What is the Felbertauern Tunnel?
The Felbertauern Tunnel is located on the Felbertauern Road (B 108), which is not a motorway but a well-developed country road. The B 108 connects the Austrian federal state of Salzburg in the northwest with East Tyrol (federal state of Tyrol) to the south and is considered a route that is safe to travel in winter. This route is particularly suitable for travellers who do not wish to drive exclusively on motorways over long distances but would also like to experience the Austrian landscape. Along the way, the Lake Elisabeth (Elisabethsee) is a scenic highlight worth a stop. Construction of the Felbertauern Tunnel began in 1962 and was completed in 1967.
The Felbertauern Tunnel is a special toll route. Therefore, in addition to any existing vignette or distance-based toll, a special toll must be paid in order to use this road.
In contrast to most other tunnels in Austria, the Felbertauern Tunnel has only a single tube. The daily traffic volume is estimated at around 4,000 vehicles per day, with lorries accounting for roughly 7 %. As the Felbertauern Tunnel is exclusively a road tunnel, cycling through it is not permitted. A shuttle service is available on site for cyclists, transporting up to a maximum of three people for a total of €30. The total length of the Felbertauern Tunnel is 5,282 metres (5.2 km), which places it among the eleven longest tunnels in Austria.
Who owns the Felbertauern Tunnel?
The Felbertauern Tunnel is owned by Felbertauernstraßen-AG. This company is 62 % owned by the Republic of Austria. The remaining 38 % are held by the federal state of Tyrol (37 %) and Tyrolean municipalities (1 %).
FAQ about the Felbertauern Tunnel
Is the Felbertauern Tunnel open again?
Yes, both the Felbertauern Road and the Felbertauern Tunnel are generally open to traffic around the clock all year round.
Is the Felbertauern Road subject to a route toll?
Yes, the Felbertauern Tunnel is subject to a route-specific toll. In order to use the Felbertauern Tunnel, a separate route toll must be paid.
Is the Felbertauern route open again?
The Felbertauern Tunnel was only closed for a few days in February 2022 due to heavy snowfall and the associated risk of avalanches. In the meantime, the tunnel is – depending on the prevailing local weather conditions – once again open to regular traffic.
What is the elevation of the Felbertauern Pass?
The Felbertauern Pass is located at an elevation of 2,481 metres (2.4 km).
Is the 108 in Austria subject to tolls?
No, the B 108 is toll-free, meaning that no vignette is required for this country road. However, as the Felbertauern Tunnel is located on the B 108 (Felbertauern Road), at least the tunnel section is subject to a route-specific toll. A route toll must therefore be paid to use the Felbertauern Tunnel.
