Mariazellerbahn
Ride Austria's historic Mariazellerbahn, a narrow-gauge mountain railway offering breathtaking scenery and a journey through time.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seat availability
Mariazellerbahn
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seat availability
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride Austria's historic Mariazellerbahn, a narrow-gauge mountain railway offering breathtaking scenery and a journey through time.
"A ride on the Mariazell Railway is a must if you're in the area. The scenery is beautiful!"
✅ Climate Ticket = Free Ride!
Your Austrian Climate Ticket often covers the Mariazellerbahn, making it a fantastic value. :ticket:
💺 Reserve Your Seat
Don't risk it! Book seats and bike spots in advance, especially for popular trains. :seat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ötscherbär Adventure Train
Mariazellerbahn route
Ride a historic electric locomotive through stunning Austrian landscapes. Enjoy onboard snacks and drinks!
Stairway to Heaven Ascent
St. Pölten to Mariazell
Experience the world's oldest electric narrow-gauge mountain railway's dramatic 900m altitude climb.
Kirchberg Model Railway Museum
Kirchberg station
Explore a fascinating model railway showcasing the Mariazell Railway's mountain route.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climate Ticket Advantage
Book Ahead for Bikes & Seats
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Climate Ticket = Free Ride!
Your Austrian Climate Ticket often covers the Mariazellerbahn, making it a fantastic value. :ticket:
💺 Reserve Your Seat
Don't risk it! Book seats and bike spots in advance, especially for popular trains. :seat:
🎧 Bring Headphones
Enjoy the journey with your own music or podcasts for a personalized experience. :headphones:
🚂 Ötscherbär Dining Car
Grab snacks and drinks on the Ötscherbär adventure train for a complete experience. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Climate Ticket = Free Ride!
Your Austrian Climate Ticket often covers the Mariazellerbahn, making it a fantastic value. :ticket:
💺 Reserve Your Seat
Don't risk it! Book seats and bike spots in advance, especially for popular trains. :seat:
🎧 Bring Headphones
Enjoy the journey with your own music or podcasts for a personalized experience. :headphones:
🚂 Ötscherbär Dining Car
Grab snacks and drinks on the Ötscherbär adventure train for a complete experience. :coffee:
📍 Kirchberg Museum
Visit the model railway museum at Kirchberg station for a unique perspective. :train2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the Mariazellerbahn, calling it a 'must' for its beautiful scenery and historic charm. The inclusion with the Climate Ticket is a major plus, though securing seat reservations is essential. Some note that without a reservation, getting a seat or bike space can be impossible.
"super"
Fejzi Shkupi
"A ride on the Mariazell Railway is a must if you're in the area. The scenery, especially on the mountain route, is beautiful, and the ride is free with the climate ticket. Seat reservations are subject to payment.
I opted for a ride on the Ötscherbär adventure train, which is pulled by an over 100-year-old electric locomotive and is also included in the climate ticket. It also has a dining car where you can buy drinks and snacks.
Tip: Kirchberg station has a model railway museum where you can admire the mountain route of the Mariazell Railway."
Sebastian Hausegger
"May 22, 2022
+++ Mariazell Railway +++
The Mariazell Railway is one of the most beautiful and fascinating railways in Austria
+++ simply beautiful +++
Traveling by train through the magnificent landscape alone is an unforgettable day trip.
It takes passengers from St. Pölten in Lower Austria to Mariazell in Styria. The world's oldest electric narrow-gauge mountain railway is affectionately called the "Stairway to Heaven" because the train, with its golden carriages, climbs a gigantic 900 meters in altitude during the journey."
Adel Armanous
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mariazellerbahn starts in St. Pölten, Lower Austria, and travels to Mariazell in Styria. St. Pölten is easily accessible by train from major Austrian cities like Vienna.
Yes, the Mariazellerbahn is generally included with the Austrian Climate Ticket, making it a very affordable scenic journey.
Yes, you can bring your bike, but advance reservation for bike spots is highly recommended, especially during peak travel times.
The primary departure point is St. Pölten Hauptbahnhof. Other stations along the route, like Kirchberg, also offer boarding opportunities.
The full journey from St. Pölten to Mariazell takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, offering ample time to enjoy the scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you don't have a Climate Ticket, you will need to purchase tickets. Seat reservations are also recommended and may have a separate fee.
Ticket prices vary depending on the route and class. However, with the Climate Ticket, the ride itself is free, though seat reservations might incur a charge.
Yes, seat reservations are possible and highly recommended, especially if you are traveling with a group or have specific seating preferences.
Yes, the Ötscherbär adventure train is a popular option, often pulled by a historic locomotive. It's usually included with the Climate Ticket, but check for any specific reservation requirements.
Operating hours vary by season and day. It's best to check the official Mariazellerbahn website for the most up-to-date timetable.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The scenery is breathtaking, featuring magnificent landscapes, mountains, and picturesque Austrian countryside as the train climbs significantly in altitude.
Absolutely! The journey is an adventure for all ages. The Ötscherbär train with its dining car is particularly enjoyable for families.
Mariazell is a famous pilgrimage town with the impressive Basilica of Mariazell. You can also explore local shops and enjoy regional cuisine.
Kirchberg station features a model railway museum, offering a unique glimpse into the railway's history and routes.
The nickname refers to the railway's impressive ascent of 900 meters in altitude, making it one of the world's oldest electric narrow-gauge mountain railways.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire route offers stunning photo opportunities. Look out for dramatic mountain vistas, charming villages, and the unique golden carriages.
Yes, you can take photos from the train, but be mindful of other passengers and the train's movement. The windows offer great views.
While the whole journey is scenic, the higher altitudes offer panoramic views. Consider stops at stations with good vantage points if time allows.
A versatile lens that can capture both wide landscapes and closer details would be ideal. A camera with good low-light performance can be helpful for interior shots or early/late journeys.
Yes, with some planning, you can photograph the train from various points along its route. Researching the route and potential photo spots beforehand is advised.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Book your seats and any bike spots well in advance, as family groups can fill up quickly. Consider bringing some travel games or books for the longer stretches, though the views are often entertainment enough.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: While the ticket is free, remember that seat reservations might have a small fee. Factor this in if you're on a tight budget, but generally, it remains a very affordable excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Mariazellerbahn
Travelers often highlight the Ötscherbär adventure train as a must-do. Pulled by a locomotive over 100 years old, this special service includes a dining car where you can purchase drinks and snacks, making the journey even more enjoyable. The combination of historic technology and stunning natural beauty makes the Mariazellerbahn a truly unforgettable experience for anyone visiting the region.
For those interested in the railway's intricate workings, a visit to the model railway museum at Kirchberg station is highly recommended. This museum offers a detailed look at the mountain route of the Mariazell Railway, providing a unique perspective on its engineering and scenic path.
Maximizing Your Mariazellerbahn Experience
Consider bringing headphones to enhance your personal enjoyment of the journey, whether you prefer listening to music or podcasts while taking in the views. The dining car on the Ötscherbär train is also a great spot to relax and refuel with snacks and drinks.
Don't forget to explore the stops along the way. The Kirchberg station's model railway museum offers a fascinating diversion for enthusiasts. Ultimately, the Mariazellerbahn is about soaking in the magnificent Austrian landscape, so allow yourself ample time to appreciate the journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit