When crossing from Bavaria, Germany into Austria via the 179, you may see something lingering in the air over the road. That dangling structure is the Highline 179, a 380-foot tall pedestrian bridge spanning the length of a valley between two cliffs.
Here’s The Highline 179 in Austria:
Getting to the Highline 179
The Highline 179 opened in mid-November of 2014 and we visited it only a couple of weeks later. While staying in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, we drove the 40 minutes over the border of Austria to see it. Most of the visitors who come to Highline 179 are visiting in nearby Innsbruck, Austria or eastern Switzerland. If you are without a vehicle, take the train to the nearby stop in Reutte, hopping on a bus to the Highline.
Details for the Highline 179
The bridge is open every day from 8 AM until 10 PM. We arrived in the early morning right after a fresh snow had fallen. There is an automated machine to pay the entrance fee which you’ll need the ticket for to walk on the Highline.
If you’re not keen on walking across the bridge, you can forego buying a ticket and explore the Ehrenburg Castle ruins for free.
Climbing Up to the Highline 179
Although it’s somewhat steep and slippery in the snow, the climb up to the bridge is fairly simple/ If visiting in the winter, I suggest wearing warm boots with grip and extra layers for when you reach the top.
The Ehrenberg Castle Ruins
After slushing through the snow for about a half hour, you’re greeted by the Ehrenburg Castle ruins. Dominating the cliff since the late 1200s, the castle housed emperors, tzars, prices and kings for nearly 300 years.
Its demise was when it found itself in the middle region for multiple religious wars. Over the next few centuries, the castle fell into many different hands, including rulers from Russia, Sweden, Bavaria, and Spain.
Views from the Top
While the castle ruins are historic and beautiful, it’s what lies outside of the former-windows that’s truly remarkable. Since we visited in the wintertime, the most stunning panoramic view of the surrounding snowy land was all I could’ve asked for.
I can only imagine, 800 years ago, looking out through my castle windows at this view to the expansive snow-covered Alps.
Walking Across the Highline 179
After soaking in these stunning views for a while, we decide it’s time to pep talk ourselves up to walk across the bridge. I, personally, have no issues with heights but your adrenaline’s pumping just looking out at that view. This teeny little metal structure, dipping into a “U” shape between two mountains, it is safe, right?
Inserting our tickets into the slot, we push through the gate and start making our way across the bridge. The views from here continue on, proving to be one of the most majestic winter wonderlands you could find!
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I hate snow and the winter BUT these pictures melted my heart!
This post was very visual and to the point! Loved it, loved the random snow falling too.. which threw me off at first. Haha!
We tend to feel that way being from the Midwest! Lol but thank you so much I just loved visiting this place so much.. haha I didn’t even think about the snow falling that probably looks so real then!
Truly amazing pictures. I complain about the snow all winter long, but these pictures reminded me how beautiful it could be
Aw that’s great to hear! Bringing back the snow in Christmas with this post ☺️