Located in the Salzkammergut, with its base station at St. Wolfgang, the Schafbergbahn has the highest maximum grade (almost 26%) of the three metre gauge rack railways in Austria (Achenseebahn, Schafbergbahn, and Schneebergbahn). Constructed by Stern & Hafferl for the SKGLB, service began in 1893. Since then operations were almost continuous, except for periods during both World Wars. Although private at first, the operations of the railway were at times a joint enterprise by private and state agencies. Currently, this almost 6 km long railway, with two tunnels, is under the auspices of the ÖBB.

Steam power is primary, with coal-fired locomotives dating back to 1893-94, and light heating oil-fired locomotives of more recent vintages, 1992, 1995-96. Diesel railcars from the mid-sixties are no longer in regular service. Modernized replicas of vintage carriages help to preserve the ambience of travel on this railway during the first half of the last century.

The Schafberg summit station is at an altitude of 1,732 meters, which is 1,188 meters above the base station at St. Wolfgang. There is a hotel at the summit. Normal operations are between the beginning of May and towards the end of October.

Because of the railway’s proximity to Wolfgang Lake, it is possible to combine train and boat excursions in one visit.

To see the boat and more great train pictures
from the 110 year celebrations. looks at this

Schafbergbahn gallery by Russell Hamilton.

Schafbergbahn on video