Doppelmayr - New Funicular For Hallstatt: A Milestone For The Salt Mines And Tourism In The Salzkammergut
The new funicular for Hallstatt has been unveiled, a joint project between the Salt Mine, the architectural firm Hasenauer.ARCHITEKTEN, and the Doppelmayr Group. This new cable car will increase capacity from the current 24 to 60 passengers per trip to meet the growing demands of tourism. The approved project budget amounts to €25 million and will serve the further tourism development and future of the Salt Mine at the Hallstatt site.
The existing cable car will remain in operation until August 31, and the Hallstatt salt mine will also be open for visits until then. Afterward, the Salzburg and Altaussee Salt Mines will be available as alternatives.
The Doppelmayr Group – represented by Garaventa , the funicular expert, and Carvatech, the cabin manufacturer from Oberweis – is responsible for the technical implementation of the new cable car . The cabins feature innovative level control, allowing barrier-free access and egress. The design of the modern glass cabins is based on the shape of "salt crystals," thus setting a striking, unique architectural landmark.
Michael Leithinger, Sales Manager at Carvatech , is proud: " The new funicular will delight its visitors. The cabin design, inspired by salt crystals, is a special highlight of the new facility, as is the innovative leveling system, which will ensure a pleasant ride. We are delighted to be able to realize this unique project together with the Salt Mines ."
With their design, Hasenauer.ARCHITEKTEN, based in Saalfelden, ensure that the valley station blends harmoniously into the UNESCO World Heritage landscape without sacrificing modern comforts. The valley station will be spacious and flooded with light, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Even the entrance to the cable car will be staged, ensuring guests have an entertaining visit.
The valley station, with a usable area of an impressive 1,500 m², combines functionality with variety. While it will optimally manage visitor traffic and facilitate daily operations, repairs, and maintenance processes behind the scenes, it also offers visitors an exceptional shopping area. The 280 m² Salt Mine flagship store offers high-quality souvenirs and a variety of regional salts produced in-house, ensuring tasteful memories.
Upon reaching the top, guests are greeted by a spacious viewing terrace offering spectacular views of Hallstatt, Lake Hallstatt, and the surrounding mountains. The mountain station also offers a range of dining options.
Torsten Pedit and Barbara Winkelbauer, Managing Directors of the Salt Mine, explain: " The new cable car will not only offer Hallstatt a sustainable tourism solution, but also create a unique experience for our visitors. With a significant increase in capacity, state-of-the-art technology, and an impressive design, the cable car will become a new landmark in the region ."
The construction schedule:
- 15.04.2025: Start of construction work for the 43 column foundations and the foundations of the rockfall and avalanche protection structures
- April 22, 2025: Start of demolition work and construction of the mountain station as well as dismantling of the intermediate hall at the valley station.
- 05.05.2025: Archaeological excavations in the area of the valley station (duration: 6 weeks).
- 01.07.2025: Construction of the new transformer building (SAAG) in the area of the current garages.
- 01.08.2025: Closure of the shop and demolition of the shop building at the valley station.
- August 18, 2025: Construction of the new valley station begins.
- 01.09.2025: Cessation of cable car operations, dismantling of the old cable car and start of the new construction.
- June 2026: Planned opening of the new cable car.
