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6 of the best cable cars and mountain trains in Austria

Austria's mountain trains and cable cars make it easy to see the best views of the country's dramatic valleys, peaks and lakes. Simply hop aboard and watch the scenes unfold around you, then get off to explore walking trails, snap some summit pics or kick back with a drink and bite to eat at a mountain hut.

Lots of resorts in Austria have cable cars or railways stops, and many spots even offer summer cards that give you free access or discounts on tickets. Take a look at some of our favourites…

Zwölferhorn cable car, St Gilgen

If it’s the scenery you’re after, the Zwölferhorn cable car is a classic. Its brightly-coloured cabins rise from St Gilgen to 1,493m, giving you spectacular views of the lakes and mountains in Salzburgerland. Known as the Austrian Lake District, this area is a canvas of turquoise lakes, chocolate-box towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites, all set among the Dachstein mountains. At the top of the lift, you can soak up the views from the terrace, or stroll through woodland and pastures on the looping Illinger Alm trail.
A yellow cable car rising over a meadow high above a lakeside town and bright blue lake.
Zwölferhorn cable car

Schmittenhöhe cable car, Zell am See

The view waiting for you at the top of the Schmittenhöhe cable car is hard to beat – you can see 30 peaks over 3,000m from up here, including the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain (and so you know, you can buy tickets to this lift locally though your rep). If you can tear your eyes away, you've got over 400km of walking trails to pick from, whether you fancy strolling through an alpine meadow, or hiking to mountain summits. Or swap two feet for two wheels and hop on a mountain bike or e-bike – lots of hotels in Zell hire them out, and you can take your bike with you on the cable car. 
A cable car rising over a meadow with a lakeside town and lake beyond.
Schmittenhöhe cable car

Schafberg Railway, St Wolfgang

The Schafberg is the steepest cog railway in Austria, with cherry-red carriages clack-clacking up to 1,783m every hour. The journey takes about 45 minutes, with something new to look at round every corner. Once you get to the top you’re greeted with uninterrupted views of Lake Wolfgang, as well as a network of scenic walking paths to pick from if you're keen to get some activity in. Perched on the summit is Austria’s oldest mountain inn, the Hotel Schafbergspitze, where you can tuck in to classic Austrian food like roast pork and kaiserschmarrn. 
A red train travelling across a hillside with trees alongside and a lake in the distance.
Schafberg Railway

Zillertal Railway, Mayrhofen

The Zillertal steam railway has wound its way through this beautiful valley, between the towns of Mayrhofen and Jenbach, since 1902. The 90-minute ride is all about the journey – you'll chug between velvet-green meadows and forest-blanketed mountains, all while soaking up the sights, scents and sounds of classic steam train travel. It runs regularly from July to October, and if you've ever fancied trying your hand at driving a train, now's your chance –your can take the controls yourself on one of the weekly driver experiences.  

A red steam train travelling through a valley past forest-covered hills.
Zillertal Railway

Achensee Railway, Achensee

The Achenseebahn’s little locomotives have been chugging their way up to Achensee lake since 1889, making it Europe’s oldest steam-powered cog railway. Nowadays, four engines called Hannah, Georg, Hermann and Theodor take turns making the short but steep trip from the nearby town of Jenbach. Hop aboard one of the brightly painted carriages and watch the mountain scenery slide by as you clack up the track to the Seezpitz pier. From here, you can set sail on one of Austria’s best boat trips, a day cruise across the Tyrol’s biggest lake.
A red and black locomotive railway beside a lake.
Achensee cog railway

Schlossalmbahn cable car, Bad Hofgastein

The Schlossalmbahn cable car makes it super easy to get to a whole range of walking trails up at 1,300m in the Gastein mountains. For families, gentle routes will give kids a chance to burn some energy, and capture their imaginations as they try and spot the eagles, mammoths and cows carved into rocks along the way. Other routes will take you through flower-filled pastures to glistening alpine lakes. And once a week, the cable car runs into the evening, so you can enjoy a summit sunset. 

schlossalmbahn-cable-car
Schlossalmbahn Cable Car
Ready for a scenic summit journey? Start planning your Austria trip. If you need more inspiration, here's why a summer holiday to Austria should be on your list.

Head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage to discover more about our favourite holidays.

Author: Polly Bryan

Last updated: 14.01.2025

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