Horse Railway in Upper Austria

Experience transportation like in the Biedermeier period

In 1832 Europe’s first public railway went on its journey from Budweis in the Czech Republic to Linz-St. Magdalena. Four years later the line was extended to Gmunden. Many members of the Habsburg family travelled with the horse railway. In 1996 the railway commenced operations again, but only in Rainbach in Mühlviertler Kernland.

Take a seat in the “Hannibal” luxury carriage and travel like the ladies and gentlemen of the Habsburg Empire. The line is only half a kilometre long and you will be drawn with 1 HP all the way. This horse railway cannot be found anywhere else in the world, only here in Rainbach.

The revolutionary way of travelling

We can only imagine what a great advantage it must have been. The bumpy travels in horse-drawn carriages had an end and the travels became much smoother on the rails. Carriages with place for 8 to 24 people were still drawn by horses but this time on rails. A difference in quality which was of course quite expensive in those times. The quick development of the steam locomotive put a quick end to the horse railway. In 1872 the last train of its kind arrive in Lest. But this way of transportation was never forgotten and this is why in the 1990s the horse railway celebrated its comeback in Rainbach. 

Horse Railway Museum

In the train station the horse railway history is revived. You will learn all about the technique and the trains here. Enjoy also the nostalgic delicacies or try on Biedermeier clothes and take a lovely nostalgic photo back home with you.

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