Erzbergbahn

Railway enthusiasts from around the world know the Erzberg Railway 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 transportation 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 train station and the Erzberg station from the ÖBB. So even today, the blue rail buses of the series 5081.500 travel from Vordernberg to Präbichl, passing by 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 promille. High above the rooftops and almost everywhere far from public roads. The highest railway station in Styria, the Präbichl station at an elevation of 1204 meters above sea level, currently serves as the terminus for the Erzbergbahn.

The landscape and the rich mining and metallurgy tradition of the Erzberg region are unmistakable. The centuries-long interplay of nature and technology has shaped an area that is uniquely suitable for both adventure and relaxation vacations. The Erzbergbahn is the perfect starting point for your personal adventure journey!

Note: For the time being, due to official reasons, only the journey between Vordernberg and Präbichl station is possible. The Eisenerz station cannot be accessed. Unfortunately, combined tours with the Hauly on the Erzberg are also not possible at this time.