Katschberg Tunnel Special Toll

What is the Katschberg Tunnel?

The Katschberg Tunnel, opened to motor traffic in 1974, is a border tunnel located south of the Austrian heartland on the Tauern Motorway. It connects the two regions of Salzburg (south of Oberweißburg, Unterweißburg and Höf) and Carinthia (north of Saraberg and Mühlbach) via the A 10. Construction of a second tunnel tube began in December 2004 and was completed in April 2008, allowing the second tube to be opened to traffic. Upon completion of the construction work, the western tube is 5,565 metres (5.5 km) long in total and the eastern tube is 5,898 metres (5.8 km) long.

The Katschberg Tunnel as a Special Toll Route

The Katschberg Tunnel is what is known as a special toll route. This means that the Katschberg Tunnel is exempt from the general vignette requirement and instead a route toll (special toll) must be paid. Additional charges therefore apply for using the Katschberg Tunnel, even if you already hold a vignette or pay the route-based toll.

Current update: From autumn 2027 to 2033, the Tauern Tunnel and Katschberg Tunnel will be undergoing renovation works. Find out what this means for traffic jams, diversions and your travel planning in our news article on the renovation works of both tunnels.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a safe trip to Austria and are happy to assist you with any questions about toll regulations. Detailed information on tolls in Austria can be found in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your journey perfectly and get suitable toll products displayed. For further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please feel free to contact us via email.

FAQ on the Katschberg Tunnel

Is the Katschberg Tunnel subject to a (route) toll?

Yes, the Katschberg Tunnel is subject to a toll, as a route toll (special toll) is charged.

Can you bypass the Katschberg Tunnel?

The Katschberg Tunnel can be bypassed via the federal road B99 at St. Michael im Lungau / Stranach in the direction of Mühlbach. However, bypassing the tunnel takes approximately 45 additional minutes and is therefore generally only worthwhile if traffic reports already announce a longer waiting time before the Katschberg Tunnel.

How high are the two tubes in the Katschberg Tunnel?

The two tubes in the Katschberg Tunnel are each 4.70 metres high.