
The Alm canal: the historic waterway between the Königsseeache and Salzburg
Since the 12th century, the Alm canal – a masterpiece of historical hydraulic engineering – has supplied the town of Salzburg with water for drinking, industry and fire-fighting. Today, it forms an important recreational area, as well as serving to generate energy.
The oldest part of the Alm canal network, the Mülln arm, was probably built as early as the 9th century. Between 1137 and 1143, the major landowners, the Cathedral chapter and St Peter's Abbey approved the boring of the Stiftsarmstollen, 400m-long tunnel, through the Mönchsberg in order to connect with the large quantities of water in the Leopoldskron district. In the 13th century, the canal was extended as far as the Königsseeache.
Over the centuries, the Alm canal had many functions, such as supplying water, driving mills and, from 1892 until 1959, also the Fortress funicular railway. Today, the Alm canal provides water for 19 turbines, including the oldest electric power station in the Province of Salzburg, the municipal emergency generator, several ponds, and the refrigeration and air-conditioning systems in the Festival Halls, the Natural History Museum, Salzburg Museum and other buildings in the Old Town. The mill-wheel of St Peter's bakery is still driven by water from the Alm canal.
The Alm canal is increasing in importance as a recreational area. There is a surf-wave for the adventurous, paths from the Old Town along the canal for walkers and cyclists to reach the southern region of Salzburg, and places to bathe on hot summer days.
The exciting history of the tunnel system can be explored during three weeks every September, when the tunnel is drained for necessary maintenance work – locally referred to as "Almabkehr". The Königsseeache sluice is closed, and the water-level in the canal lowered to a minimum to allow a three-week period for cleaning and maintenance. Guided tours through the Stiftsarmstollen tunnel are offered during this period.
Guided tours: in the period 6-25 September 2025
Registration/booking period:
- for schools: from the beginning of May - start of the summer holidays
- for private tours: from 25 August 2025
Exclusively under: Tel. +43 699 13790310, Ms Berger, Monday-Friday 9 am-noon
- Registration required!
- Daily guided tours between 9 am-7 pm in the above-mentioned period.
- Max. 12 persons per guided tour
- Meeting point: sluice hut Brunnhausgasse, junction Hans-Sedlmayr-Weg
- Duration: approx. 1 hour
- Equipment: warm clothes, rain clothes, rubber boots, torches
- The tour ends at St. Peter’s cemetery.
(Status: 05/2025)
Adults € 10.00
Children (6-15 years), youths (16-18 years) € 7.00
People with disabitilies and accompanying person € 7.00 each
School groups (free admission for max. 2 teachers per class), students, apprentices, military recruits € 7.00
The entrance fee must be paid directly to the guide.
(Status: 10/2023)
Almkanal does not provide barrier-free access.
Képek
Kapcsolat
Brunnhausgasse 5
5020 Salzburg