A question lingers in the air about the Humboldt Terrasse. Why does this spot carry the name of a renowned scientist? The Humboldt Terrasse sits on the east side of the Mönchsberg in Salzburg. It is above the Klausentor near the old town and Mülln.
Let’s journey back to the 17th century. Paris Lodron, Prince-Archbishop, fortified the Mönchsberg due to the Thirty Years’ War. He built the Humboldt Terrasse as a part of this defense system, a platform for cannons. At that time, the Humboldt Terrasse was a strategic point. It helped to guard the Mönchsberg. It also guarded the access to Salzburg from Mülln. The Klausentor was then known as Porta Divae Virginis. So the platform was called Frauenkavalier. Later, it was called Klausenkavalier.
By the 19th century, the city’s fortifications were outdated. New military technology had made them obsolete. Salzburg began to tear down some of these structures in 1862. However, many on the Mönchsberg remained. The city experienced an artistic and economic boom. Tourism became increasingly important. In 1896, the cannon platform was opened to the public.
Now, about the name Humboldt Terrasse. It commemorates Alexander von Humboldt. A plaque near the entrance features a quote attributed to him. He supposedly called the area around Salzburg one of the most beautiful on Earth.
Humboldt did visit Salzburg from 1797 to 1798. He prepared for his South American expedition. He used the library of Karl Ehrenbert Freiherr von Moll. He also worked with Pater Ulrich Schiegg. Together, they did some physics research. Humboldt explored the surrounding areas. He ventured into Berchtesgaden and the Salzkammergut.
The famous quote first appeared in a Salzburg guide by Heinrich Dieter in 1870. It quickly spread to other travel guides. Karl Leitner, owner of Schloss Mönchstein, adopted the name Humboldt Terrasse. In 1897, he put up the plaque with Humboldt’s supposed praise.
However, there’s no actual record of Humboldt ever writing such a thing to Mielichhofer. No one has ever found this letter. Also, Humboldt had not yet visited Constantinople or Naples during his Salzburg stay. So the quote is likely a fabrication. Some say it comes from a statement by Alois Weissenbacher. He described the Aigner Park in 1816.
Similar quotes are attributed to Humboldt for other cities. The slightly different claim is that Salzburg itself is one of the three most beautiful cities. This probably came from Benedikt Pillwein. In 1839, he wrote that travelers considered Naples, Constantinople, and Salzburg the most beautiful cities in Europe. So the Humboldt connection was likely created for tourism purposes.
The Humboldt Terrasse offers unique views. It stands above the Klausentor. The terrace is accessible from the path between the Museum der Moderne and the Müllner Church. Stone steps lead down to the platform. It is here where you can find the plaque with the questionable Humboldt quote. The views are similar to those from the museum and the Müllner Schanze. Information boards detail the Mönchsberg and Salzburg. One panel focuses on the former Trompeterschlöss on the Kapuzinerberg. It also covers the regulation of the Salzach in the 19th century.
So, enjoy the view from the Humboldt Terrasse. Think about the history. Consider the legend of Alexander von Humboldt. Was he ever really here? Did he ever write that letter? Does it really matter, as long as you enjoy the views from the Humboldt Terrasse?