Historic Tramway Mariazell
A journey back in time on rails: aboard tram cars more than 100 years old, the museum tramway trundles from Mariazell station out to the Erlaufsee – a nostalgic experience for the whole family and home to the largest collection of historic local-transport vehicles in Austria.
Nostalgia on rails to the bathing lake
The Mariazell–Erlaufsee museum tramway is a lovingly preserved historic tram that runs for around three kilometres from Mariazell station straight to the Erlaufsee. Riding in original vintage cars – some more than a hundred years old – makes the trip to the lake a highlight of the outing in itself: a leisurely pace, the rattle over the rails and the charm of bygone days.
Austria's largest collection of historic local-transport vehicles
The tramway is run by the Austrian Tramway and Local Railway Museum. The collection comprises around 150 mostly listed rail vehicles – including rarities such as a horse-drawn tram from 1868 and one of the oldest steam trams in the world. It is the largest collection of its kind in Austria and a little paradise for fans of technology and railways.
History
In 1975 Alfred Fleissner founded the museum tramway. Through decades of voluntary work, the originally disused line between Mariazell and the Erlaufsee was restored and operation with historic vehicles was taken up. Today the tramway is a living monument to Austrian transport history.
Running times & the ride
The museum tramway operates on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from mid-May to the end of October; in high summer (July to September) it carries especially large numbers of guests from Mariazell station to the Erlaufsee. An outing combines perfectly with a day at the lake – out on the tram, enjoy the day by the water, back at your leisure.
Please note: current running times, operating days and fares may vary – please check on the official museum tramway website before your visit.
Impressions of the museum tramway
Frequently asked questions about the historic tramway
Where does the Mariazell museum tramway run to?
The historic tramway runs for around three kilometres from Mariazell station to the Erlaufsee. The ride combines perfectly with a day's bathing at the lake.
When does the historic tramway run?
It operates on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from mid-May to the end of October, most frequently in high summer (July to September). Please check current running times in advance on the official museum tramway website.
What makes the collection special?
The museum tramway holds the largest collection of historic local-transport vehicles in Austria – around 150 mostly listed vehicles, among them a horse-drawn tram from 1868 and one of the oldest steam trams in the world.
Is it an outing for families?
Yes. The leisurely ride in the vintage cars is an experience for all generations and combines perfectly with swimming and playing at the Erlaufsee.
More around Mariazell
Stay central, ride into the past.
Eight individual apartments in the heart of Mariazell – station, tramway, basilica and lake are all within easy reach. Book directly, city tax included.
View apartments →