Erzbergbahn, Heritage railway in Styria, Austria
The Erzbergbahn is a mountain railway in Styria that winds through steep terrain with both rack and standard gauge sections. The line connects Vordernberg to Eisenerz, passing through intermediate stations and revealing the landscape as it climbs and descends.
Built in 1872, the railway was designed to move iron ore from Erzberg mountain to furnaces below, transforming mining into an industrial operation. It remained essential to the region's economy for over a century until operations ended in 1988.
The railway shaped life in the mountain communities it once served, connecting isolated towns and influencing how people traveled through steep terrain. Today, the route tells the story of how industrial transport became part of the region's identity.
Plan your visit for seasons with stable weather, and wear sturdy shoes since paths around the railway can be steep and uneven. Check ahead for operating days and weather forecasts, as mountain conditions can change quickly and affect accessibility.
The railway is famous for its extreme steepness, holding the record as the steepest standard gauge railway in the European Union with gradients up to 71 per thousand. This exceptional grade made construction a technical challenge and makes traveling the route even today a striking experience.
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