The railway line through the alpine area of Semmering was the first railway constructed in a mountain area in Europe. At the date of realisation this railway line was a really sophisticated engineering project. More than 20.000 workers were employed for construction of the 28 km long line that climbs between the station Gloggnitz (457 m) and the peak station Semmering (895 m) about 450 m. 16 big viaducts, 11 bridges and 16 tunnels had to be constructed. Although quite a lot of construction works had to be done the whole line fits perfectly into its surroundings!

When the decision to build the line was taken no steam engine was able to carry trains up the ramps with an incline of 28%o. A competition was arranged to find a construction to fulfil the requirements. A train trip in 1860 took over 2 hours; in 2008 the same distance is covered in less than 45 minutes.

In 1998 the Semmering railway line was the first railway line worldwide declared a world heritage. The commission appreciated the whole technical monument in the surroundings. It indluces the railway line with the constructions as well as the sights visitors get from the train window. This line still is the most important connection between Vienna and southern parts of Austria as well as to Slovenia and Italy. Therefore it is a busy route with frequent train connections. Both, freuqent connections and relatively short journey time of about 1 hour 40 minutes make the Semmering area an ideal one-day-trip destination!

Best views: The most beautiful strecht of the line is between Payerbach-Reichenau and Semmering. To get the most spectacular views take a seat on the left hand side on your way towards Semmering!

The best starting point for your trip to the alps are the stations "Wien Südbahnhof" (tram D) and "Wien Meidling", connected by underground (U 6) and tram (Badner Bahn WLB, 62).

For your trip we recommend the historic train "Erlebniszug Zauberberge" that runs all the year each weekend and national holidays from Vienna directly to the Semmering.

Timetable "Erlebniszug Zauberberge" Wien Südbf. - Mürzzuschlag - Wien Südbhf.

This train runs on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays with comfortable historic coaches and a restaurant car. For riding this train, all national and regional tariffs are valid.

If you like to travel on weekdays your find hourly services with change in Wiener Neustadt. ÖBB-timetable for more train connections on the Semmering line.

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

Fares Wien Südbf. - Semmering:

return ticket standard fare: 1 person: € 30,40

Einfach raus! ticket (valid for 2 to 5 pax. on regional trains [e.g. Erlebniszug] all day on weekends): € 28,00

Packages for "Erlebniszug Zauberberge":

Package "Erlebniszug Zauberberge - Bahnwanderweg": € 30,00 per person including return ticket to the Semmering (you can get on and off wherever you like to), breakfast in the dining car in the morning and a snack on the way back in the evening.

Package "Erlebniszug Zauberberge - Hirschenkogel": 30,00 per person including return ticket to the station of Semmering and a cable car ride to Hirschenkogel. From the station of Semmering you walk about 20 minutes to the cable car.

Buy the packages directly in the train. Note that they are only available in the "Erlebniszug Zauberberge".

What should you visit at Semmering?

On your trip to the Semmering the following destinations are worth a visit:

• Mürzzuschlag:
  railway museum with focus on the Austrian Südbahn line at the station, winter sports museum, start or destination of a hiking rail to Semmering station .
• Semmering:
  enjoy a break in one of the famous historic hotels with their unique architecture - walk or float up to Hirschenkogel in the cable car, the look-out on the top opens marvellous views on the alps. Hirschenkogel is also popular skiing resort where world cup races take place. Gear rental (skis and sledges) is available.
  - Start of the Semmering railway hiking trails to Muerzzuschlag or in the direction of Payerbach-Reichenau (you can choose the length of the route and take a train in each station). The trail to Payerbach-Reichenau is recommendable for its beautiful scenery of landscape, architecture and railway - providing the Semmering railway the status of a World Heritage.
• Payerbach-Reichenau:
  enjoy a break in the lovely village of Reichenau an der Rax (about 2 km from the station of Payerbach-Reichenau) with its cottage style villas.
  For your way to Reichenau or to Hirschwang you can taka electric narrow-gauge museum railway. It provides services on weekends from June 15 to October 12. Trains leave Payerbach-Reichenau at 9:55, 13:15, 14:40, 17:15 (June to August). From Hirschwang trains leave at 9:10, 11:05, 13.50, 16:10 and 17:50 (June to August). The ride to Hirschwang takes abour 30 minutes, the return ticket costs € 8,00.
  
  From Hirschwang take the cable car to the impressing Rax mountain - one of the highest peaks in the region (every 30 minutes, return ticket € 17,60).