The Alm canal: the historic waterway between the Königsseeache and Salzburg

The Alm Canal is a masterpiece of historical hydraulic engineering and has supplied the city of Salzburg with utility, drinking, and fire-fighting water since the 12th century. Today, the Alm Canal is an important local recreation area and serves for energy generation.

History

The oldest part of the Alm canal network, the present-day Müllner Arm, probably originated in the 9th century. Between the years 1137 and 1143, the major landowners of the city, the Salzburg cathedral chapter and the St. Peter's Abbey, had the nearly 400 m long Abbey Arm tunnel excavated through the Mönchsberg to access the large water resources in the Leopoldskron area. In the 13th century, the canal was extended to the Königsseeache.

Over the centuries, the Alm canal has served many functions: water supply, milling operations, and from 1892 to 1959, it also powered the fortress railway. Today, the Alm canal supplies 19 turbines, including the oldest run-of-river power plant in the state of Salzburg, the city’s emergency power generator, ponds, as well as the cooling and air conditioning systems of the festival hall, the House of Nature, the Salzburg Museum, and other buildings in the old town. The waterwheel in front of the St. Peter's bakery is also powered by water from the Alm canal, just like back then.

The Alm Canal as a Recreation Area

The Alm canal is gaining increasing importance as a local recreation area. Cyclists and walkers use the paths along the canal to travel from the old town to the south of Salzburg. On hot summer days, adventure seekers use the Alm canal to cool off or surf on the Alm wave.
Note: Special attention should be paid to possible dangers when swimming in the canal, such as currents or areas near power plants.

Almabkehr

Every year in September, the so-called Almabkehr takes place. During this time, the lock to the Königsseeache is closed and the water level in the Alm canal is lowered to a minimum, allowing for three weeks of cleaning and maintenance work. During this period, the Abbey Arm tunnel can also be visited as part of a guided tour.

Opening times

Tours: In the first 3 weeks of September (exact date will be announced in May 2026)

Registration/Booking Period:

for schools: from early May - beginning of summer vacation
for private tours: from late August / early September 2026

Exclusively at: Tel. +43 699 13790310, Ms. Berger, Monday-Friday 9-12 o'clock

Registration required!
daily tours between 9-7 PM in the aforementioned period
max. 12 people per tour
Meeting point: Lockhouse Brunnhausgasse, junction Hans-Sedlmayr-Weg
Duration of the tour: approx. one hour
Equipment: warm, dirt-resistant clothing, rubber boots, flashlight
The tour ends at St. Peter Cemetery.

(Status: 11/2025)

Prices

Adults € 10.00
Children (6-15 years), teenagers (16-18 years) € 7.00
People with disabilities and accompanying person each € 7.00
School classes (max. 2 teachers per class free), students, apprentices, active military € 7.00

The admission fee is to be paid directly to the tour guide.

(As of: 11/2025)