What is the Katschberg Tunnel?
Opened to motor vehicle traffic in 1974, the Katschberg Tunnel is a border tunnel on the Tauern Motorway located south of Austria’s central region. It connects the two areas of Salzburg (south of Oberweißburg, Unterweißburg and Höf) and Carinthia (north of Saraberg and Mühlbach) on the A 10. Construction of a second tunnel tube began in December 2004 and was completed in April 2008, at which point the second tube was opened to traffic. After completion of the construction works, the western tube has a total length of 5,565 metres (5.5 km) and the eastern tube a length of 5,898 metres (5.8 km).
The Katschberg Tunnel is a so-called 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. Therefore, additional fees apply for using the Katschberg Tunnel, even if you already have a vignette or pay the distance-based toll.
FAQ about 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.
How long does it take to drive through the Tauern Tunnel (the Katschberg Tunnel is part of the Tauern Motorway)?
Due to its length, driving through the Tauern Tunnel takes approximately 12 minutes.
Is it possible to bypass the Katschberg Tunnel?
The Katschberg Tunnel can be bypassed via the B99 federal road at St. Michael im Lungau / Stranach in the direction of Mühlbach. However, the detour takes about 45 additional minutes and is therefore usually only worthwhile if the traffic reports already announce a long waiting time before the Katschberg Tunnel.
How high are the two tubes of the Katschberg Tunnel?
The two tubes of the Katschberg Tunnel are each 4.70 metres high.
