Werfen asks visitors to look in two directions. Hohenwerfen Castle stands over the Salzach valley, a statement about medieval power; the Eisriesenwelt cave draws people up into the Tennengebirge. Between them lies a small market town whose own history is more precise, and more interesting, than a convenient founding legend.
What the records actually date
A local historical publication records the name as Castrum Weruen in 1077, referring to the fortress. The castle operator dates the start of construction under Archbishop Gebhard to that year, amid the Investiture Controversy. Neither statement proves a town was founded in 1077. The local publication says a market settlement may have begun around 1190; that is an estimate. Firmer evidence comes from a privilege of 1242 that calls Werfen an oppidum and permits Raitenhaslach Abbey to establish a house there. Market privileges followed in 1425. There is no need to invent a Roman origin to make this sequence compelling.
The castle was not simply a picturesque defence. According to its 2026 exhibition account, rebels in the Salzburg Peasants' War of 1525–26 captured it for a time. Today's guided visit and falconry displays show how a stronghold has become a public attraction. Down in the historic centre, the older houses place that imposing monument back in the life of a market rather than leaving it isolated on its rock.
A second landscape, and the living town
The cave operator dates its official exploration to Anton von Posselt-Czorich's entry in 1879. Further investigations came after the First World War, and rudimentary visitor paths appeared in 1920. This is the documented history of exploration and tourism, not a claim that the cave itself was created then. The operator warns that it is below freezing even in summer and that the cave tour demands a substantial climb; warm clothes and sturdy shoes matter.
Statistics Austria counted 3,081 residents in the municipality on 31 October 2025, a wider area than the streets below the castle. Tourism supports guiding, hospitality and transport, while the local visitor office also presents traditional craft workshops. This is a working community, not just a castle-and-cave itinerary.
From Salzburg or Bischofshofen, the ÖBB route 200 timetable lists Werfen station between the two. For the cave, the operator describes a paid shuttle from the station at selected times, or from the Gries departure point a short walk away. The cave is seasonal. Check current train, shuttle, castle and cave hours before travelling; allow time for the climb rather than treating both attractions as a quick station stop.