A funicular railway is a great way to travel up mountains if you don’t like cable cars or chair lifts. We’ve picked 5 popular and convenient funiculars you should try out.
Austria has short urban funicular railways and longer tracks that take you up the mountains. A funicular railway consists of two vehicles that counterbalance one another rather than independently operated railway cars. Furthermore, they are usually barrier-free and perfect if you are a wheelchair user or travel with a stroller.
1. Hallstatt – Salzbergbahn
A funicular railway takes you up to the salt mines and viewing platforms in a few minutes. The Skywalk offers a stunning view of the village Hallstatt and Lake Hallstättersee, wonderfully flanked by the spectacular panorama of the Dachstein Massif.
For more info: Salzbergbahn
2. Graz – Schlossbergbahn
For great views of Graz, head up to the Schlossberg (Castle hill) right above the historic city centre. The Schlossbergbahn funicular railway has transported people up to the site of a former castle since 1894. The funicular railway is a great way to visit the famous clock tower. At 473 m / 1552 feet above sea level, Schlossberg offers a large public park, museum, cafés, and restaurants.
For more info: Schlossbergbahn
ADVERTISEMENT
Spital am Pyhrn – Wurzeralmbahn
Wurzeralm is located at Teichlboden, which is the biggest high moor of the eastern Tirolean limestone alps. To explore Wurzeralm, you take the funicular railway up to 1400 m / 4593 ft above sea level. The mountain station gives you access to the ski resort in winter or a fantastic hiking area in the summer.
For more info: Hinterstoder-Wurzeralm Bergbahnen
Hohensalzburg Fortress Salzburg – Festungsbahn
The funicular railway takes you up a 62 % incline from the historic city center in Salzburg, to the Hohensalzburg fortress. This is one of Austria’s oldest funicular railways and has been operating since 1892. It’s a short 200-meter long, but convenient way to get up the very steep hill. Hohensalzburg, one of the largest existing castles in Europe from the 11th century, is a destination itself. Roam around or enjoy the museums and guided tours available.
For more info: Festungbahn
Seefeld – Rosshüttebahn
On the outskirts of ski resort Seefeld in Tyrol, you can take the funicular railway up to Rosshütte. Rosshütte, the end station for the mountain train has several restaurants, lots of activities, and an enormous children’s playground. The funicular railway makes it easy for families with small children or wheelchair users to enjoy a trip to the mountain. Moreover, the view from the Rosshütte at 1760 meters / 5774 ft above sea level is fantastic.
For more info: Rosshütte Mountain Railway & Cable Cars
-
Austria boasts a number easy accessible viewing platforms, where you simply board a cable car. To truly appreciate the Alps, you have to get up on the mountains. 1. Dachstein Skywalk From Ramsau, in Styria, you can pick up the cable car to the Dachstein massif. You can enjoy the stunning view from 2 spectacular […]
-
Are you looking for some excellent ski resorts near Vienna that you can easily access by train? We’ve got you covered! Check out these fantastic ski destinations that offer excellent family-friendly slopes and unforgettable skiing experiences. Hop on a train and get ready for an adventure. Stuhleck ski resort – Spital am Semmering At Stuhleck in […]
-
The historic small town in the Styria region of Austria, with about 4500 inhabitants, is surrounded by the majestic Dachstein mountains. The winter season usually starts at the beginning of December and runs until the beginning of April. Skiing day and night Schladming offers 123 km of slopes spread over four interconnected ski areas: Planai, […]
-
Austria’s airports are well-connected to major cities and central train stations. Therefore, we have put together a list of excellent ski resorts that are easily reachable by train, including some info on how to get there from the airport. Moreover, many ski resorts offer inexpensive or free transfers to and from the nearest train station […]
-
It is impossible to visit Vienna without experiencing one of the city’s most famous attractions: classical music. The choice of venues and performers is enormous, and it wasn’t easy to decide where to go, but we had a personal recommendation for The Vienna Residence Orchestra. Hence, we bought the tickets and enjoyed a lovely, intimate […]
-
Hiking in wine regions has become popular in Austria. Many people enjoy the rolling hills and soft landscape as a contrast to the fantastic opportunities for alpine hiking in the Alps. We, therefore, ventured out on a 5.8 km (3.6 mi) long hike in southern Styria through vineyards, forest groves, and open farm landscapes. Nature […]