteg is only open to pedestrians and cyclists. The current Makartsteg is the youngest and most modern bridge over the Salzach, but already the third bridge of this name. The first was built here in 1905 in the Art Nouveau style, but was torn down again in 1967 when a larger construction became necessary. This second Makartsteg became known as the "swinging bridge" because it vibrated relatively strongly. The editorial team of Visit-Salzburg.net consists mainly of people who still walked the Makartsteg with great pleasure as children; The strong vibrations and oscillations are more likely to be due to weaknesses in the construction and planning than to desired effects. And with around 20,000 people crossing the Makartsteg every day, the second bridge was soon in poor condition too. In 2000 it was demolished. One year later, the current Makartsteg was opened with a big festival including fireworks over the Salzach. Live music along the Salzach on a warm June night ensured that the people of Salzburg immediately took the new bridge to their hearts. Around 25,000 visitors attended the opening. On one side of the Makartsteg you can see the mooring of the Amadeus, the tourist boat that first dropped anchor there at around the same time. Shortly before the bridge was opened, there was a suggestion to name the bridge after the physicist Christian Doppler, who was born not far from the bridge in 1803. Doppler had been virtually forgotten for decades and was only rediscovered by Salzburg in the late 1990s. In addition to a hospital, a school and a sweet from the Fürst house were also named after him. The city administration nevertheless decided to keep the much less important Hans Makart as the namesake. Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg https://visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/makartsteg.htm
10
1
From the opposite bank of the Salzach you have a great view of the fortress and the old town. What's special is sitting in the Monkeys cafe bar cityoasis right on the waterfront, sipping a cocktail and enjoying the view.
4
1
From the opposite bank of the Salzach you have a great view of the fortress and the old town. What's special is sitting in the Monkeys cafe bar cityoasis right on the waterfront, sipping a cocktail and enjoying the view.
1
1
From the opposite bank of the Salzach you have a great view of the fortress and the old town. What's special is sitting in the Monkeys cafe bar cityoasis right on the waterfront, sipping a cocktail and enjoying the view.
1
1
Yes, several castles and viewpoints in the region are suitable for families. Mirabell Palace in Salzburg is noted as family-friendly, offering magnificent gardens to explore. Viewpoints like the View of Hohensalzburg Fortress and the View of Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg’s Old Town from Franz-Josef-Kai are also categorized as family-friendly, providing scenic spots for all ages.
Mirabell Palace is listed as wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy its grounds and parts of the palace. Additionally, viewpoints such as the View of Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg’s Old Town from Franz-Josef-Kai and the Marko-Feingold Footbridge are also wheelchair accessible, offering views of the fortress and city.
The Marble Hall at Mirabell Palace is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Mirabell Gardens can be visited daily from 6 a.m. until dusk. Admission to both the park and the palace is free.
Many castles and historical sites, especially those in Salzburg like Mirabell Palace and the Hohensalzburg Fortress area, are well-connected by public transport. Salzburg itself is known for its accessibility, and local buses can take you to many key attractions. For specific routes and schedules, it's best to check local transport provider websites.
While the provided data highlights popular spots like Mirabell Palace and views of Hohensalzburg Fortress, the region around Freilassing, being close to the German-Austrian border, likely holds many smaller, less-frequented historical sites. Exploring local tourist information or komoot's wider selection of routes might reveal more secluded castle ruins or historical points of interest beyond the main attractions.
The area around Freilassing and Salzburg offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy various hikes, including easy walks along the Saalach River or more challenging mountain hikes. Cycling is also very popular, with first-class cycle paths along the Salzach river offering views of the castles and old town. For detailed routes, explore guides like Mountain Hikes around Freilassing, Hiking around Freilassing, and Easy hikes around Freilassing.
The Freilassing region, situated near the German-Austrian border, is rich in history. You can expect to find a mix of fortresses, palaces, and historical viewpoints. Sites like Mirabell Palace offer insights into Baroque architecture and aristocratic life, while the various viewpoints of Hohensalzburg Fortress highlight medieval fortifications and strategic importance. The area's history is deeply intertwined with its location, offering a blend of Bavarian and Austrian heritage.
Yes, cycling is a great way to explore the region. Salzburg, in particular, is very cyclist-friendly. You can find excellent cycle paths along the Salzach river that offer views of the city's prominent fortress and old town. While bicycles are prohibited within the Mirabell Gardens, you can easily park your bike nearby and explore on foot. Many viewpoints, like the View of Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg's Old Town from the Salzach Cycle Path, are directly accessible by bike.
Visitors frequently praise the magnificent views of the castles and the surrounding natural beauty. The historical significance and architectural grandeur of sites like Mirabell Palace are highly appreciated. Many also enjoy the opportunity to combine castle visits with outdoor activities, such as cycling along the Salzach river, which offers stunning perspectives of the fortresses and old towns.
The region around Freilassing and Salzburg is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring gardens and outdoor areas like Mirabell Gardens, and for cycling or hiking. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter can offer a magical, snow-dusted landscape, especially around the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Always check specific opening hours for indoor attractions, as some may have reduced hours in the off-season.
Given the proximity to Salzburg, a major tourist destination, you will find numerous cafes, restaurants, and dining options near the castles and viewpoints. Mirabell Palace is located within Salzburg, which offers a wide array of culinary choices. For specific recommendations, it's best to check local guides or online resources for dining options in Salzburg and Freilassing.


Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Freilassing: