Reißzug, Salzburg Travel Guide

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.