Ötscherland-Express

About the museum

The narrow-gauge Ybbstalbahn from Waidhofen an der Ybbs via Lunz am See to Kienberg-Gaming was built between 1894 and 1898; the roughly 17.5-kilometre mountain section from Lunz to Kienberg-Gaming was the last stretch in 1898. At Kienberg-Gaming there was a connection to the standard-gauge line to Pöchlarn.

In 1988 the ÖBB ceased service on the mountain section, and demolition loomed. The Österreichische Gesellschaft für Lokalbahnen (ÖGLB), founded in 1977, saved the line: in 1990 the association founded the operating company Niederösterreichische Lokalbahnen (NÖLB), leased the railway and began heritage railway operations with historic vehicles. Since then the “Ötscherland-Express” has run in summer.

After the remaining Ybbstalbahn service was discontinued in 2010, the NÖLB additionally took over the Lunz am See – Göstling section in 2012, so that from 2013 to 2020 the Ötscherland-Express was Austria's longest heritage railway. Because of damage to the line, the Pfaffenschlag – Lunz section had to be closed in 2024; with the support of the province of Lower Austria, the mountain section is being restored. In 2026 the trains run between Kienberg-Gaming and Pfaffenschlag, and from 2027 again as far as Lunz am See. The rolling stock includes steam locomotives such as the 298.51 and the Uv.1, the oldest operational diesel-electric locomotive in Austria (2093.01), and historic passenger cars from 1884 onwards.

Highlights

• Ride on historic narrow-gauge trains on the Ybbstalbahn mountain section
• Diesel locomotive 2093.01 – oldest operational diesel-electric locomotive in Austria
• Steam locomotives 298.51 and Uv.1
• Bridges over the Pockaubach, Hühnernest and Wetterbach
• Buffet car “Bärenbar” with regional drinks

Founded

1990

Operated by

Niederösterreichische Lokalbahnen Betriebsges.m.b.H. (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Lokalbahnen)

Admission & discounts

The listed price = short section Kienberg-Gaming – Pfaffenschlag (or vice versa), which is operated in 2026. Children under 6 travel free. With the Wilde Wunder Card, the single-journey price is charged for a return trip. Niederösterreich-CARD, ÖBB Vorteilscard and Klimaticket are not valid. Bicycles, dogs and prams are carried free of charge. All trains carry 2nd class only.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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

The historic cars are not accessible and have high entry steps; there are no boarding aids. Wheelchairs, prams and bicycles can be loaded depending on space (door width: items over 60 cm only to a limited extent).

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A1 to the Ybbs/Wieselburg junction (exit 100), then on the B25 via Wieselburg and Scheibbs to Kienberg; the access is signposted in the village. From the bus stop just cross the road; the platform is right next to it.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Every train carries the buffet car “Bärenbar” with coffee, drinks, snacks and regional specialities; postcards, books and souvenirs are also available there. Restaurants within walking distance of the Kienberg-Gaming, Gaming and Lunz am See stations; the stop is right next to the Gasthaus zur Paula.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 82 guests.

Special trains with a diesel locomotive (base price €2,150) or steam locomotive (€2,850) for a return trip with up to 82 seats, for company and club outings, celebrations and weddings; also reservable special cars, including with a 1st-class compartment.

Plan your visit