Austrian Steam Locomotives in the Snow and the Alps

In mid January the Railway Touring Company from Kings Lynn, Norfolk organized charter steam trains at two different Austrian narrow gauge railways, both times using the iconic 0-8+4 articulated tender locomotives from the early 20th century.

On a Friday the rural and forested Waldviertel railway at Gmünd was visited, while the following Sunday the Alpine Mariazellerbahn at the namesake mountain destination was the target.

Both of these steam-hauled trips traversed landscapes laced with snow. On the Sunday to Mariazell, the winter sun was out in full effect as well and at the destination the teak-bodied tram car from 1912 came out to great the steam locomotive for a photogenic line-up.

Here are some visual imperssions from the scenic Austrian countryside.

Waldviertelbahn: Gmünd to Litschau and return


Mariazellerbahn: St. Pölten to Mariazell and return