In the scenic Saalachtal Valley, right near the border between Salzburgerland and Bavaria (Germany), an exciting newly revamped attraction has recently opened its doors: Fort Kniepass. Located in the pastoral town of Unken, the site sits right along the main highway just past the German border crossing.
This impressive 17th-century historic border fortress underwent an extensive restoration between 2023 and 2025, transforming it into a modern, all-season adventure destination. It cleverly combines history, outdoor nature activities, and top-tier regional cuisine—with the undisputed highlight being the longest and highest enclosed tube slide in the Alps!
Fort Kniepass is situated directly along one of the main driving routes connecting Salzburg City with western Salzburgerland and Tyrol (via the “German Corner” shortcut). Instead of driving straight through, you can break up the journey with an educational and adrenaline-filled stop that the whole family will love.
What Awaits You at Fort Kniepass?
The concept behind the revitalized site seamlessly blends four elements: history, interactive family activities, adrenaline, and local gastronomy.
1. The Viper Slide – The Longest Tube Slide in This Part of the Alps
If there is one attraction guaranteed to make kids (and adults!) jump with excitement, it is the Viper Slide—the highest and longest enclosed tube slide in the Western Alps. Stretching 150 meters in length with a vertical drop of about 55 meters from the top of the fortress straight down to the valley floor, the slide reaches speeds of up to 35 km/h.
Riders slide inside special felt mats for maximum safety and a smooth ride. Inside the tube, dazzling light and sound effects accompany your descent, and an electronic scoreboard awaits at the bottom to clock your exact slide time.
- Please note: Riders must be at least 130 cm (4’3″) tall (generally suitable for children aged 8 and up).
2. The “KniePASS” Adventure Trail – An Interactive Journey About Borders
Instead of simply walking up to the fortress, visitors can follow a dedicated adventure trail stretching about 1 kilometer (a gentle 55-meter elevation gain) from the valley visitor center up to the fortress walls.
Along the way, 12 interactive activity stations explore the concept of “borders”—geographic boundaries, political borders between nations, boundaries in nature, and even personal and mental limits. Children receive a KniePASS Booklet packed with riddles and hands-on challenges, discovering at the end of the trail what kind of “border type” they are. The activity turns the walk up into a fun, engaging experience for the entire family.
3. The Historic Fortress (Festung Kniepass) & Scenic Viewpoint
While the site’s roots as a customs and guard post date back to 1350, the current fortress was built in 1621 during the Thirty Years’ War by order of the Archbishop of Salzburg to fortify the border against invading forces from Bavaria.
Within the restored fortress grounds, you can wander among historic firing embrasures, ancient stone walls, former soldiers’ quarters, and an original stone baking oven. The fortress viewing platforms offer breathtaking panoramic photos of the Saalach River and the dramatic peaks of the Loferer Steinberge mountains.
4. Local Cuisine & The Fermentation Center (Fermentationszentrum)
Unlike many tourist attractions that serve generic fast food, Fort Kniepass places an extraordinary emphasis on high-quality regional cuisine. The site houses a culinary center developed in collaboration with leading Austrian nutrition researcher Dr. Karin Buchart, specializing in traditional alpine fermentation methods and natural food preservation. At the on-site restaurant, you can enjoy fresh local farm produce, freshly baked pastries, and specialty drinks.
5. Open-Air Performances & Events
The complex also features an open-air arena with a covered stage and seating for up to 500 spectators, hosting live performances, concerts, and local cultural events throughout the year.
How to Fit Fort Kniepass Into Your Itinerary
If you land in Salzburg in the morning or early afternoon and pick up a rental car to drive toward your accommodation in Kitzbühel, St. Johann in Tirol, the Brixental Valley, or Saalfelden / Zell am See, this is the perfect stop along the way.
The drive from Salzburg through the German border corridor takes about 45–50 minutes to reach Unken. A two-hour stop at Fort Kniepass lets the kids burn off energy on the trail and the slide, gives you a great spot for lunch, and kicks off your alpine holiday on a high note without adding any detour to your drive.
Essential Visitor Information
- Height Restriction Note: While the walking trail up to the fortress is easy and family-friendly, keep in mind that children under 130 cm cannot ride the Viper Slide and will need to walk back down via the trail.
- Opening Hours:
- June, September & October: Slide open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Restaurant & Adventure Trail open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays).
- July & August: Slide open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Restaurant & Adventure Trail open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Discount Cards: Fort Kniepass is a bonus partner (Bonuspartner) of regional tourist cards—including the Salzburg Card and the Salzburger Saalachtal Card—which grant an approximate 10% discount on admission.
- Year-Round Operation: The attraction is designed to operate across all seasons, though in cases of extreme winter weather or ice, it is best to check the official website in advance regarding tube slide operation.
- Parking: Free parking is available right at the entrance.
- Tickets & Official Website: You can also purchase standalone tickets just for the slide without paying for fortress exhibition entry. For updated ticket prices and seasonal hours, visit the Official Fort Kniepass Website.
- Address: Unkenberg 169, 5091 Unken, Austria
Summary
Fort Kniepass proves once again just how brilliant the Austrians are at taking a historic heritage site and breathing modern life into it. If your route takes you west from Salzburg toward the mountains of Tyrol or western Salzburgerland, be sure to pin this spot on your map—a short stop here delivers a fantastic combination of history, adrenaline, and alpine scenery!
