Highline 179 – Scott's Blog

While driving through Austria on our way to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, my wife and I drove under a long, narrow bridge high stretching high above us from the valley floor. Gobsmacked and wowed, we didn’t stop to investigate as our plans had us ascending the Zugspitze the next morning.

The next morning had rain drizzles and low-lying clouds and I convinced my wife that Zugspitze would be a bust – my other trip was in similar weather and views were non-existent – so we chose to backtrack to the Highline 179.

Note: our visit was 2015, less than a year after it opened. I’m only blogging about it now because 1) I stumbled onto the pictures and 2) I wasn’t blogging in 2015! Visit the web site for up-to-date information.

Longest Tibet-Style Footbridge

Located just outside Reutte, Austria, in the Außerfern area of Tirol, the Highline 179 spans the valley floor, crossing over B179 highway, between the castle ruins of Ehrenberg and Fort Claudia. The bridge is 376ft (114.6m) high, 1332ft (406m) long, and only 4ft (1.2m) wide.

My only question has been What specifically is a Tibet-Style Footbridge? Others have asked the same question, this is the best answer I have seen. The lack of clear definition doesn’t detract from the bridge itself, which is incredible.

Logistics

Paid parking exists on the valley floor below the castle ruins, directly off of B179. It was cash-only when we visited, though expect that credit cards are now accepted. Another option are buses which connect the Reutte railway station and the bridge.

[A local person shared her parking stub, which saved me a ticket as I had no Euros on me!]

From the parking lot, you follow the well-marked path up the hill to the level of the castle ruins and the bridge entrance. Be prepared for a non-trivial walk: remember that the bridge is almost 400 feet high. Aside from those in great shape, an elevated heart rate is to be expected. I seem to remember some rest benches, but not positive.

The bridge itself is a controlled area, so first purchase a ticket from the automated ticket machine and then scan the ticket to go through the gate. And now, you’re on the bridge!

I recommend planning for a 90-120 minute visit, from parking lot arrival, up to the bridge, cross the bridge, and returning to the parking lot.

What Is There To Do?

Obviously, you walk across the bridge! Duh!

Truthfully, you find yourself enjoying the surrounding scenery. Our visit was early October 2015 and the leaves were just starting to change colors, and the mid-morning sun caused the colors to just pop. From the far side you have a gorgeous view of the castle ruins.

Everyone asks Does the bridge swing? Oh yes it does!

From 400ft up, the cars on B179 seem tiny, reminded me of looking down on the ground during my skydiving days.

Above the highway itself, the bridge has a plexiglass floor and sides to avoid debris – whether intentional or not – from hitting cars. Smart move, as there are a lot of dump people out there!