Steyr Valley Railway

The Steyrtalbahn is a narrow-gauge museum railway in Upper Austria. It follows the Steyr river valley from Steyr through Grünburg to Klaus. The line was built in the late 19th century to carry timber and metal goods. After closure in 1982 most tracks were lifted, but a section from Steyr to Grünburg survives. The Austrian Society for Railway History runs it as a heritage railway. Steam trains operate on summer weekends between June and September.

The railway once linked forestry and armaments works across the valley. Josef Ritter von Wenusch promoted the line in 1888. By 1909 it reached its full length of 55 kilometres. Steam locomotives built by Krauss in 1889 and 1914 became prototypes for later designs. After the Second World War buses took most passengers. A rock slide in 1980 ended regular services beyond Grünburg.

Visitors find restored steam trains ready for short trips along the valley. The museum railway starts at Steyr’s old station in the town centre. Trains run through meadows and woodlands beside the Steyr river. The line passes small villages and crosses modest bridges. At Grünburg the track ends, but a cycle path follows the old right of way. The steam whistle echoes over the valley on operating days.