Südbahnmuseum Mürzzuschlag

About the museum

The museum was created for the 150th anniversary of the Semmering Railway: on 10 June 2004 the first exhibition hall opened in the former ÖBB locomotive depot at Mürzzuschlag station. The complex is a listed monument and lies in the core zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Semmering Railway. The project was initially run by the association Freunde der Südbahn, founded in 2003; according to the website's legal notice, Mürzzuschlag Agentur, a municipal enterprise of the town, is now responsible for operations.

The permanent exhibition “Über den Berg” (Over the Mountain) tells the story of the Southern Railway between Vienna and Trieste, the construction of the Semmering Railway, visionaries and engineers, railway professions and travellers. Staged stations such as a viaduct construction site, a “tunnel experience”, the “Train of Fates” and the “Locomotive of the Senses” combine the history of technology with art, tourism, war and trade.

On 18 June 2007 the roundhouse built around 1870 was added as a second exhibition building. On roughly 2,000 square metres it presents what is probably the largest collection of draisines, rail and motor rail cars in Austria, as well as steam and electric locomotives. Highlights include the steam locomotive Steinbrück from 1848 and the 180.01, both on loan from the Technisches Museum Wien.

Highlights

• Steam locomotive Steinbrück from 1848
• Austria's largest collection of draisines and motor rail cars
• Exhibition “Über den Berg” on the Southern Railway and the Semmering Railway
• Roundhouse from 1870 with steam and electric locomotives
• Imperial-and-royal café wagon
• Escape game “Timetraveller”

Permanent exhibitions

• Über den Berg – Wien · Mürzzuschlag · Triest – History of the Southern Railway and the construction of the Semmering Railway, with stations such as a viaduct construction site, a tunnel and the “Train of Fates”.
• Fahrzeugsammlung im Rundlokschuppen – Draisines, rail and motor rail cars as well as steam and electric locomotives, including the Steinbrück from 1848.

Founded

2004

Operated by

Mürzzuschlag Agentur (Eigenbetrieb der Stadtgemeinde Mürzzuschlag); Trägerverein Freunde der Südbahn

Admission & discounts

Prices valid from 1 January 2026. Admission is free with the Mürz Card; the Steiermark-Card (1 April to 31 October) entitles holders to unlimited visits. Children's birthday party €180 for 2 hours (max. 10 children + 2 accompanying adults).

Accessibility

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

According to its group offer, the museum is wheelchair accessible, and there is seating in the exhibitions; tours for visually impaired visitors and in plain language are possible, and dogs on a lead are allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's discovery trail with a children's guidebook, expedition backpack and the mascot Lokolieschen (especially for primary school age); family days during the Easter and summer holidays with reduced admission and play stations.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Heizhausgasse in the north-east of Mürzzuschlag station.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Imperial-and-royal café wagon, also accessible without visiting the exhibition (max. 16 people).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The museum halls can be hired for celebrations and events with various seating arrangements and catering; enquire by email for an individual quote.

Plan your visit