Puchberg cog-wheel steam train

Puchberg cog-wheel steam train Review

The marvelous old narrow-gauge Puchberg cog-wheel steam train ascends to a plateau near Schneeberg's summit on weekends in summer. Allow the better part of a day for this trip, since the ride takes nearly 90 minutes each way. This excursion is very popular; make reservations well in advance—particularly during holidays—at any rail station in Europe. If you haven't already made them, be sure to make reservations at Puchberg for the return trip before you board for the trip up. Bring along a light sweater or jacket even in summer; it can be both windy and cool at the top. On weekdays the diesel train Salamander makes the trip (and at a faster pace).

The steam engines, dating from the 1890s, are built at a peculiar angle to the ground to keep their fireboxes level while climbing. The wooden cars they haul are of equal vintage, with hard seats. Near the upper station hut at an altitude of 5,892 feet are the small Elizabeth Chapel and the Berghaus Hochschneeberg, a simple lodge with a restaurant and overnight guest facilities. From here, you can walk to the Kaiserstein for a panoramic view and to the Klosterwappen peak, at 6,811 feet. Allow about two to three hours total for these walks. Maps are available at the lodge. Real stick-to-your-ribs mountain food, draft beer, and plenty of gemütlichkeit are served up at the inexpensive Damböck Haus, a rustic hut operated by the Austrian Touring Club (ÖTK). It's only a 15-minute walk from the upper station of the Puchberg line.