Waldviertelbahn

About the museum

The 760-millimetre narrow-gauge network around Gmünd was built around the turn of the 20th century: in July 1900 the northern branches to Litschau and Heidenreichstein opened, followed from 1902 by the southern line to Groß Gerungs in sections, which was open throughout in 1903. Its steep section south of Steinbach is called the "Waldviertler Semmering" because of its gradients.

Scheduled passenger services ended on the northern branches in 1986 and on the southern line in 2001. Tourist trains have run since summer 2001; at the end of 2010 the Niederösterreichische Verkehrsorganisationsgesellschaft (NÖVOG) took over the lines and now operates them as the Waldviertelbahn under the Niederösterreich Bahnen brand. On the Alt Nagelberg–Heidenreichstein section, an association runs its own museum trains.

In season, vintage trains run with the steam locomotives Mh.1 or Mh.4 or the diesel locomotives V5 or V12, supplemented by the Golden Railcars, whose drivers talk about the line and the landscape along the way. At themed stops, information boards, historic water towers, a museum locomotive and small railway exhibitions – for example in Litschau, Langschlag and Groß Gerungs – provide information on railway and regional history.

Highlights

• Vintage steam train with the locomotives Mh.1 or Mh.4
• Vintage diesel train with V5 or V12 and a snack carriage
• Golden Railcar with the driver as travel companion
• Mountain line "Waldviertler Semmering"
• Themed stops with railway exhibitions in Litschau, Langschlag and Groß Gerungs
• Puzzle rally for children

Operated by

Niederösterreich Bahnen (NÖVOG)

Admission & discounts

2026 prices depend on the route and traction (diesel or steam); partial routes between Alt Nagelberg, Gmünd, Weitra and Steinbach from €10, Weitra–Groß Gerungs from €18. Bicycle carriage free of charge (space reservation mandatory). With the Niederösterreich-CARD, one free return trip per year on the diesel trains Gmünd–Groß Gerungs and Gmünd–Litschau, not on the steam train. ÖBB discounts and network tickets are not valid; no free travel with the KlimaTicket. Tickets online, at the machine in Gmünd station or on the train at no extra charge (cash or card).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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: no information
• Audio description: no information

The historic carriages and Golden Railcars are not accessible; because of the boarding height and narrow doors, travelling in a wheelchair is not possible. Gmünd station is accessible with an accessible toilet; the other stops are not. Companion and assistance dog free if noted in the disability pass. Please notify the info centre of your travel request 24 hours in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Puzzle rally with "Paul and Lisa": at several stops, children find clues on explorer boards, enter the solutions on an explorer card and are named Waldviertelbahn experts; family offers such as "Puzzle fun for families in Weitra" are also available.

Getting there & parking

By car from Vienna via the A22, B4 (via Horn to Schrems) and B41; from Linz via the A7/B310 to Freistadt, B38 and B41; from St. Pölten via the S33, B37 and B36 to Gmünd.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Snack carriage with light food and drinks on the vintage trains; bicycle carriage. The Golden Railcar has no toilet.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 200 guests.

Charter of carriages or entire trains for weddings, company events and staff outings: vintage train with steam or diesel locomotive (200 seats) or railcar (56 seats).

Plan your visit