The Semmering Railway: the back story

About The Semmering Railway: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Vienna Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

The Semmering Railway climbs over the Semmering pass on viaducts and through tunnels, through mountain scenery south-west of Vienna. UNESCO inscribed it in 1998. Trains still run over it, and a new base tunnel beneath it is due to open in 2030.

Getting there

Regional trains and some Railjets run from Wien Hauptbahnhof over the Semmering; check oebb.at.

The viaducts

The two-tier Kalte Rinne viaduct near Breitenstein is the line’s best-known view.

Take a regional train from Wien Hauptbahnhof and sit on the right going up.

Walking

Footpaths follow the line between the stations; ask the Semmering tourist office.

Our advice: go in autumn, when the beech woods turn.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The Semmering Railway: the back story before you go.