Achensee Steam Cog Railway – Austria

Visitors to Tyrol in Austria will love a trip back in time on the Achensee Railway. For over 130 years, this long metre-gauge cog railway has been operating over its 6.8 km route that runs between Jenbach and Seespitz on Lake Achensee. The journey covers a height difference of 400 metres with an inclination of 160 metres. Europe’s oldest steam-operated cog railway opens for visitors every year from March until October.

Prices from: €24.00
Departing from: Jenbach station
Journey length: 6.8 kms

Achensee Steam Cog Railway route

On this journey you’ll not only get to see some of the most beautiful parts of the Tyrol but enjoy travelling on a perfectly preserved steam train too. As the train leaves the station in Jenbach, it climbs sharply, journeying through the Inntal Valley from Jenbach to Achensee, the Tyrol’s largest lake. Here, you’ll get to see wonderful flower-filled meadows and lush forests. You can also get off here and enjoy a ride on one of the many sightseeing boats on the lake. The boat and train timetables are cleverly coordinated to help passengers make the most of their day out to this special place. This trip takes you to Europe’s largest nature reserve, the Karwendel Mountains, with its jaw-dropping Alpine scenery.

Achensee Steam Cog Railway train

Boasting the title of Europe’s oldest steam cog railway, the Achensee Railway has some carriages that date back to the early 1900s. Passengers get to travel on cute locomotives called Georg, Hermann, Hannah and Theodor and enjoy the experience of seeing coal shovelled into the furnace to power the train’s engine. So, step back in time and enjoy the ride.

Why we love it

Whether you’re a kid or an OAP, riding on a steam train is a real thrill. Combine this with a trip to one of Austria’s most scenic spots and you can see why this train trip is a real winner.