Schneeberg: By Rack Railway to Lower Austria's Highest Peak
Mountain railway, Alpine views and the source of Vienna's water
FamilyNiederösterreichPhoto: Herbert Ortner, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Duration
- 7.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private day trip to the Schneeberg takes you by rack railway up Lower Austria's highest mountain. At the top you find alpine meadows, panoramic views and the story of Vienna's spring water.
The Schneeberg reaches 2,076 meters at the Klosterwappen summit, the highest point in Lower Austria. Since 1897 the Schneeberg railway has climbed up from Puchberg, today with its yellow Salamander trains. The ride through forest, rock and mountain pines is an experience in itself.
From the summit station, trails cross the high plateau to mountain huts and viewpoints. On clear days you can see as far as Lake Neusiedl and the Alpine peaks. Since 1873 springs around the Schneeberg and Rax have fed the First Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline, the water that flows from taps in Vienna.
Your guide tells you about building the railway, Emperor Franz Joseph who liked to visit, and the nature of the limestone Alps, and plans a hike to suit your fitness.
Highlights
- A ride on the Schneeberg railway, running since 1897
- Summit at 2,076 meters
- Views as far as Lake Neusiedl
- Source of Vienna's spring water
- A hike across the high plateau
The route
-
1Puchberg am Schneeberg
Start at the valley station.
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2Rack railway
Ride up through forest and rock.
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3Summit station
First views across the plateau.
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4Hike
To huts and viewpoints.
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5Return
Ride down with stories about Vienna's water.
Who this tour is for
For families, nature lovers and mountain fans who want a summit without a long climb.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are never included in the tour price. When you book, we are happy to tell you which admissions apply to your group.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour for your group only. The price is per group, not per person, which makes it great value for families and friends traveling together.
When does the Schneeberg railway operate?
The rack railway usually runs from spring to autumn. We check the exact operating times with you when planning.
