Pinzgauer Lokalbahn is a popular narrow-gauge railway (track gauge: 760 mm) among tourists, connecting Zell am See and Krimml. The railway is named after the Pinzgau region, through which it runs.
Plans to build a railway line in this mountainous region first emerged in 1889. In 1896, Emperor Franz Joseph granted a concession for the construction of the line. After more than two years of construction, the railway was opened to the public in early January 1898.
From its inception, Pinzgauer Lokalbahn has transported large numbers of passengers, as several popular tourist attractions lie along the route. Additionally, the Zell am See – Krimml narrow-gauge railway is considered one of the most beautiful railway lines in Europe, attracting railway enthusiasts from around the world. The railway runs along the Salzach River and through the Hohe Tauern National Park. The full route is 53 kilometers long, and the journey between the starting and ending stations takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The railway is operated by the Salzburger AG group.
Diesel multiple units run year-round and are equipped with cars for bicycle transport. During peak travel periods, locomotive-hauled trains with special bike transport wagons are used. In summer, heritage trains composed of vintage coaches and a steam locomotive also operate.
Weekend tickets (valid on Saturdays and Sundays) and day tickets (valid on public holidays) are available.
The railway passes through mountainous terrain and has suffered damage multiple times from floods and landslides. Repairs have sometimes taken years, during which trains operated on shortened sections of the route. Such disruptions may occur again in the future.
Among the main attractions along the line are:
– Schmiedinger Kees – Austria’s largest year-round ski slope, located below Kitzsteinhorn, about 8 km from Fürth-Kaprun station.
– Krimml Waterfalls – considered by some to be the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire Alps.
Additional information
Pinzgauer Lokalbahn – official website
Related articles:
Train travel in Austria – a comprehensive guide
Narrow-gauge railways in Austria
