The Semmering Railway runs through Breitenstein and passes the Kalte Rinne Viaduct. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Breitenstein, you can explore this railway heritage from several perspectives: on a hike along the historic route, from viewpoints and at the Ghega Museum. The options vary considerably, so you can choose based on whether you’re looking for exercise, views or culture.
Hiking along the railway and to viewpoints
The railway hiking trail follows the historic Semmering Railway from Breitenstein to Payerbach or Gloggnitz, offering sweeping views along the way. The destinations listed provide different directions for planning your hike. If you want to keep the railway line in view as you walk, this route follows its historic course. The route may change seasonally or include diversions; check current conditions before setting out.
Viewpoints include Weinzettlwand, Breitenstein-Blick and Semmering-Blick. From there, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Semmering, the Südbahnhotel and the railway’s ornate viaducts. These viewpoints showcase the landscape and structures, while the railway hiking trail follows the route itself.
More hiking destinations and a natural curiosity
A hike to the Speckbacherhütte starts at Breitenstein station and follows the Postlersteig trail. Both the starting point and the route are specified for this hike. The Kleine Breitenstein-Runde is suitable for children. When choosing between the two hikes, you can compare the specific route to the Speckbacherhütte with the loop’s explicitly stated suitability for children.
A 131 m² rhododendron grows near the Speckbacherhütte. It is considered to be possibly the largest and oldest rhododendron in Europe. The qualifying wording applies to this European comparison.
Railway and local history
The Ghega Museum presents the life and work of engineer Carl Ritter von Ghega and his colleagues in several rooms covering around 60 m². It broadens the story of the Semmering Railway to include the people involved in its planning and construction. The area and the multiple rooms give a concrete sense of the exhibition’s scale, while its subject remains Ghega and his colleagues.
The Gaiskirchlein offers a different historical perspective: the small church is built into the rock and was consecrated in 1913. Its construction and the year it was consecrated make it a destination in its own right alongside the railway World Heritage Site.
Station and cycling route
Trains on the Payerbach-Reichenau–Semmering line stop at Breitenstein station; REX trains also run there on the Vienna–Mürzzuschlag line. The station is also the starting point for the hike to the Speckbacherhütte. If you’d like to combine train travel and hiking, you can take both details into account; check the current timetable before travelling, as train services can change.
A cycling route is also listed for Breitenstein: the World Heritage cycling route is one of the cycling routes through the town. This provides a designated cycling option in addition to hiking. As route conditions can change, it’s also a good idea to check the latest information before setting out.
Discover more destinations
Puchberg Am Schneeberg, Enzenreith, BĂĽrg, Reichenau An Der Rax, Edlitz, Kirchberg Am Wechsel, Grimmenstein, Breitenau
For the overarching travel overview: Neunkirchen.
