Mariazellerbahn
Glide gently through the Dirndltal into the Mariazellerland aboard the “Himmelstreppe" (Stairway to Heaven): Austria's longest narrow-gauge railway links the provincial capital St. Pölten with the pilgrimage town of Mariazell over 85 kilometres – a train journey that is an experience in itself.
Austria's longest narrow-gauge railway
At around 85 kilometres, the Mariazellerbahn is the longest narrow-gauge railway in Austria. The line runs from the Lower Austrian provincial capital of St. Pölten through the picturesque Dirndltal, past the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, all the way to the pilgrimage town of Mariazell. The train takes about 2 hours and 37 minutes for the whole route – a journey on which the way is the destination.
The modern panorama trainsets bear the name “Himmelstreppe" (Stairway to Heaven) and are in service every day. Large windows open up views of viaducts, tunnels, deep valleys and the mountain world of the Mostviertel and the Mariazellerland.
A journey to be enjoyed
The Mariazellerbahn is not just a means of transport but a destination in its own right. Especially rewarding: the combination of train ride and hike. Many tours in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park start or end at a railway station – so you can plan your outing in a relaxed way, without a car.
- Rail & hiking: get on or off right by the trails, for example for the Ötschergräben
- Panorama pleasure: a leisurely pace, large windows, plenty of photo stops
- Family-friendly: a stress-free journey for young and old
- Nostalgia: occasionally historic steam and museum trains run as well
Mariazell as your base
The terminus of Mariazell lies in the district of St. Sebastian, only a short walk from the centre. From our apartments in the town centre the station is easy to reach – ideal for a day trip by train or as an eco-friendly way to travel to Mariazell. Anyone wishing to explore the region without their own car is well served by the Himmelstreppe.
Please note: you will find exact departure times, prices and the current timetable on the official Mariazellerbahn website. Timetables change with the season.
Impressions of the Mariazellerbahn
Frequently asked questions about the Mariazellerbahn
How long does the journey from St. Pölten to Mariazell take?
For the whole route from St. Pölten main station to Mariazell (around 85 km) the Mariazellerbahn takes about 2 hours and 37 minutes. The train runs daily.
What is the “Himmelstreppe"?
“Himmelstreppe" (Stairway to Heaven) is the name of the Mariazellerbahn's modern panorama trainsets. They are in service every day and their large windows offer wide views of the landscape along the route.
Can you combine the train ride with hiking?
Yes, it is one of the most popular ways to experience the region. Many hikes – for example into the Ötschergräben in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park – can easily be combined with a trip on the Mariazellerbahn.
Where does the train stop in Mariazell?
The terminus of Mariazell lies in the district of St. Sebastian, only a short walk from the centre. You will find current timetables and prices on the official Mariazellerbahn website.
More around Mariazell
Stay central, ride the rails in comfort.
Eight individual apartments in the heart of Mariazell – station, basilica and mountains are all within easy reach. Book directly, city tax included.
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