Semmering train station

The Semmering Railway runs from Gloggnitz over the Semmering to Mürzzuschlag. It is considered to be the first standard-gauge mountain railroad in the whole of Europe - and is therefore an important milestone in railroad history. It was declared a UNESCO World Hertige site in 1998. Today it runs daily from Vienna Central Station via Wiener Neustadt and Gloggnitz to Semmering. On the Styrian side, it continues to Mürzzuschlag.

A modern information center at Semmering station provides information about the historic line with plans, pictures, models and books. Short films provide an insight into the construction work of one of the largest building projects of the 19th century. A small store presents a lovely selection of souvenirs.

Hiking with a view - on the railroad hiking trail

The railroad hiking trail starts directly at Semmering station: it leads along the UNESCO World Hertige site route - with magnificent panoramic views. Numerous viewpoints and the railroad stations of Breitenstein, Klamm, Payerbach and Gloggnitz are located along the way. This means that you can choose a shorter or longer hike to suit you.

The short hiking route from Semmering railroad station to the top of the pass also takes just under half an hour. The hotels and inns are great places to stop for a bite to eat and spend the night.

Semmering Railway: a major historical project

The history of the Semmering Railway actually began back in 1728, when Emperor Charles VI had a road built where previously there had only been a path over the Semmering Pass. In the 19th century, Archduke Johann planned a railroad from Vienna over the Semmering to Trieste. The end points of the existing lines had to be connected - to Gloggnitz on the Lower Austrian side and to Mürzzuschlag on the Styrian side.

Carl von Ghega was hired to plan the major project in 1841. Construction work began as early as 1848: with thousands of workers, including many women - and at top speed. Work on the Semmering Railway was completed as early as 1854. Emperor Franz Joseph and Carl von Ghega - who had been knighted in the meantime - used the new line for the first time. It was opened to passenger traffic shortly afterwards.