Wolfgang Porsche abandons plan for private tunnel in Salzburg, historic villa goes on sale amid social inequality controversy

Wolfgang Porsche, the Austro-German automotive magnate, appears to have withdrawn from a project to build a private tunnel of nearly 500 meters that would connect his residence in Salzburg to an underground garage.

Dubbed by the media as “the tunnel for one person,” the project has sparked sharp public backlash.

According to The Guardian, in 2020 Porsche bought a historic 17th-century villa on the outskirts of the city for 8.4 million euros. A year earlier, he had received approval to build a private road in the rocky area. Under the plan, a municipal parking lot in central Salzburg would be linked to an underground garage near the residence, with capacity for up to eight vehicles. The project was estimated to be worth around 10 million euros.

Opposition to the plan has been strong, both from residents and the wider public, not only because of the scale of the intervention but also because of the property’s historical significance. It was once the home of writer Stefan Zweig, who left the city in 1934 during the Austrofascist regime.

Local media reports say Porsche has now changed course and put the 12-room villa, known as “Paschinger Schlössl,” up for sale. According to those reports, a future buyer could continue the tunnel project if they comply with the deadlines of the existing permit, which expires at the end of 2028.

Earlier, the city council had rejected proposals to buy the property and turn it into a museum dedicated to Stefan Zweig, arguing that the city does not have the necessary funds for such a purchase.

Zweig himself described the residence as “romantic but impractical,” noting that access was difficult and that it could only be reached by a long staircase up the hill.

Public discontent has deepened further, with protesters portraying the project as a sign of social inequality in a city facing a housing crisis and rising rents. Demonstrations have been held under the slogan “a city for everyone, not a tunnel for one.”

Meanwhile, representatives of the Green Party have even called for the building permit to be revoked, claiming that it artificially increases the value of the property.

The property has been put on the market for about 12.7 million euros, while real estate agents view the permit for the tunnel and garage as a feature that makes this property unique in Salzburg.

A Porsche spokesperson has confirmed that the property is being sold, but without explaining the reasons for the decision. He described the controversy surrounding the project as “a discussion driven by envy.” The family has made no further statements on the matter.