Felbertauerntunnel, Road tunnel in Salzburg-Tyrol border region, Austria
The Felbertauern Tunnel is a single-lane mountain passage that runs for approximately 5 kilometers through the Austrian Alps, linking two valleys on either side of the ridge. The road inside climbs to over 1600 meters elevation and provides a direct route between the Salzburg region and East Tyrol.
The tunnel was built during the 1960s and made the mountain crossing passable year-round, as the route had previously been closed during winter months. This engineering project opened up better access to the remote Alpine regions on both sides of the divide.
The tunnel route follows an ancient path used since 2000 BC by Celtic tribes, Romans, and Carolingians for transportation and trade across the Austrian Alps.
Driving through the tunnel is straightforward, with good lighting and regular road maintenance throughout. You should expect to pay a toll and anticipate possible delays during peak travel times, especially on weekends and holiday seasons when mountain traffic can be heavy.
The tunnel is so narrow that only vehicles up to 2.3 meters wide can enter, excluding many large trucks and recreational vehicles. This was an intentional design choice to manage usage and protect the surrounding mountain environment.
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