Private Semmering Railway Hike • Venture Vienna

Semmering Railway Hike

Hiking the Vienna Alps via the world’s oldest mountain railway

Breathe mountain fresh air, enjoy breathtaking views and escape the city on a private hiking trip in the Vienna Alps

Visiting Austria and not seeing the alps would be a great shame, not least because they make up such a large part of this alpine nation. That’s why we’ve made it easy to see them on this day trip from Vienna, where we’ll hike the route of the world’s first mountain railway – the UNESCO listed ‘Semmeringbahn’, completed in 1854.

Take in soulful views & wondrous feats of human engineering in Lower Austria’s highest region. Suitable for railway, photography, and nature & hiking enthusiasts alike, our tour gets you out of Vienna and into the wild! We’ll guide you safely through the hills and forests – no organisation, stress, nor clock watching required. Disengage your brain and plug into nature instead!

Highlights & Inclusions

Vienna Kayak Tour Itinerary

Meet & Greet

We meet at the main entrance of Vienna’s central railway station, the ‘Hauptbahnhof’, before boarding the train to Semmering, when we have time to meet and greet en route.

20 Schilling Blick

The first stage of our hiking route takes us from Semmering to what is arguably the most famous & spectacular viewpoint of the entire railway, one that was immortalised on the old 20 schilling note used in Austria before they adopted the Euro.

Kalte Rinne Viaduct

Perhaps the most impressive visual spectacle along the entire Semmering Railway (and there’s a lot of competition in this category!) is the mighty two-tiered Kalte Rinne Viaduct. While railway enthusiasts may already be aware of this magnificent feat of engineering, anyone can appreciate how beautifully it has blended with nature, thanks to the visionary designer, Carl von Ghega.

Late lunch in Breitenstein

At the end of the hike, we stop for much deserved refreshments at a traditional Austrian tavern, where hearty food and beer is served – hooray!

Return Train to Vienna

On our return journey back to Vienna we use regional trains to enjoy the rest of the mountain railway and its views at a nice steady pace. You’ll arrive back to Vienna’s main station at around 17:30.

What to Know Before the Tour

Moderate level of fitness required, and participants must be comfortable walking for 3-4 hours
Not recommended for people with heart conditions or poor mobility
Note that the temperatures in the mountains are usually a few degrees less than in Vienna. Please check the weather foreacast for Semmering on the day of your tour and dress accordingly
To bring: rucksack with drinking water, sun cream, cash for lunch, fully charged camera phone
The trails are mostly flat and clear but sturdier hiking boots in winter are recommended (trainers are OK in summer)

Semmering Railway Tour Booking Calendar

Book your private Semmering Railway tour using our booking calendar below. Tours are limited to a maximum of 5 participants.

Private Semmering Hike

Directions and Tour Meeting Point

The Semmering Railway tour meeting point is outside the main entrance to Vienna’s ‘Hauptbahnhof’ train station. This is easy to reach via the city’s U-bahn metro service – the Hauptbahnhof is on the red U1 line. Once arrived, head to the main concourse level and walk outside to the main entrance (the one with the big clock and the words ‘Wien Hauptbanhof’ on the glass wall above the doors).