Sigmundstor Neutor - Riddarhustorget 13-15 signage
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Sigmundstor Neutor

4.5
·89 reviews·Salzburg, Austria

A historic 135m tunnel through Mönchsberg mountain, connecting Salzburg's Old Town with Riedenburg, featuring separate paths for vehicles and pedestri...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Sigmundstor Neutor - Riddarhustorget 13-15 signage

Sigmundstor Neutor

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 135m tunnel through Mönchsberg mountain, connecting Salzburg's Old Town with Riedenburg, featuring separate paths for vehicles and pedestrians.

4.5
(89 reviews)

"Incredible tunnel through the mountain, with separate paths for traffic and pedestrians/bikes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Smarts

Remember your parking spot in the caverns! The maze-like car parks can be disorienting. :car:

🚶‍♀️ Separate Paths

Enjoy the dedicated pedestrian and bike tunnel for a safe and pleasant stroll. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Entrance

The Grand Entrance

Old Town side

Admire the emblem featuring Prince Archbishop Schrattenbach, a historical marker at the tunnel's entrance.

Pedestrian & Cycle Path

Pedestrian & Cycle Path

Separate tunnel

Enjoy a safe and scenic walk or bike ride through the mountain, away from vehicle traffic.

Mönchsberg Cliff Backdrop

Mönchsberg Cliff Backdrop

Tunnel exterior

Experience the dramatic, photogenic juxtaposition of the tunnel against the imposing Mönchsberg mountain.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Neutor

This historic tunnel connects Salzburg's Old Town with Riedenburg. It features separate paths for vehicles and pedestrians/cyclists, ensuring a safe journey. Be mindful of the car parks located in former caverns; remembering your parking spot is key to avoid getting lost in the troglodyte maze.

A Photographer's Dream

The Sigmundstor Neutor offers a unique, photogenic experience with its dramatic Mönchsberg cliff backdrop. The tunnel's gentle angle allows light to penetrate, creating striking visual effects. Capture the blend of historic architecture and natural rock formations.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, soft light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Parking Smarts

Remember your parking spot in the caverns! The maze-like car parks can be disorienting. :car:

🚶‍♀️ Separate Paths

Enjoy the dedicated pedestrian and bike tunnel for a safe and pleasant stroll. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Light

The tunnel's unique angle allows light to penetrate, creating stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

🚻 Convenient Facilities

There are free restrooms available inside the tunnel complex. :toilet:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Smarts

Remember your parking spot in the caverns! The maze-like car parks can be disorienting. :car:

🚶‍♀️ Separate Paths

Enjoy the dedicated pedestrian and bike tunnel for a safe and pleasant stroll. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Light

The tunnel's unique angle allows light to penetrate, creating stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

🚻 Convenient Facilities

There are free restrooms available inside the tunnel complex. :toilet:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(89 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Sigmundstor Neutor to be a fascinating and photogenic tunnel, praised for its engineering and the dramatic Mönchsberg backdrop. The separate pedestrian path is a significant plus for safety and enjoyment. Some find the cavernous car parks a bit confusing to navigate.

"The Sigmundstor is a road that runs through the Mönchsberg Mountain that connects Old Town of Salzburg and the Riedenburg district. The tunnel is 135 metres long and engineered to have a gentle angle, allowing water to run out and light to penetrate deeper further into the tunnel. The entrance on the old town side bears an emblem with a portrait of Prince Archbishop Schrattenbach.

A highly photogenic tunnel with the Mönchsberg cliff walls as a spectacularly backdrop."

macedonboy

"The Siegmundstor tunnel is 135 metres long and oriented in a gentle angle to allow water to run out and light to penetrate deeper into the mountain."

Mat Bienczyk

"Incredible tunnel through the mountain. One side for traffic and another for pedestrians/bikes. Free bathroom inside too."

Ali Lloyd

What People Like

Impressive engineering
Photogenic tunnel
Separate pedestrian path

What People Dislike

Confusing car parks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Sigmundstor Neutor is conveniently located, connecting the Old Town directly to the Riedenburg district. You can easily walk through the tunnel from the Old Town side. If arriving by car, there are parking facilities within former caverns.

While the tunnel itself is a primary access point, various bus lines serve the Riedenburg district and areas near the Old Town entrance, making it accessible via public transport.

Yes, there is a separate lane for vehicle traffic. The tunnel is engineered with a gentle angle to allow water to run out and light to penetrate deeper.

Absolutely. The Sigmundstor Neutor has a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle tunnel, ensuring your safety away from vehicle traffic.

The car parks are situated within former caverns, offering a unique parking experience. It's advisable to note your parking location to avoid getting disoriented.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Sigmundstor Neutor tunnel, both for vehicles and pedestrians, is free of charge.

The tunnel is generally open 24/7 for both vehicle and pedestrian access, though specific hours for facilities like restrooms might vary.

There is no admission fee for pedestrians or cyclists using the dedicated tunnel.

Yes, the tunnel is accessible at night. The lighting within the tunnel ensures visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.

Generally, there are no significant restrictions for entry. Standard traffic rules apply for vehicles, and pedestrians should use the designated path.

📸 📸 Photography

The entrance on the Old Town side with the Archbishop's emblem is a great starting point. The tunnel itself, with light penetrating, and the exterior view of the Mönchsberg cliff offer dramatic photographic opportunities.

Yes, photography is allowed inside the tunnel. The unique lighting and architecture make it a popular spot for photographers.

Daytime offers the best natural light to capture the tunnel's features and the Mönchsberg backdrop. Early mornings can provide softer light and fewer people.

While generally permitted, be mindful of other users of the tunnel, especially during busy periods. Avoid obstructing traffic or pedestrian flow.

Drone usage is subject to local regulations in Salzburg. It's advisable to check current drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying near the tunnel or Mönchsberg.

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

The Sigmundstor Neutor tunnel is approximately 135 meters long, making it a relatively quick but impactful passage.

Yes, there is a completely separate tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience away from vehicle traffic.

Yes, free restrooms are available within the tunnel complex, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.

Walking through the 135-meter tunnel takes only a few minutes. However, you might want to pause to take photos or admire the surroundings.

The Mönchsberg cliff provides a dramatic natural backdrop to the Sigmundstor Neutor, and the tunnel is carved directly through it, showcasing impressive engineering.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Sigmundstor Neutor offers a straightforward and safe experience for families. The separate pedestrian tunnel means kids can walk or cycle without worrying about cars, making it a stress-free transit. The novelty of walking through a mountain and seeing the light penetrate can be quite exciting for younger visitors. Remember to keep an eye on children in the car park areas, as they can be a bit maze-like.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

This tunnel is a gem for photographers. The interplay of light and shadow within the 135-meter passage, especially when light penetrates deep, creates dramatic shots. The backdrop of the Mönchsberg cliff adds a powerful natural element to your compositions. Aim for daytime visits for the best natural light, and consider early mornings to avoid crowds and capture softer hues.

🚗 Drivers

Driving through the Sigmundstor Neutor is a quick and efficient way to connect the Old Town with Riedenburg. The tunnel is well-lit and engineered for smooth traffic flow. Be aware of the parking situation, as the car parks are located in former caverns and can be a bit disorienting; make a note of where you park.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Engineering and History

The Sigmundstor Neutor, also known as the Neutor, is a testament to 18th-century engineering. Commissioned by Prince Archbishop Siegmund von Schrattenbach in the 1760s, this 135-meter tunnel was designed with a gentle angle. This clever design serves a dual purpose: allowing water to drain naturally and ensuring that light penetrates deeper into the passage, creating a more inviting atmosphere than a completely dark tunnel.

The tunnel connects Salzburg's historic Old Town with the Riedenburg district, providing a crucial link through the imposing Mönchsberg mountain. The entrance on the Old Town side is marked by an emblem featuring a portrait of Prince Archbishop Schrattenbach, a historical nod to its commissioner. Later additions included separate pedestrian tunnels, enhancing accessibility and safety for non-vehicular traffic.

Beyond its functional purpose, the Sigmundstor Neutor is celebrated for its photogenic qualities. The dramatic juxtaposition of the man-made tunnel against the natural Mönchsberg cliff walls, combined with the play of light, makes it a visually striking landmark. Visitors often remark on the impressive scale and the historical significance embedded within this architectural feat.

Navigating the Tunnels and Car Parks

The Sigmundstor Neutor complex includes a network of tunnels and car parks, some of which are ingeniously located within former caverns. While this offers a unique parking experience, it can also be a point of confusion for visitors. Travelers have noted that the maze-like nature of these underground car parks can be disorienting, making it essential to remember your parking spot.

For those exploring on foot or by bicycle, the provision of separate pedestrian and cycle tunnels is a significant advantage. This ensures a safe and pleasant journey, allowing you to fully appreciate the surroundings without the concern of vehicular traffic. The distinct paths highlight the thoughtful planning that went into making the Neutor accessible and enjoyable for all users.

When exiting the tunnel, whether from the Old Town side or towards Riedenburg, take a moment to appreciate the scale of the Mönchsberg. The tunnel's construction is a remarkable feat of engineering, and its integration with the natural landscape is a key part of its appeal. Be prepared for the visual impact of the cliff face as you emerge from the passage.

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