Reißzug: A Historical Lift to Hohensalzburg Castle

Discover the Reißzug in Salzburg, one of the world's oldest railways, a hidden gem connecting history and the majestic Hohensalzburg Castle.

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Reißzug

The Reißzug is a historic cable railway in Salzburg, Austria, dating back to the late 15th century. Originally used to transport goods to Hohensalzburg Fortress, it is one of the oldest operational railways in the world, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and engineering marvels.

A brief summary to Reißzug

Salzburg, AT

Local tips

Although the Reißzug is not open to the public, you can get a good view of it from the grounds of Nonnberg Abbey.
Learn about the Reißzug's history at the Salzburg Museum to appreciate its significance.
Combine your visit with a trip to Hohensalzburg Fortress via the Festungsbahn funicular for a comprehensive historical experience.

Getting There

Walking

From the city center, walk towards Nonnberg Abbey, located below the eastern walls of Hohensalzburg Fortress. The Reißzug is not accessible, but it is visible from the Nonnberg area. There are no costs involved in viewing the Reißzug from this vantage point.
Public Transport

Take Bus line 25 or 3 from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to the 'Nonnberg' bus stop. From there, walk a short distance to Nonnberg Abbey, where you can view the Reißzug. A single bus fare costs approximately €2.40 if purchased at a vending machine or tobacco shop, or €3 if purchased from the driver.

Discover more about Reißzug

The Reißzug, nestled in the enchanting city of Salzburg, is a remarkable testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and engineering ingenuity. Functioning as a private cable railway, it provides goods access to the imposing Hohensalzburg Castle. What makes the Reißzug truly notable is its extreme age; believed to have originated around 1460, it stands as one of the oldest cable railways still in existence. Initially documented in 1515 by Matthäus Cardinal Lang, who later became Archbishop of Salzburg, the Reißzug has a storied past intertwined with the fortress's development. During the late Middle Ages, under Prince Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach, the railway was likely constructed to transport building materials to the elevated parts of the castle. Historical accounts suggest that it facilitated the transport of approximately 300,000 shingles for the fortress roofs. Over the centuries, the Reißzug has undergone several modifications and renovations, most recently between 1988 and 1990. Today, it features steel rails and a steel cable, powered by an electric motor, a stark contrast to its original design, which involved sled-style runners, wooden rails, and a hemp rope hauled by human or animal power. The Reißzug remains a vital supply route for the fortress, particularly for its restaurants. Although not accessible to the general public, it can be viewed from the Nonnberg Abbey area.