High speed meets nostalgia: BDEF explores Upper Austria's lanes

High speed meets nostalgia: BDEF explores Upper Austria's lanes

Gmunden, Österreich - There was a lot of busy hustle and bustle in Linz at the end of May 2025, where the Federal Association of German Eisenbahn-Freunde (BDEF) held its 66th Association Day. The venue was not chosen by accident, because Upper Austria offers an exciting potpourri of rail tracks, which ranges from historical horse-drawn railways to modern high-speed lines. On two days, the conference participants had the opportunity to the electric local railways of the fa. To test Stern & Hafferl in the picturesque Salzkammergut, and they enjoyed this nostalgic journey in bright weather.

like Lok-report.de Normal gauge with the local railway from Lambach via Vorchdorf to Vorchdorf-Eggenberg. The special attraction was a special train , which was compiled from a railcar train from the former Cologne-Frechen Benzelrather Eisenbahn . After an impressive vehicle show that, among other things, vehicles such as the ET 23.103 from 1921 and which showed it 22.236 of 1953, we continued on a narrow lane to the Gmunden local railway - Vorchdorf, which granted interesting views of the historical railway use of the region.

nostalgia trips in July

There will be other exciting railway trips next month: on 19. and July 20, 2025 organizes the fa. Stern & Hafferl Special nostalgia drives that are carried out with vehicles from the first half of the 20th century. On Saturday, three train pairs between Niederspaching and Neumarkt-Kalham are planned on the well-known Linz local railway (Lilo) , while on Sunday the historic railway ET 24.101 from 1931 will run on the Lambach-Vorchdorf-Eggenberg local train. The events are a great addition to the regular seasonal nostalgia offer that the region has to offer.

railway development in Austria

The history of the railway in Austria, which ranges from the first ideas in the 19th century to the present day, testifies to constant development. It all started with suggestions for a connection between Moldova and Danube, and how wikipedia , the basics for the first private train phase were laid in Austria. The opening of the first horse railway between Budweis and Gmunden in 1832 was another milestone. These historical roots still shape the region and ensure that interest in railway history remains alive.

Overall, it turns out that Upper Austria is not only a real Eldorado for railroad lovers. The combination of history and modern transportation, the charming local railways and the impressive landscapes make the trips an experience that inspires both young and old and stands for a piece of Austrian heritage.