Journey Through the Alps: Austria’s Most Spectacular Scenic Train Routes

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Austrian Alps by rail. From the UNESCO-listed Semmering Railway to the panoramic Arlberg line, explore Austria's best scenic routes.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 6:37 AM EST

Source: tripsavvy

1. The Semmering Railway (Vienna to Graz)

Significance: The world’s first UNESCO World Heritage-listed railway (1854).

The Experience: Spanning 41km of rugged mountain terrain, this route features 16 viaducts, 15 tunnels, and over 100 stone bridges. It was a pioneering feat of engineering that proved trains could conquer the high Alps.

Highlight: The view from the "20-Schilling View" (so named because it appeared on the old 20-schilling bank note).

2. The Arlberg Railway (Innsbruck to Bludenz)

The Experience: This is Austria's only east-west mountain railway and one of the steepest in Europe. It connects the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck with the Vorarlberg region, passing through the massive Arlberg Tunnel.