Wolfgang Porsche, the 81-year-old chairman of Porsche AG’s supervisory board, has stirred debate in Salzburg, Austria, with plans to build a private 500-meter tunnel to access his historic villa on the city’s Kapuzinerberg. The proposal has ignited discussions about wealth, privilege, and the preservation of cultural heritage in the Austrian city.
The villa in question, known as Paschingerschlössl or the Stefan Zweig Villa, holds significant historical value. Dating back to the 17th century, it was once home to renowned Austrian writer Stefan Zweig. Porsche acquired the property in 2020 and has been undertaking extensive renovations, expected to be completed in mid-2025.
According to a report by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the ambitious tunnel project would create an underground passage from the Linzergasse parking garage, culminating in a nine-car parking facility near the villa. The final approach would be via a footpath tunnel, replacing the current narrow, steep road that becomes treacherous in winter conditions.
Wolfgang Porsche, grandson of Ferdinand Porsche who founded the iconic automotive company, represents the third generation of one of Europe’s most influential automotive families. As chairman of Porsche AG’s supervisory board and a major shareholder in both Porsche and Volkswagen, he has helped guide the company through significant transitions, including its evolution into electric vehicles.
While the city has already granted preliminary approval for the tunnel, with Porsche paying €40,000 (around $42,000) for access rights, local opposition has mounted. The Citizens’ List party has questioned both the modest fee and the lack of transparency in the approval process, which occurred under former mayor Harald Preuner without municipal council consultation.
The controversy extends beyond the tunnel itself. When Porsche initially purchased the villa, there were discussions about partial public access and collaboration with the Stefan Zweig Society for seminars and cultural events. However, these plans appear to have been quietly abandoned, leading to concerns about the privatization of cultural heritage.
The project has become a symbol of broader social tensions in Salzburg, with locals viewing it as an example of how the ultra-wealthy can reshape historic areas to suit their private needs. While Wolfgang Porsche personal net worth is not publicly known, the Porsche/Piech family is estimated to be worth $55 billion, making them some of the most influential billionaires in Europe. However, supporters argue that the underground nature of the project will preserve the visual character of the Kapuzinerberg while solving practical access issues.
As the administrative process continues, the project awaits final construction approval. Whatever the outcome, the tunnel controversy has highlighted the delicate balance between private property rights, historical preservation, and public interest in one of Austria’s most culturally significant cities.
