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Ride Europe’s first mountain railway — carved through the Alps in 1854, threading 14 tunnels and 16 viaducts on its climb to the Semmering Pass. A journey the world hasn’t stopped marvelling at since.
Built between 1848 and 1854 by chief engineer Carl Ritter von Ghega, the Semmering Railway was the first standard-gauge mountain railway ever constructed — carved by hand by roughly 20,000 workers through some of Europe’s most unforgiving terrain. In 1998 it became the very first railway line on Earth to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Total Distance
Altitude Climbed
Tunnels & Viaducts
First UNESCO Rail Line
Enjoy delicious Austrian specialties prepared fresh on board by ÖBB’s official caterer (DoN). From classic Wiener Schnitzel to warm Apple Strudel, pair your mountain journey through the Semmering Pass with authentic regional cuisine. First and Business Class passengers enjoy convenient at-seat food and beverage service throughout the trip.
Savour traditional seasonal dishes, hot meals, fresh sandwiches, and Austrian snacks available directly from the ÖBB Restaurant Car or ordered to your seat.
Pair your meal with regional Austrian wines (like Grüner Veltliner), local beer, premium espresso, or fresh mountain fruit juices.
Indulge in classic Austrian coffee-house culture on rails with fresh Wiener Apfelstrudel, Topfenstrudel, and espresso served at your seat.
Vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-friendly meal options are readily available on the standard onboard menu without needing advance reservations.
Expansive carriage windows offer front-row views of soaring two-story viaducts, pine forests, and the dramatic peaks of the Rax-Schneeberg region.
Built in 1854, this historic engineering marvel proved mountain rail travel was possible—setting the benchmark for alpine railways across Europe.
Journey between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag, crossing 16 monumental viaducts, 15 tunnels, and the iconic Kalte Rinne double-arched viaduct.
Enjoy authentic Austrian meals, fresh pastries, and regional wines served directly to your seat in First and Business Class or in the ÖBB Restaurant Car.
Choose from spacious First Class or the exclusive Excellence Class, where comfort, attentive service, and unforgettable views come together.
Recognized in 1998 as the first railway line in the world designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We guarantee hassle-free seat reservations on every departure.
The core heritage stretch between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag covers 41 kilometres and takes around 40–50 minutes, though most GoRailTravel itineraries combine it with a longer Vienna–Graz route.
Travelling from Gloggnitz southbound gives the best view of the Kalte Rinne viaduct and the climb toward the 895m summit.
Yes — the Railjet rolling stock used on this line offers dedicated wheelchair spaces in First and Second Class carriages.
All GoRailTravel Semmering packages include flexible date changes up to 14 days before departure.
Late spring through autumn offers the clearest viaduct views, while winter brings snow-draped forests along the pass.
“Crossing the Kalte Rinne viaduct was incredible! GoRailTours made securing our First Class seats on the Semmering Railway completely effortless. A must-do historic journey in Austria.”
September 2025
“The views through the 15 mountain tunnels and Alpine viaducts were spectacular. Having our seat reservations handled in advance by GoRailTours saved us so much stress during peak travel season.”
June 2025
“Riding the world’s first mountain railway was the highlight of our trip to Vienna. Exceptional service, smooth booking process, and delicious ÖBB at-seat dining along the way.”
October 2025
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Make your personalized tour unique
to get the best price.
