Pinzgauer Lokalbahn

The Pinzgauer Lokalbahn is a narrow-gauge railway in Salzburg, Austria. It winds through the Salzach valley, linking Zell am See with Krimml across the Pinzgau mountains. The line covers 53 kilometres and once served the Krimmler waterfalls. Flooding in 2005 damaged the section between Mittersill and Krimml. After repairs, the railway reopened in September 2010. The railway is worth the journey for its mountain scenery and access to the Hohe Tauern national park. It carries hikers and skiers heading for the Kitzbühel Alps. The line also passes through Mittersill, a town known for its castle ruins. The Salzach valley offers views of alpine meadows and steep cliffs. Travellers can watch the river change from glacial meltwater to a wider lowland stream. A visitor finds a single-track line with passing loops at stations like Bramberg and Neukirchen. The carriages are narrow and painted in red and cream. Trains run hourly in summer and less often in winter. The journey takes about two hours end to end. Windows frame forests, waterfalls and high peaks all the way.