Semmering Rail Walk - Semmering Railway
Semmering, Austria
18.09.2018
The Semmering Railway-Hiking Trail: A Journey Through Time
The Semmering Railway-Hiking Trail is a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Semmering region of Austria. It is a trail that follows the route of the Semmering Railway, a historic railway that was built in the mid-19th century and connected Vienna to Trieste. The railway itself is an engineering marvel, with viaducts, tunnels, and other structures that were groundbreaking for their time. Today, the hiking trail offers visitors the opportunity to explore this fascinating piece of history while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Austrian Alps.
The Semmering Railway was built between 1848 and 1854 by Carl Ritter von Ghega, an Austrian engineer. The railway was a major feat of engineering, as it had to navigate through the challenging terrain of the Semmering Pass. This required the construction of numerous viaducts and tunnels, including the famous Semmering Viaduct, which is the highest railway viaduct in Europe at 100 meters tall. The railway was also revolutionary in its use of a new type of locomotive, the Semmering locomotive, which was specifically designed for the steep inclines and curves of the railway.
The Semmering Railway was not only a technical achievement, but it also had a significant impact on the development of tourism in the region. The railway made it easier for people to travel to the Semmering region and enjoy its natural beauty. Many wealthy Viennese citizens built summer homes in Semmering, and the area became a popular destination for tourists seeking a mountain retreat.
Today, the Semmering Railway-Hiking Trail offers visitors the chance to experience the history and beauty of the Semmering Railway. The trail is 41 kilometers long and can be completed in multiple stages. Along the way, hikers can see the iconic Semmering Viaduct, as well as other impressive structures such as the Kalte Rinne Tunnel and the Breitenstein Tunnel. The trail also passes through charming villages and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
If you are interested in history, engineering, or simply enjoy hiking in beautiful landscapes, the Semmering Railway-Hiking Trail is a must-visit destination. It is a testament to human ingenuity and a reminder of the important role that transportation plays in shaping our world.
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The trail leads from the historic Semmering station, along the rail tracks, past viewing points with magnificent panoramic views of the entire building to the station Breitenstein (9 km) , Klamm (15 km), Payerbach (21 km) or Gloggnitz (23 km). Every hiker can individually compile his route and return from one of the stations via train back to the starting point.
A special experience are the many incomparable vantage points as well as the beautiful landscape of the Semmering region . At Semmering station, visit the new information center and learn more about the World Heritage Semmering Railway and surrounding landscape.
(Source: semmering.com)
The Semmering Railway, built over 41 km of high mountains between 1848 and 1854, is one of the greatest feats of civil engineering from this pioneering phase of railway building. The high standard of the tunnels, viaducts and other works has ensured the continuous use of the line up to the present day. It runs through a spectacular mountain landscape and there are many fine buildings designed for leisure activities along the way, built when the area was opened up due to the advent of the railway.
The Semmering railway (German: Semmeringbahn) in Austria, which starts at Gloggnitz and leads over the Semmering to Mürzzuschlag, was the first mountain railway in Europe built with a standard gauge track. It is commonly referred to as the world's first true mountain railway, given the very difficult terrain and the considerable altitude difference that was mastered during its construction. It is still fully functional as a part of the Southern Railway which is operated by the Austrian Federal Railways.
