The area along the Danube river in Lower Austria is among the most impressing landscape of Lower Austria. Visitors from all over the world love the unique scenery of the famous river, vineyards and historic places to see. We recommend a trip by train and ship four your exciting day.

This railway line connects the Capital of Lower Austria, the beautiful baroque city of Sankt Pölten with the most famous place of pilgrimage in the alps, Mariazell. The history of Mariazell began already 850 years ago whilst the railway was opened in 1907.

the rout starts at the central station of St. Pölten, well to reach with hourly long-distance services on the Vienna - Salzburg line. Behind the station of Rabenstein, the Pielach river valley becomes narrow and the mountains around with their pastures higher and higher. Passengers discover new sights behind each track curve. In the area of Frankenfels several tunnels had to be built to find a way through the narrow valley. Near this beautiful village a natural stalactite cave "Nixhöhle" is to discover. Leaving the station of Laubenbachmühle behind, the train climbs up the mountain more than 180 m in several loops within a few minutes. The ride offers spectacular views back to the valley. After passing a 2.368 m long tunnel the train stops at Gösing, the highest stop on the line (at 890 m above see level).

From here the alpine scenery dominates the rest of the trip. The most impressing peak is the 1.893 m high Ötscher. The rough nature is home to wild brown bears. One of the journey's highlights is passing the "Zinken". It's a steep gorge between the stations Wienerbruck and Erlaufklause. From both stations, wonderful hiking trails start through the protected natural park.

In Mariazell it's a short walk to the centre and the basilica with its valuable historic interior. On weekends there is a connection with a historic tramway line to the idyllic Erlaufsee lake. Another option is a trip with the cable car to the Bürgeralpe that offers some nice views.

Trains on the Mariazellerbahn:

What makes the Mariazellerbahn unique are the original electric engines constructed 1911-1914. So the Mariazellerbahn line was one of the first railway lines to be electrified. 15 of 16 engines still exist, and 10 of the 95 years old machines provide daily services on the line. This makes the Mariazellerbahn the railway with the oldest electric machines in daily services.

2008 Mariazellerbahn offers a new attraction: the refurbished train called "Ötscherbär" offers mor comfort, 1. class, a buffet car, bicycle transport and a coach with childrens' play facilities.

The buffet car is in service on weekends from May to October. You are served gastronomic specialities from the region.

Should you wish to discover the area along the railway more deeply or spend a vacation you find proper accommodation in numerous hotels Steinschaler Hof in Steinschal, Hotel Winterbach and Hotel Gösing are located close to the railway station (only a few steps to walk).

Timetable:

* daily from May 2 to October 24.

The most convenient and comfortable service ist the "Ötscherbär". It leaves daily at 8:35 from St. Pölten, From Mariazell it leaves at 15:01 (weekdays) or at 16:57 (weekends).

For more timetable information look here.

For your personal timetable-informatin see www.oebb.at

Fares Wien Westbf. - Mariazell:

return ticket standard fare: 1 person: € 36,40, 2 pax: € 72,80

Cheap weekend option: combination of standard fare Wine Westbf. - St. Pölten and Einfach raus! ticket (valid for 2 to 5 pax. on regional trains from 09:00 on weekdays and all day on weekends) for Mariazellerbahn: 2 pax: € 67,20, 3 pax: € 84,60, 4 pax: € 93,00, 5 pax: € 100,20.

Ask for the "Mariazellerland Erlebnisticket" if you want to combine your trip to Mariazell with

• a cable car ride to the 1270 m high Bürgeralpe and the visit of the "Holzknrechtland" (a theme park about wood processing) or
• a tram ride to Erlaufsee or
• a cable car ride from Mitterbach to the 1.626 m high Gemeindealpe and a downhill scooter run.

Price: € 44,00 from Wien Westbf.

Special recommendation: winter on the Mariazellerbahn:

Enjoy the enchantment of a ride through deeply snow covered Austrian winter landscape! Climbing up the slopes with the Mariazellerbahn offers your the possibility to escape the often foggy conditions of the lowlands and enjoy a nice winter day in the mountains. Several skiing resorts are located along the line.

The most convenient are the Bürgeralpe in Mariazell and Gemeindealpe in Mitterbach. Gear rental is available in both resorts.

In December we recommend to visit the Mariazeller Advent. the traditional Christmas market ist beautifully located on the central square of Mariazell.