Abandoned Tunnel Connecting Sopron to Vienna’s Secrets — Does It Really Exist or Is It Just a Legend?

Legend and Reality of the Sopron and Vienna Tunnel

Sopron has played a prominent role in the history of the Hungarian-Austrian border region for centuries. The legend of the “Abandoned Tunnel of Sopron” has been echoed in local anecdotes, old newspaper articles, and tourist guides since the late 19th century. According to the story, a secret underground passage, often called the “Sopron Vienna Tunnel,” is hidden beneath the city—used by escapees, spies, or smugglers at various times throughout history.

Many believed that this wonderful hidden corridor stretched around the Bécsi-domb area, perhaps under the Dudlesz Forest. The close cultural and economic ties between Sopron and Vienna fueled the local myth, as the region’s historic routes and trading pathways always kept these cities closely linked. The myth was further enriched by the existence of several known underground cellars and bunkers along the Vienna route, which were widely used during turbulent 20th-century periods.

However, when examining concrete evidence, no old cartographic sources, geological studies, or architectural records indicate the existence of an entire city-connected, abandoned tunnel. Thus, the “Secret Passage from Sopron to Vienna” remains a legend—rooted in uncertainty and passed down through generations because stories are often more enticing than plain facts.

Of course, Sopron’s underground cellars, wine caves, or bomb-proof shelters often serve as inspiration for speculation. These do not extend far beyond the city limits—the “hidden tunnel” between Sopron and Vienna belongs more to imagination and collective memory than to reality.

Bécsi-dombi Tunnel and the M85: Modern Reality Behind the Legends

Transitioning from legends to engineering marvels of the modern era, the Bécsi-dombi tunnel indeed exists—though it is neither abandoned nor secret. This underground facility forms part of the M85 motorway, located west of Sopron near the Hungarian-Austrian border, providing a fast, modern transportation link—yet for vastly different purposes than the legendary secret passages.

The “Bécsi-dombi tunnel” measures 780 meters in length and consists of two parallel tunnels connected by multiple emergency escape routes. The tunnel was officially opened on December 14, 2024, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attending the ceremony. This milestone marks a significant achievement for those eager to connect Sopron quickly to the national road network.

From an engineering standpoint, the Bécsi-dombi tunnel is a technical marvel: constructed from 128 concrete blocks, each 12.5 meters long—118 are sealed, and 10 are open. During construction, over 40,000 cubic meters of concrete and 2,200 tons of steel reinforcement were used. Safety features include 34 cameras, 24 ventilation fans, 84 fire and emergency call points, and 16 loudspeakers, ensuring continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities.

It is notable that the entire M85 Bécsi-dombi tunnel was built by Hungarian contractors, specifically the SDD Concession (Strabag, Duna Aszfalt, Mészáros és Mészáros Ltd.) under the supervision of UTIBER engineers. This achievement not only reflects technical expertise but also national pride, as the tunnel now stands as a flagship of transportation development in western Hungary. Environmental and geological considerations played a key role during construction, respecting local conditions and adhering to modern safety standards.

Since its inauguration, the tunnel has transformed transit flows between Hungary and Austria. As part of the M85 section, it eases the journey for travelers heading to Vienna, Győr, or the Ferto region, reducing travel time to under an hour and significantly easing regional traffic. It thus symbolizes a modern-day “secret connection”—a tangible realization of a once-mythical idea—between Sopron and Vienna.

Actual Connections Between Sopron and Vienna: Railways, Roads, Historical Routes

Despite the legend of the underground tunnel, Sopron and Vienna have long established numerous real, enduring connections. Among these, two stand out: railway links and historic roads—both contributing to the region’s economic, social, and tourism development.

Regarding rail connections, the Sopron–Wiener Neustadt railway has provided a direct link since 1847, reaching Vienna via the South Railway (Südbahn) and the Mattersburg Railway (Mattersburger Bahn). In the 19th century, these rail lines revolutionized passenger and freight transport, enabling swift transit between the capitals without underground tunnels.

Historically, the Bécsi út (Vienna Road) was a vital route—paved and primarily used by traders centuries ago. Today, the M85 expressway and secondary roads continue to provide efficient connection between Sopron and the Austrian capital, allowing travel within a few hours.

The Fertő region and the Fertőmellék Railway, connecting Sopron to Nagymarton (Mattersburg), also highlight the historical significance of facilitating cultural and economic ties across the Austrian-Hungarian border. Many tourists still choose trains or day passes to explore these regions, turning the legend into a practical, experiential reality.

It is important to note that while the “Sopron Vienna Express” and railway lines serve real daily cross-border travel, the legendary tunnel remains part of local folklore—actual, tangible connections are provided by people, infrastructure, and transparent transport routes.

Tunnels, Guesthouses, and Technological Curiosities Around Sopron

While the “forgotten tunnel between Sopron and Vienna” remains a myth, Sopron and its surroundings host numerous real underground structures. These include the Bécsi-dombi tunnel, historic wine cellars, bomb-proof shelters, and operational underground railway and road tunnels. None of these connect directly to Vienna, but each adds to Sopron’s unique atmosphere.

Near Dudlesz Forest, several technically interesting facilities have been developed to support local transportation. Most are modest passages, underground culverts, or structures along the M85 tunnel route. All are constructed respecting local geology, equipped with modern safety systems, and compliant with 21st-century standards.

The local guesthouses—such as those near Dudlesz Forest—offer great bases for exploring the region’s secrets. Additionally, hotels in Sopron (see Accommodation Recommendations) facilitate the experience of border region adventures over multiple days.

The technical features of the Bécsi-dombi tunnel include advanced central control systems, allowing safe passage during harsh weather, traffic jams, or fire incidents. The tunnel is considered one of Hungary’s flagship transportation projects, with developments that are as much part of Sopron’s legendary appeal as the imaginary secret passages.

Geological surveys beneath the city have also uncovered cisterns, cellars, or abandoned storage sites, but these have never extended as far as Vienna. Today, the “Sopron-Vienna underground connection” is a practical, modern system both above and below ground, fostering open, transparent relationships.

Accommodation Recommendations in Sopron

Discovering Sopron is incomplete without at least one overnight stay. The city offers a range of high-quality accommodations, with the Hotel Szieszta standing out for its combination of quality, services, and location. Situated in the Lővér Park area, this hotel is one of Sopron’s most well-known and largest, just a short walk from the city center, yet close to nature.

The Hotel Szieszta features a large private park, modern wellness facilities, spacious rooms, tennis courts, and family-friendly amenities. It is an excellent choice for those who wish to visit Sopron as well as nearby attractions such as Bécsi-domb, Lake Fertő, and the Károly Lookout. The hotel’s restaurant offers local and international dishes, often with discounted packages for extended weekends or active trips.

Whether for family holidays, romantic getaways, or business trips, Hotel Szieszta provides an ideal base—its central location allows quick access to the Bécsi-dombi tunnel, historic city center, and iconic parks. The on-site sauna, indoor pool, and fitness center ensure a relaxing stay.

Of course, other options exist within Sopron. For example, the Pannonia Hotel in the historic city center offers classic bourgeois interiors close to the main square. While perfect for shorter stays and those seeking city buzz, the Pannonia is less suited for natural or active pursuits—those might prefer the more tranquil Hotel Szieszta. For refined, cozy experiences, the Hotel Wollner, a boutique hotel with a peaceful atmosphere and unique decor, appeals to romantic couples and business travelers. Overall, Sopron’s diverse accommodations cater to all preferences, providing comfortable and versatile experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

1. Does an abandoned, secret tunnel between Sopron and Vienna really exist?

All evidence suggests that the “Sopron to Vienna tunnel” is purely a legend. Archaeological, geological, and architectural records do not indicate any direct, abandoned underground route linking the two cities. Although the myth is intriguing and exciting, such an underground structure has never been proven to exist in reality.

2. What is the significance of the Bécsi-dombi tunnel for Sopron’s transportation?

The Bécsi-dombi tunnel—its latest version, opened in 2024—plays a crucial role in connecting Sopron quickly to the road network and facilitating cross-border traffic with Austria. The M85 motorway tunnel provides faster access to Vienna, Győr, and Lake Ferto, easing regional congestion and increasing efficiency.

3. Can tourists visit or walk through the Bécsi-dombi tunnel?

The Bécsi-dombi tunnel is designed primarily for vehicular traffic; it is not open to pedestrians or organized tours for the public. Driving through the tunnel is safe and comfortable, thanks to modern safety systems. Occasionally, professional days or celebrations are held to showcase the tunnel—following local news for such events is recommended.

4. How can I travel quickly and comfortably from Vienna to Sopron?

Both by road and rail, there are excellent connections. The new M85 motorway tunnel enables swift border crossing by car, while train lines like Sopron–Wiener Neustadt and the Mattersburg Railway run frequent services, with journey times under an hour—making the city exploration convenient.

5. What accommodation would you recommend for exploring Sopron and its surroundings?

The Hotel Szieszta is an ideal choice, providing easy access to cultural, natural, and transportation sites. Its comprehensive services, central location, and family-friendly atmosphere make it an excellent base for visiting Sopron, Lake Fertő, or even Vienna. Other options include the historic Pannonia Hotel or the cozy Hotel Wollner, catering to different tastes and needs.