Waldviertel narrow gauge railways, Heritage railway line in Lower Austria, Austria.
The Waldviertel narrow gauge railway is a narrow-gauge rail system that stretches about 82 kilometers through forests, ponds, and granite formations in the northern Waldviertel region. The network connects multiple towns and operates today with special trains that run through the landscape on regular routes.
The network was created in 1899 with the founding of a dedicated company and began operations in 1900. This early development was part of the region's industrialization and continues to shape its infrastructure today.
The railway connects communities like Gmünd, Litschau, and Heidenreichstein and shows how the region developed during early industrialization. Today trains move through a landscape shaped by forests and lakes that define the Waldviertel area.
Visitors can take rides throughout the year, with December offering special themed trains including Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve services. It is wise to check current schedules before visiting and prepare for changing weather conditions, as the route runs through open countryside.
The railway operates with a very narrow track gauge of 760 millimeters and maintains a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour. This special design allows the line to wind through the hilly Waldviertel without requiring major construction work in the landscape.
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