Semmering Rail Walk - Semmering Railway
Semmering, Austria
18.09.2018
Semmering Bahn-Wanderweg, also known as the Semmering Railway Hiking Trail, is a picturesque and historic trail located in the stunning mountain region of Semmering in Austria. This trail follows the route of the famous Semmering Railway, which was built in the mid-19th century and is considered a marvel of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Semmering Bahn-Wanderweg trail is a popular destination for hikers of all levels, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and physical activity. The trail winds through lush forests, over rolling hills, and along breathtaking viaducts and tunnels, providing hikers with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the highlights of this trail is the opportunity to walk along the original railway tracks, which have been preserved and integrated into the hiking path. This allows hikers to experience the same views and perspectives as the passengers on the historic train, making for a truly immersive and nostalgic journey.
Along the way, hikers will also come across various historical sites, including the original train stations, signal boxes, and other remnants of the railway's past. These serve as fascinating insights into the railway's construction and operation, adding an educational element to the hike.
The Semmering Bahn-Wanderweg trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it easy for hikers to navigate and enjoy at their own pace. Along the way, there are also plenty of rest areas and viewpoints where hikers can take a break, have a picnic, or simply soak in the stunning views.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a leisurely stroller, the Semmering Bahn-Wanderweg offers something for everyone. It's a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique and memorable hiking experience in the heart of Austria's majestic Semmering region.
The trail leads from the historic Semmering station, along the rail tracks, past viewing points with magnificent panoramic views of the entire building to the station Breitenstein (9 km) , Klamm (15 km), Payerbach (21 km) or Gloggnitz (23 km). Every hiker can individually compile his route and return from one of the stations via train back to the starting point.
A special experience are the many incomparable vantage points as well as the beautiful landscape of the Semmering region . At Semmering station, visit the new information center and learn more about the World Heritage Semmering Railway and surrounding landscape.
(Source: semmering.com)
The Semmering Railway, built over 41 km of high mountains between 1848 and 1854, is one of the greatest feats of civil engineering from this pioneering phase of railway building. The high standard of the tunnels, viaducts and other works has ensured the continuous use of the line up to the present day. It runs through a spectacular mountain landscape and there are many fine buildings designed for leisure activities along the way, built when the area was opened up due to the advent of the railway.
The Semmering railway (German: Semmeringbahn) in Austria, which starts at Gloggnitz and leads over the Semmering to Mürzzuschlag, was the first mountain railway in Europe built with a standard gauge track. It is commonly referred to as the world's first true mountain railway, given the very difficult terrain and the considerable altitude difference that was mastered during its construction. It is still fully functional as a part of the Southern Railway which is operated by the Austrian Federal Railways.
