iC is supporting the construction of the new Salzbergbahn funicular railway with geotechnical expertise and planning of rockfall protection measures to ensure safe implementation in the Hallstatt World Heritage Site.
Construction progress at the valley and mountain stations
Work is proceeding according to plan: the foundations, tension shaft and technical rooms have been completed at the valley station, while the machine and transformer rooms have been concreted at the mountain station. These early construction phases form the basis for further work in the challenging terrain.
More capacity and modern comfort
The new funicular railway will significantly increase transport capacity. From June 2026, up to 60 people will be able to be transported per trip – more than twice as many as before. In addition to the modernisation of the technical facilities, a newly designed valley station with service areas and a panoramic terrace at the mountain station are being built. This will enhance the visitor experience at the Hallstatt Salt Mine in both functional and architectural terms.
A project of regional significance
For decades, the Salzbergbahn has been the gateway to the world's oldest salt mine and thus a central component of tourism in the Salzkammergut region. The last journey of the existing railway in August 2025 marked the end of more than 40 years of service, during which more than 10 million guests were transported safely. The new construction project that has now begun sets the course for the coming decades and combines the tradition of the location with the requirements of modern infrastructure.
Outlook
The new railway is scheduled for completion in June 2026. In just 15 months of construction, one of the most modern funicular railways in the world will be created – supported by the cooperation of international and regional partners. For Hallstatt, this marks the beginning of a new chapter that preserves the cultural significance of the town while strengthening its future as a tourist destination.
