Your train and mountain railway experience Unforgettable excursions at a glance.
www.noevog.at The Mariazell Railway www.mariazellerbahn.at Page 4–11
The Waldviertel Railway www.waldviertelbahn.at Page 12–17
Reblaus Express www.reblausexpress.at Page 18–21
You can find detailed timetables and directions The Wachau Railway on the websites of our www.wachaubahn.at railways. Page 22–25
Litschau Drosendorf
Gmünd Retz hn riazellerba Unforgettable Ma The Schneeberg Railway ss s Expre Groß Gerungs Reblau LOWER AUSTRIA www.schneebergbahn.at ahn Page 26–29 Wachaub Krems outings elbahn Waldviert ergbahn Our NÖVOG trains and mountain railways take our passengers on unforget- chneeb Vienna S Emmersdorf St. Pölten Wien lt table journeys. Individual guests or tour groups, we have something for Puchis We rbach everyone. alpe Mitte Gemeinde Waidhofen/Ybbs Puchis Welt Gstadt www.puchis-welt.at Puchberg Mitterbach Page 30–33 Mariazell INFORMATION We look forward to hearing from you: Niederösterreichische Verkehrsorganisationsges.m.b.H. (NÖVOG) Enjoy one-of-a-kind excursions! Discover the most beautiful regions of Lower NÖVOG Infocenter Tel.: +43 2742 360 990-1000 Austria with our trains and mountain railways. Gemeindealpe Mitterbach Email: [email protected] www.gemeindealpe.at Our "General Terms and Conditions" are available at: www.noevog.at/agb Page 34–37
2 www.noevog.at www.noevog.at 3 The Himmelstreppe Rolling through the most beautiful landscapes.
The Himmelstreppe trains with their golden cars are underway every day. Modern low-floor railcars with full air conditioning, accessibility and a passenger information system ensure the highest levels of passenger comfort. Enjoy a comfortable and stress-free ride through the breath-taking scenery while being looked after by our friendly staff.
The Mariazell
NIEDERÖSTERREICHLOWER AUSTRIA Railway Krems ViennaWien A1 Hop aboard and enjoy! Linz DanubeDonau A1 St. Pölten
A ride on Austria's longest narrow-gauge railway is always Laubenbachmühle
a pleasure. Mariazell Starting in the provincial capital of St. Pölten, the journey con- tinues through the picturesque Pielach Valley, past the impres- sive Ötscher-Tormäuer nature park to the dreamy Mariazeller Land via 19 historic viaducts and 21 impressive tunnels. Climb aboard, relax and enjoy the unique beauty of the passing land- scape. Combine your trip with various options to experience culi- nary highlights, nature, culture and tradition.
4 www.mariazellerbahn.at www.mariazellerbahn.at 5 Charter your own TIP! The panoramic cars panorama car. Experience stunning views. We would be happy to create a personal quote for you. These first-class cars offer extra comfort. The gen- erous panorama windows allow an unobstructed view of the spectacular landscape. You can discover sights like tunnels, bridges and mountains from an entirely new perspective.
Eating and drinking in the panorama car Delicious pastries, regional breakfast and products from local suppliers as well as individual snacks are served directly to your seat.
The Ötscherbär Travel in comfort aboard the popular electric nostalgia train.
Take a trip back in time with the "Ötscherbär", pulled by the historic electric locomotive. The Ötscherbär wagons have been lovingly restored inside and out and are just the thing for everyone who appreciates a cheerful atmosphere . In the dining car you will be spoiled with regional delicacies and drinks. The saloon car offers additional travel enjoyment. Experience nostalgia in first-class comfort.
6 www.mariazellerbahn.at www.mariazellerbahn.at 7 The Laubenbachmühle operations centre A look behind the scenes of the Mariazell Railway
Food and drink in the Laubenbachmühle bistro: Here you will be spoiled with delicacies such as pastries, breakfast options, ice cream and lunch menus. Our food and drinks are primarily sourced from regional sup- pliers.
A guided tour of the Laubenbachmühle operations centre offers exciting insight into the railway industry. See the modern, sunlit railway station, the workshop and the coach house and watch the dispatchers at work during a visit to the operations management centre. Guided tours require a minimum of 6 people. Advance booking required for guided tours, at least 14 days before the desired date.
The steam locomotive Mh.6 Travel like in the old days.
The steam locomotive has been in operation for over 110 years. It runs at selected times with the Ötscherbär cars. In addition to the cosy nostalgia cars, this train also has a classic dining car and saloon car. The Mh.6 has been lovingly restored to its original glory in recent years and now offers a nostalgic experience in a class of its own.
8 www.mariazellerbahn.at www.mariazellerbahn.at 9 The valley section of the Mariazell Railway The mountain section of the Mariazell Railway
Sound Tower
Sports Science Therapy St. Pölten Climbing Centre Weinburg Planetary walk Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Centre Railway Club Mh6
World of STYX (Ober-Grafendorf) Alpenhotel Gösing
Model railway museum Nature Park Centre
Steinschaler Naturhotels (Steinschal-Tradigist) Gemeindealpe Mitterbach
Nix cave
Mariazell Railway Operations Centre Laubenbachmühle
Basilica
Pielachtal Mariazell
10 www.mariazellerbahn.at www.mariazellerbahn.at 11 Steam nostalgia on the Waldviertel Railway Tradition on narrow tracks.
Travel just like they did back in the early 20th century with one of the two traditional steam locomotives in the Mh series. Built in 1906, the Mh.1 and Mh4 locomotives went to work on the Waldviertel Railway in 1928. They guarantee rail travel with a special flair. Experience the train ride in one of the up to 100-year-old passenger cars with the typical open platforms, including the old-school café car and the service car for bicycle transport.
Litschau Gmünd Schrems E49 B36 Horn Waldviertel Karlstift B41 Zwettl E49 Groß B37 Freistadt B38 Gerungs Krems Stockerau Vienna A7/E55/B310 S33 A22 Wien Linz Railway DanubeDonau St. Pölten Pure RAILWAY experience! NIEDERÖSTERREICHLOWER AUSTRIA
Take an unforgettable journey through the most beautiful places in the "high north" of Lower Austria on this traditional narrow- gauge railway.
Steam and diesel locomotives have been puffing and pulling their way through the idyllic Waldviertel between Gmünd, Groß Gerungs and Litschau for over 115 years. Today as then, it is a one-of-a-kind railway experience.
The special route along viaducts, through tunnels and across majestic landscapes provides exceptional, unforgettable views.
Combine various tourist insider tips along the route with your trip and get to know the region and its people. Stops along the way offer you fascinating insight into the past and present of this very special railway. One unique highlight of the Waldviertel Railway are the many theme rides that take place throughout the season.
12 www.waldviertelbahn.at www.waldviertelbahn.at 13 Diesel nostalgia on the Waldviertel Railway Underway on the Golden Railcar Experience cheerful comfort. Railway experience on narrow tracks.
100-year-old boxcar wagons with open platforms, a bicycle wagon and a cosy café car, pulled by historic diesel lo- Trips with the Golden Railcar give you the flexibility to explore the Waldviertel. On days when it is comotives from the 50s and 60s all add up to a one-of-a-kind nostalgia experience. Enjoy cheerful get-togethers in this old- scheduled to run, the Golden Railcar operates several times daily, so you can plan stops to visit fashioned ambience with views of quiet forests, imposing granite formations, dreamy villages and lovely Waldviertel ponds. sights along the way before continuing your journey. The train driver is also your tour guide: they provide fascinating information about the route and landscape, point out special views and tell Combine your train trip with the many differentattractions in the Waldviertel. stories about the Waldviertel Railway.
With 56 seats, the Golden Railcar is also the ideal vehicle for bus groups and can be chartered at any time, like all trains on the Waldviertel Railway.
Charter your own TIP! wagon or train. We would be happy to create a personal quote for you.
14 www.waldviertelbahn.at www.waldviertelbahn.at 15 The Gmünd – Litschau route The Gmünd – Groß Gerungs route
Experiences along the Waldviertel Railway True to the motto "Pure RAILWAY experience", the Waldviertel Railway offers plenty of inform- ative and exciting experiences along its route. Apfelthaler Glass Art Garden
Gmünd: Information panels on the routing of the nar- row-gauge railway and the effects of changing borders; original axles from the Mh steam locomotive and infor- mation about the vehicles of the Waldviertel Railway Alt Nagelberg: Information panels on glass and rail- ways; view of the Glass Art Garden; historical water tower; for steam trains: locomotive water refill and double locomotive trips in July and August Schönau: Museum stop including information pan- els; visit the historic wooden transport car; informa- Museum car tion about the Waldviertel carp Blockheide Litschau: Railway museum in the wagon at the Kul- turbahnhof station; photo opportunity Weitra: Information panels on the viaducts and rail- way station; historical water crane; weigh scale and construction material Steinbach – Bad Großpertholz: Wood products from the mushroom carver; information panels on the Waldviertel Semmering and train station; historic water tower Blockheide, Weitra Bruderndorferwald: Water point for the steam loco- Waldviertel Railway Operations Centre Herrensee Litschau motives in the middle of the Hochwald; information panels on the history of the station and the Swedish station name; photo opportunity Weitra Castle Langschlag: Museum locomotive 298.206; railway museum; information panels on historical extension projects; farm produce Groß Gerungs: Educational trail about the Waldvier- tel Railway at the station; historical depot
Bison ranch (Langschlag)
Glass Art Garden, glassblowing Alpacas
Museum car
Information panels
Information panels Blockheide, Waldviertel Railway Operations Centre Sonnseitn alpaca ranch
16 www.waldviertelbahn.at www.waldviertelbahn.at 17 Underway in nostalgia cars
Drosendorf Hop aboard and enjoy. Retz B30 Reblaus Express Hollabrunn Krems E59 Our classic Reblaus Express comprises historic, dark green two- vice to your seat in one of the passenger cars.) There is a bicycle Hop aboard and enjoy! Stockerau A22 axle wagons with open platforms. A nostalgic-looking diesel car that can transport a large number of bikes. You can also charter ViennaWien DanubeDonau locomotive pulls the cars along. The “Heuriger car” offers a very individual cars or entire trains for special occasions, unique celebra- We affectionately call our Reblaus Express "the most beau- St. Pölten LOWER AUSTRIA unique experience: regional delicacies, refreshing drinks and great tions or individual combinations of offers. tiful connection between Weinviertel and Waldvier- NIEDERÖSTERREICH wines from local winemakers are served. (You can also get this ser- tel". The 40 km long route between the cities of Retz and Drosendorf, with its varied and particularly charming landscape, is absolutely enchanting. Take in the views of the vine-covered hills, romantic forests, sparkling ponds and quaint little towns and villages as you relax in the nostalgic setting of the railway car.
Ten train stations along the route invite you to linger and discover a wide range of tourist insider tips. Whether cul- tural, natural or culinary, there is something for every- one.
18 www.reblausexpress.at www.reblausexpress.at 19 The Reblaus Express route
Underway with the railbus Hop in and travel back in time!
A trip on our railbus is a one-of-a-kind highlight, and railbus is used for the traditional spring rides of the Reblaus not just for railway enthusiasts. The golden railcar and its Express. Due to its seating capacity of 50 seats in the rail- control car, full of late 1950s flair, is absolutely captivat- car and 30 seats in the control car, it is also the perfect ing. Generous windows offer great views and you can also choice for bus charter groups who want to check out excit- watch the train driver at work. In normal operation, the ing tourist highlights along the way. Retz
Hardegg Castle Charter your own TIP! wagon or train. We would be happy to create a personal quote for you. RECREATION Hessendorf fishing paradise
Drosendorf
Geras Abbey
20 www.reblausexpress.at www.reblausexpress.at 21 The Wachau Railway route
Dürnstein
Aggstein Castle
Krems LOWER AUSTRIA Campus Danube NIEDERÖSTERREICH Art Mile Wachau Railway Krems S5 Stockerau
Get in and enjoy the view of Emmersdorf S33 A22 Linz ViennaWien DanubeDonau the Danube! A1 St. Pölten Danube
Experience the famous UNESCO world heritage area from a completely new perspective: Our Wachau Railway takes you on a Spitz in der Wachau 34 km journey from the spectacular town of Krems an der Do- nau to the picturesque village of Emmersdorf an der Donau. The elevated route provides unique views of the splendour of the world cultural heritage area. Sit back and take in the passing land- Danube scape. The sparkling Danube River, the vine-covered terraces with their dry-stone walls and the architectural beauty of the buildings along the route will leave a lasting impression.
Explore numerous natural, cultural and culinary tourist highlights in comfort with the Wachau Railway. Weißenkirchen
22 www.wachaubahn.at www.wachaubahn.at 23 TIP! Discover the Wachau by rail and by water. More information: www.wachaubahn.at
The Wachau Railway Travelling through world cultural heritage.
A little way off the main roads, among ancient walls, windows, which offer you spectacular views of the vineyards and blooming embankments, the Wachau passing landscape. Comfortable seats ensure that has maintained its unique character. The area is also you ride in comfort. home to the Wachau Railway, which has been in One railcar has 59 seats, offering the ideal size for a operation for over 100 years. bus group. Of course, we gladly accommodate larger Nowadays you travel along the railway in our mod- or smaller groups. ern, golden railcars. One highlight: the panoramic
24 www.wachaubahn.at www.wachaubahn.at 25 TIP! Cultural and gourmet stations
Hengsttal Stop Admire the spontaneous and realistic paintings of the Puchberg artist VOKA in his gallery.
Baumgartner Stop Here you can enjoy the delicious "Schneeberg- buchteln" and excellent seasonal cuisine.
Schneeberg
Railway NIEDERÖSTERREICHLOWER AUSTRIA Up the mountain in harmony with
Vienna nature to the panorama paradise. Wien DanubeDonau St. Pölten
A2 The Schneeberg stands proud and mighty about 80 kilometres south Puchberg am Schneeberg Wiener Hoch- schneeberg Neustadt of Vienna. On clear days, you can see the spectacular massif all the way B26 from the capital city. S6 Neunkirchen Bruck/Mur The traditional cog railway has been in operation here since 1897, connecting the town of Puchberg with the Hochschneeberg train Welcome to station at 1,800 metres. panorama paradise While travelling in the Salamander trains of the Schneeberg Railway, you can take in the spectacular views as the landscape changes with the Follow the signposted easy circular walk in pano- increasing altitude. Up on the mountain, incredible vistas await. rama paradise and enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Look forward to a day full of culture, nature, indulgence and history in panorama paradise atop the highest mountain in Lower Austria.
26 www.schneebergbahn.at www.schneebergbahn.at 27 The steam train Travel like an emperor.
The history of the cog railway up the Schneeberg dates back to the 19th century. In 1895, railway civil engineer and entre- The Salamander Train preneur Leo Arnoldi was commissioned with the construction. A mere two years later in 1897, it was possible to travel up the Come aboard. Hochschneeberg by steam train. The Schneeberg quickly developed into a popular destination for summer visitors. In addition to city dwellers, artists and thinkers, Emperor Franz Josef I travelled up to the high plateau by cog railway to pay a visit to the Empress Elisabeth Memorial Church, built in memory of his wife, Sisi. "See and be seen" was the motto of the time, when people Travelling in harmony with nature, the modern Sala- strolled along the promenade in the panorama paradise at 1,800 metres. mander trains meander up the mountain in about 40 minutes. The journey leads through dense pine Today you can enjoy this unique nostalgic pleasure on the steam train on Sundays in July and August. The steam train is also forests, past romantic mountain huts and over flower- available for charter outside of these dates. Treat yourself to a trip like back in the old days! strewn alpine meadows.
After arriving at thehighest railway station in Aus- tria (1,800 m), you can explore the high plateau of the Schneeberg on marked hiking trails. You can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view from the summit of the Klosterwappen at 2,076 m.
The informative kaleidoscope provides insight into the mountain and the railway and the historic Em- press Elisabeth Memorial Church, which was built in memory of Empress Elisabeth using stones from the mountain. You can also visit the highest gallery in Austria free of charge.
In cosy mountain huts, you can enjoy warm hospi- tality and hearty home-style cooking .
28 www.schneebergbahn.at www.schneebergbahn.at 29 ALMRESER HOUSE EDELWEISS HUT
MOUNTAIN STATION LOOKOUT PLATFORM
CHAIR LIFT
VALLEY STATION
TO THE LIFT
Puchis Welt NIEDERÖSTERREICHLOWER AUSTRIA Discover a world full of wonders. Vienna Wien DanubeDonau St. Pölten Puchis Welt is the home of the friendly raccoon Puchi and is situ- Magic carpet Meadow run A2 Puchberg Schneeberg ated in the idyllic district of Losenheim in Puchberg am Schneeberg. LosenheimHoch- schneeberg B26 Wiener Cart track Puchis Welt, with the "Wunderwiese" and "Wunderalm", is THE fun Neustadt S6 Neunkirchen and nature paradise. Children and adolescents in particular love Bruck/Mur it here.
A visit to Puchis Welt guarantees plenty of fun and action as well as adventurous explorations in breath-taking scenery. The mascot Puchi is your constant companion. Playground Meadow Hut
30 www.puchis-welt.at www.puchis-welt.at 31 The Wunderalm Schneeberg adventures with the raccoon Puchi.
Explore the Schneeberg with your group and visit Puchi at five unique adventure stations. TheWunderalm adventure begins at the valley station of the chairlift, in the district of Losenheim, with the first adventure station: the water play station.
Continue on foot or by chairlift up the 1,210 metre high Fadensattel. There you can expect more fun, sporty, but also relaxing adventure stations, such as climbing pyramids, a rope jungle, a railing slide, a petting zoo, funny photo- points, a lookout point and comfortable relaxation loungers. Cosy huts and restaurants will spoil you with delicacies and refreshments. Look forward to an unforgettable day!
The Wunderwiese On your mark, get set, go.
Experience action-packed runs on the Wiesenflitzer – the adventurous tire slide – and let fast rides on the PuchiCarts (mountain carts designed especially for children) put a smile on your face. Are you a ski or snowboard fan and would like to pursue your hobby in every season? This is no problem on Puchi's Wunderwiese, because Austria's largest dry ski slope provides perfect winter fun all year round.
In winter, with suitable snow conditions, the drag lift is also in operation and brings you to comfortable runs that are ideal for beginners. The nearby chairlift takes you to the 1,210 m high Fadensattel, the ideal starting point to explore the spectacular nature of the Schneeberg and the Wunderalm. Snow or not, go for it!
32 www.puchis-welt.at www.puchis-welt.at 33 Nature & culinary highlights on the Gemeindealpe Mitterbach Unforgettable moments at 1,626 metres.
Your excursion experience starts at our modern valley sta- panoramic route (800 m total, pram-friendly). Of course, tion, where you will be welcomed by our friendly staff. From you do not want to miss out on the culinary highlights. The there, one of our two chairlifts takes you another800 me- contemporary mountain restaurant Terzerhaus serves tres to 1,626 metres above sea level, right at the sum- regional specialties – not to mention, the best home-made mit of the Gemeindealpe. The 360-degree panoramic view pastries in the region. Enjoy these delicacies on the spacious will astonish you, as you take in the stunning mountains sun terrace or in the cosy guest room with panoramic views. and deep blue lake, the Erlaufsee. True mountain enthusi- To relax after your meal, try out our newgiant panorama asts use this summit as a point of departure for the many swing and eight lounge loungers in the summit area: hikes in the region, one of the most beautiful and varied magnificent views included! Spend an absolutely perfect landscapes of the Mariazeller Land. Visitors who want some- day. thing a little more comfortable can take the short, circular
Gemeindealpe Mitterbach Up to the summit by chairlift to stunning panoramic views.
Welcome to our Gemeindealpe Mitterbach − this place is all about "Nature & Pleasure" and "Action & Fun". Our two chairlifts NIEDERÖSTERREICHLOWER AUSTRIA make it easy to go up to the summit (1,626 m), where you can see Linz the most of Lower Austria. Take a St.Pölten magnificent panoramic view DanubeDonau A1 A1 deep breath and savour the stunning beauty. This area offers some- B20 ViennaWien thing for every fan of the outdoors and nature enthusiast. Gemeindealpe Mitterbach
We recommend that you arrive and depart on the comfortable Mari- Mariazell azell Railway. Sit back, relax and get ready for your mountain ex- cursion by taking in the passing beauty of the landscape.
Once in Mitterbach, you reach the valley station of the Gemein- dealpe in just a few minutes.
34 www.gemeindealpe.at www.gemeindealpe.at 35 Action & Fun – Gemeindealpe Mitterbach Plenty of variety, guaranteed.
Downhill runs with our mountain carts are In the winter, our mountain becomes a ski area bound to bring a smile to your face. Choose with plenty of variety. Our 15.5 kilometres of your own pace, fast or slow, and make the most perfectly groomed slopes are guaranteed to of the well-developed 4.6 km route from the make winter sports fans happy. Our freeride middle station down into the valley. You will, area and the steepest natural piste in Lower of course, get the necessary protective gear Austria as well as the speed track with speed and brief training from our team on-site. The measurement and our funslope ensure that largest fleet of mountain carts in the world there is something for everyone. The centre- is waiting for you – we also can accommodate piece is our snow park with its 17 elements, large groups easily for fun and social downhill located right next to the middle station. Our runs. mountain offers plenty of fun and variety, no matter the season.
36 www.gemeindealpe.at www.gemeindealpe.at 37 Directions to our trains and mountain railways
The Mariazell Railway St. Pölten central station: Bahnhofplatz 1, 3100 St. Pölten Laubenbachmühle operations centre: The Waldviertel Railway Reblaus Express The Wachau Railway Laubenbachgegend 18, 3213 Frankenfels Gmünd station: Retz station: Krems station: Mariazell train station: Bahnhofsplatz 2 Bahnhofplatz 1 Bahnhofplatz 3 Erlaufseestraße 19, 8630 Mariazell 3950 Gmünd 2070 Retz 3500 Krems an der Donau
Publisher: NÖVOG (Niederösterreichische Verkehrs- organisationsges.m.b.H); illustrations: Budweiser, NÖVOG/Berndt; concept & design: Heavystudios, St. Pölten; printing: agensketterl, Bad Vöslau; photos: NÖVOG/Heussler, NÖVOG/weinfranz.at, NÖVOG/citronenrot.at, NÖVOG/Roman Gerstl, NÖVOG/Barfuß, NÖVOG/Gregory, NÖVOG/knipserl.at, NÖVOG/Kerschbaummayr, NÖVOG/Frantes, NÖVOG/Mayerhofer, NÖVOG/Prokop, NÖVOG/Zwickl, NÖVOG/Rolf Bock, NÖVOG/Zagler, NÖVOG/Kolonovits, NÖVOG/Soukup, Mostviertel Tourismus/weinfranz.at, Niederösterreich Werbung/Michael Liebert, Styx, Alpenhotel Gösing, www.mariazellerland-blog.at-TVB-Mariazeller Land, Mostviertel Tourismus/ Fred Lindmoser, Waldviertel Tourismus/www.ishootpeople.at, www.bison-ranch.at, Sonnseitn-Alpaka, Karin Pollak, Burg Hardegg, Mathias Häckel, Niederöster- reich Werbung/Astrid Bartl, Niederösterreich Werbung/ The Schneeberg Railway www.extremfotos.com, Puchis Welt Niederösterreichische Donau Niederösterreich/Popp-Hackner, Donau Niederösterreich/ Wunderwiese: Gemeindealpe Mitterbach Gregor Semrad, Brandner Schiffahrt, DDSG, Andrea Hilberger, Schneebergbahn GmbH: Bergbahnen Mitterbach/Markusich, Bergbahnen Mitterbach/Lindmoser, Losenheimer Straße 87 Bergbahnen Mitterbach GmbH: Bahnhofplatz 1 Bergbahnen Mitterbach/Leiminger; content subject to changes in schedules, Chairlift & Wunderalm: Seestraße 28 2734 Puchberg am Schneeberg routes, offers, prices; print errors excepted. Losenheimer Straße 103 3224 Mitterbach am Erlaufsee
38 39 Pure travel pleasure Experience the best of Lower Austria with the NÖVOG trains and mountain railways.
Enjoy the diversity of nature, culture, art and regional specialties on a trip with our trains and mountain railways. There is no better way to experience Lower Austria!
Litschau Drosendorf
Gmünd Retz
Groß Gerungs LOWER AUSTRIA Mariazell Railway Krems xpress Reblaus E Wachau Railway St. Pölten Wien el Railway Emmersdorf Waldviert rg Railway Schneebe lt Puchis We terbach Puchberg alpe Mit Mitterbach Gemeinde Mariazell
Lower Austria Vienna
NÖVOG Infocenter Tel.: +43 2742 360 990-1000 Email: [email protected]
www.noevog.at