Photo: Thomas Schneider

Erzbergbahn

Vordernberg, Styria

Railway enthusiasts from all over the world know the Erzbergbahn from the time when it transported ore under the most difficult conditions from the Styrian Erzberg to the blast furnaces in Vordernberg and Donawitz near Leoben. After this transport service was discontinued, the line was closed by the Austrian Federal Railways in May 1988 and leased to the Erzbergbahn association for the operation of a museum railway. In 2003, the association purchased the railway line, as well as the Vordernberg locomotive depot and Erzberg station, from ÖBB. Thus, the blue railcars of the 5081.500 series still run today from Vordernberg to Präbichl, past an impressive mountain backdrop. The route is truly unique: over viaducts - up to 32 meters high and 117 meters long - and through tunnels with a total length of 2.5 kilometers, the railway winds its way up the back of the Styrian Erzberg with gradients of up to 71 per mille. High above the rooftops and almost everywhere far from public roads. The highest railway station in Styria, Präbichl station at 1204 meters above sea level, currently serves as the Erzbergbahn's terminus. The landscape and the rich mining and metallurgical tradition of the Erzberg region are unmistakable. The centuries-long interplay of nature and technology has shaped an area that, like hardly any other, offers itself equally for adventure and recreational holidays. The Erzbergbahn is the right start for your very personal adventure trip! Note: Due to official reasons, only the journey between Vordernberg and Präbichl station is possible until further notice. Eisenerz station cannot be reached. Unfortunately, no combined tours with the Hauly on the Erzberg are currently possible.