The Semmering Railway, designed by Carl Ritter von Ghega and built between 1848 and 1854, was Europe's first standard-gauge mountain railway to cross high alpine terrain. Over roughly 41 km from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag it climbs about 460 m through 14 tunnels, 16 viaducts and more than 100 stone arch bridges, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 — the first railway ever inscribed. Its most iconic structure is the two-storey, curving Kalte Rinne Viaduct near Breitenstein, famous as the '20-Schilling View' that appeared on the back of Austria's old 20-schilling banknote. As of 2026 the new Semmering Base Tunnel (due to open around 2029–2030) is in its final construction phase, but the historic mountain line still carries trains, making it a living World Heritage you can enjoy both by riding the train and by walking the trail.
Kalte Rinne Viaduct: a two-storey curved stone viaduct about 46 m high and 184 m long, the most dramatic structure on the line
The '20-Schilling View' (20-Schilling-Blick): the exact panorama once printed on the 20-schilling banknote, best seen from the Doppelreiterwarte lookout tower
Bahnwanderweg (railway walking trail): a World Heritage footpath that follows the line, with the Semmering–Breitenstein section (about 3–3.5 hours) especially popular
Ghega Museum in Breitenstein (opened 2012): exhibits on engineer Carl von Ghega and the story of the railway's construction
Viaducts and tunnels seen from a working train: an unfolding panorama of stone arches and deep ravines from the carriage window
Good to know
SeasonThis is alpine country, so May to October is best for walking. In winter, snow and ice can make parts of the trail slippery or impassable, so check the weather and trail conditions before you go.
SafetyThe Bahnwanderweg is a mountain path with ups and downs. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support, carry water and snacks, and stay behind railings and inside marked areas at viaduct and ravine viewpoints.
RulesThe World Heritage line is an active railway still used by trains. Never step onto or cross the tracks; stay on the marked walking trail (Bahnwanderweg).
MannersThe route passes quiet mountain villages, so keep noise down, take your litter with you, and do not enter farmland or private property.
RulesWhen arriving by train from Vienna, buy tickets through the official ÖBB app or ticket machines, and check the timetable and any service changes in advance (works on the southern line may affect some sections).
CautionTourist scams are uncommon here, but watch for pickpockets at busy stations such as Vienna Central Station and buy tickets only from official counters, machines or the official app.
Practical info
Reach the site by ÖBB train from Vienna Central Station (Wien Hbf) to Semmering or Breitenstein station; walking the Bahnwanderweg itself is free. The Ghega Museum and the World Heritage information centre keep their own opening hours and admission fees, so always check the latest details before visiting.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
