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Siegmundstor: Salzburg's Historic Gateway

Discover Salzburg's oldest road tunnel, a historic gateway connecting the Altstadt with Riedenburg, adorned with Baroque art and steeped in history.

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The Siegmundstor, also known as the Neutor, is Austria's oldest road tunnel, connecting Salzburg's Altstadt with Riedenburg. Built in the 18th century, it features Baroque portals and a parallel pedestrian tunnel, offering a glimpse into the city's history and engineering.

A brief summary to Siegmundstor

  • Mönchsberg 19A, Salzburg, 5020, AT

Local tips

  • Take time to admire the intricate Baroque portals at each end of the tunnel, featuring sculptures, inscriptions, and the coat of arms of Prince-Archbishop Schrattenbach.
  • Walk through the pedestrian tunnel parallel to the main tunnel for a less crowded experience and a different perspective on this historical landmark.
  • Visit Herbert von Karajan Square near the Altstadt entrance to see the Pferdeschwemme (Horse Pond), a beautiful Baroque fountain.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Herbert von Karajan Square in the Altstadt, the Siegmundstor entrance is easily accessible on foot. Simply walk towards the Mönchsberg mountain, passing the Pferdeschwemme (Horse Pond). The tunnel entrance is clearly visible. The pedestrian and cyclist tunnel runs parallel to the main tunnel.

  • Public Transport

    Several trolleybus lines pass through the Siegmundstor, including lines 1, 8, and 10. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single fare within the city of Salzburg costs approximately €3.00 if purchased on board. Tickets are cheaper if purchased in advance via the Salzburg Verkehr App or at vending machines. The bus stop is located near the entrance of the tunnel.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that the Siegmundstor is a busy traffic route. Parking is available in the Altstadtgaragen underground car park near the Siegmundstor. Parking fees typically range from €4.40 for 4 hours to €6.60 for 8 hours. The car park is open 24 hours.

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Discover more about Siegmundstor

The Siegmundstor, often called Neutor by locals, is more than just a tunnel; it's a journey through time and a symbol of Salzburg's ingenuity. Constructed between 1764 and 1767 during the reign of Prince-Archbishop Sigismund von Schrattenbach, this 135-meter-long tunnel was a groundbreaking project, marking it as Austria’s oldest road tunnel. Its creation was driven by the need to connect Salzburg's historic Altstadt with the districts of Riedenburg, Maxglan, and Leopoldskron, facilitating trade and transportation. Approaching the Siegmundstor from the Altstadt, visitors are greeted by a grand entrance featuring a bas-relief portrait of Prince-Archbishop Schrattenbach. Above the portrait, a Latin inscription, "Te saxa loquuntur" ("The stones speak of you"), pays homage to the Prince-Archbishop's vision and legacy. The tunnel itself is ingeniously designed with a gentle incline, allowing for natural drainage and the penetration of natural light, creating an airy and inviting passage. On the Riedenburg side, the tunnel’s western entrance showcases a statue of St. Sigismund in antique armor, complete with war trophies and the coat of arms of Prince-Archbishop Schrattenbach. Throughout its history, the Siegmundstor has adapted to the changing needs of Salzburg. In 1916, a tramline was laid through the tunnel, followed by a trolleybus route in 1940. Today, the tunnel remains a vital transportation artery, accommodating both car traffic and trolleybus lines. To preserve the tunnel's structure and decorations, a parallel tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists was constructed to the north in 1968/69. Despite its functionality, the Siegmundstor retains its artistic and historical significance.

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