Erzbergbahn

About the museum

The Erzbergbahn between Vordernberg and Eisenerz opened in 1891 as a combined adhesion and rack railway. It served mainly to transport iron ore from the Styrian Erzberg to the blast furnaces in Vordernberg and Leoben-Donawitz; passenger trains also ran from 1892. With gradients of around 70 per mille, it is regarded as Austria's steepest standard-gauge railway. Until 1978, rack steam locomotives hauled the ore trains, then diesel locomotives; in 1980 the rack rails were removed.

After ore traffic ended in 1986, an avalanche buried the line near Erzberg station in March 1988, and the section over the Präbichl was closed. The Zahnradbahnverein Erzbergbahn leased the line and began heritage railway operations with historic railbuses in 1990. In 2003 the association bought the line from the ÖBB, followed in 2014 by the Vordernberg Süd–Markt section.

The starting point of all trips is Vordernberg Markt station with a small Erzbergbahn museum on the construction and operation of the railway; the rack steam locomotive 297.401 stands on the forecourt. The journey leads over viaducts and the Hoher Damm to Präbichl station, the highest railway station in Styria. Since August 2026, passengers have no longer been permitted, owing to official requirements, to travel through the Präbichl and Platten tunnels to Erzberg station.

Highlights

• Ride in a vintage railbus of the 5081 series
• Austria's steepest standard-gauge line with a gradient of around 70 per mille
• Präbichl station, the highest railway station in Styria
• Rack steam locomotive 297.401 at Vordernberg Markt station
• Erzbergbahn museum in Vordernberg Markt station
• Themed trips such as "Sturm und Maroni" in autumn

Permanent exhibition

• Erzbergbahnmuseum – Documentation on the construction, history and operation of the Erzbergbahn with photos, documents, rack drive mechanism, steam locomotive cab and models in Vordernberg Markt station.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Verein Erzbergbahn

Admission & discounts

Fares vary depending on the trip; book online, exchange tickets for travel tickets at the day ticket office in Vordernberg Markt. Number of participants is limited, early booking recommended. On themed trips, a consumption voucher for holders of guest cards and association members.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family themed trip "Zauberhafte Erzbergbahn" with magic show and surprise bag for children (15 August in 2026); small children up to 4 years travel free, family tickets available.

Getting there & parking

Satnav address: Bahnhof Vordernberg Markt, Bahnhofstraße 5, 8794 Vordernberg. From Vienna/Bruck via the S6 to Leoben and the B115, from Graz, Linz, Salzburg or Klagenfurt via the A9 (Traboch junction), B115a and B115. Vordernberg Süd station is relevant only for special trips.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Web shop with books, DVDs and souvenirs on the Erzbergbahn. On themed trips, refreshments at Präbichl station.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Individual special trips (charter trips) for groups and celebrations on request; suggestions for coach excursions.

Plan your visit