Wälderbähnle

About the museum

From 1902 the Bregenzerwaldbahn connected the Bregenzerwald with Bregenz on Lake Constance. The 35-kilometre narrow-gauge line, with the 760-millimetre gauge common in Austria, ran through the narrow valley of the Bregenzerach and was intended to bring timber, goods and guests to the valley faster. During construction from 1900, around a thousand men from Trentino, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary worked on it; floods and the bankruptcy of the construction firm made the project difficult.

Rockfalls, mudslides and floods accompanied the railway throughout its existence. After a major rockfall near Kennelbach in July 1980, through operation was gradually abandoned and finally discontinued in the early 1980s. In 1985 railway enthusiasts founded the Bregenzerwaldbahn-Museumsbahn association, and on 26 September 1987 the “Wälderbähnle” ran for the first time as a heritage railway between Bezau and Schwarzenberg.

The heritage railway was not spared by nature either: in 1999 a flood swept away the Sporeneggbrücke, and in 2005 another once-in-a-century flood destroyed parts of the facilities. Today volunteer drivers, firemen, conductors and dispatchers run the line with two steam and two diesel locomotives, including diesel locomotive 2091.08, built in 1940. The association continually restores historic vehicles and commemorates the history of the valley railway with rides, podcasts and a logbook.

Highlights

• Ride with a steam or diesel locomotive from Bezau to Schwarzenberg
• 68-metre-long Sporeneggbrücke over the Bregenzerach
• Original surviving halt shelter at Reuthe Hof
• View of the Kanisfluh
• St Nicholas rides in the Advent season

Founded

1987

Operated by

Bregenzerwaldbahn-Museumsbahn Betriebsgesellschaft mbH (Verein Bregenzerwaldbahn-Museumsbahn)

Admission & discounts

2026 fares include a surcharge for CO2 certificates; the cheapest ride (diesel, single) is given as the standard price, with prices going up to €16.30 (steam, return). Tickets at the station before departure or online with seat reservation; collect reserved tickets at least 20 minutes before departure. With the Bregenzerwald Card, €1 discount for adults. Payment in cash or by card. Exclusive trains on request.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Step-free boarding for wheelchair users available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

On the St Nicholas rides in Advent, St Nicholas boards the heated train along the way to visit the children; at Schwarzenberg station there is a group photo. Children under 6 travel free.

Getting there & parking

By car via the L 200 provincial road. On St Nicholas days, arrive early, about 30 minutes before departure.

Amenities & dining

Bar car on the train on order; station kiosk in Bezau on operating days. On St Nicholas rides, snacks and drinks at Schwarzenberg station.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 290 guests.

Exclusive trains with a steam or diesel locomotive for birthdays, company events or weddings, daily from April to early November at the time of your choice; catering in the buffet car “Wälderschenke” or in the “Wälderbähnle-Magazin” at Schwarzenberg station. Prices on request.

Plan your visit