In 1907, the initial narrow gauge (760 mm) line from St. Pölten was extended to Mariazell, a pilgrimage destination in Styria. Electrified in 1911, it was the first main line railway to use AC power. Incredulously, electric locomotives dating from that time period are still in operation today, with upgraded modifications, of course.
Currently, the Mariazellerbahn (MzB) provides scheduled passenger service over its 84 km (52.5 miles) electrified main line with 21 tunnels and 75 bridges and viaducts through Lower Austria from St. Pölten to Mariazell. Diesel railcars are used when the aging electrics locomotives are being serviced or otherwise unavailable. A non-electrified branch line (“Krumpe”) has regular service from Ober Grafendorf to Mank, although it once ran all the way to Gresten. MzB goods traffic was suspended in 1998.
The MzB is part of the ÖBB and it connects with the ÖBB’s main standard gauge East-West line at St. Pölten. Upon departure from St. Pölten, the railway follows the peaceful Pielach River Valley until it reaches Laubenbachmühle, where the mountainous section begins. The rugged climb places severe demands on traction power, so longer trains may be double-headed in this section.