photo: jewishmuseum.cz / Public domain/Richard Hirsch's suitcase found in a pile of luggage of victims of the Malý Trostinec concentration camp
Discover the story of Austrian railways, whose foundation was laid by influential Czech pioneers, especially the father-son duo, the Gerstners. Since the dissolution of the monarchy, Austria’s railways have navigated a complex path filled with challenges and dark periods, yet today they stand as a modern, efficient network that many other countries might envy.
Austrian Territories in History
From the 10th century, the Austrian territories were governed by the Babenbergs. This changed in the 13th century when the Babenberg line ended, and control was transferred to the Přemyslid dynasty. However, this was short-lived; in 1278, Emperor Rudolf I of Habsburg’s forces defeated the army of Czech King Ottokar II at the Battle of the Marchfeld, marking the beginning of Habsburg rule in Austria for centuries.
In 1806, the Holy Roman Empire dissolved, and the Austrian Empire emerged in the early 19th century. Following internal reforms after losing a war to Prussia in 1867, the empire was restructured as Austria-Hungary. This reform allowed Austria to retain some power but couldn’t save the Habsburg monarchy from the effects of World War I.
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In 1918, the vast empire fell, resulting in five successor states, one of which was Austria. The monarchy was replaced by a republic, which lasted until Austria’s annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938. Austria regained independence at the end of the war, was occupied by Allied forces for 10 years, and finally joined the Western bloc under conditions of neutrality. Austria maintained political neutrality until the end of the Cold War, joined the EU in 1995, and remains militarily neutral to this day, not joining NATO as of 2024.
Development of Austrian Railways
Austrian railway history began in 1808 in Bohemia with the horse-drawn railway between Linz and České Budějovice, championed by Czech engineer František Josef Gerstner as a more efficient alternative to canal construction. The line, primarily intended for transporting salt, was constructed by Gerstner’s son, František Antonín. Due to high-quality standards and extensive earthworks, the project became costly, leading to Gerstner’s removal. Mathias von Schönerer eventually completed the railway.
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The first steam railway soon followed. Known as Ferdinand’s Northern Railway, it was built by the private North Railway of Emperor Ferdinand. The cornerstone was laid in 1836, and by 1838, a line connecting Vienna to Bochnia was completed. This successful project spurred further railway expansions and became the backbone of the Austrian Empire’s network.
Nationalization and Modernization in Austria
Recognizing the potential of railways, the Habsburgs began constructing a state-funded network in 1841, planning several main lines with Vienna as the central hub. In 1854, Austria implemented a law to control the proliferation of private railways, requiring applicants to submit detailed project plans, which slowed railway development and put Austria behind other European countries.
Following the division of the Austrian Empire into the autonomous regions of Austria and Hungary, the two sides agreed to adhere to the same technical and legal standards for railways. By the late 19th century, the nationalization of railways gained momentum due to their military value, with many loss-making lines taken over by the state. In 1906, even the profitable Ferdinand Railway was nationalized. In 1901, the monarchy invested in building four lines to help cross the Alps, the state's natural borders.
Austria’s Railways During and After WWII
When Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany, the Austrian railway network was integrated into the German Reich Railways and repurposed for military operations. Tragically, the railways were also used to deport Jews to concentration camps. By the war's end, Allied bombing had severely damaged Austria’s railways, particularly in the east.
Post-War Reconstruction
The post-war period saw the restoration of Austria’s railways, with a focus on rebuilding Vienna's stations. The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) were re-established, and the rolling stock, significantly depleted by the war, was gradually renewed. The electrification of main lines was completed by 1976, marking the end of steam propulsion.
Railways in the Modern Era and Future Prospects
In the 1960s and 70s, Austrian railways faced competition from cars, leading to the closure of many local lines deemed uneconomical. However, Austria invested heavily to improve and speed up its network. Projects like the Brenner Base Tunnel, aimed at faster connections between Italy and Austria (slated for completion in 2032), and the Semmering Base Tunnel linking Lower Austria to Styria (set to finish in 2027) represent Austria’s commitment to rail improvement.
Austria’s core lines are being developed for speeds up to 250 km/h, with Railjet units reaching speeds of up to 230 km/h. In 2012, the Austrian government introduced Zielnetz 2025+, a long-term strategy to expand the rail network by 2030.
The upcoming Zielnetz 2040, to be launched in January 2024, outlines 67 projects to increase network capacity and build new routes—ushering in a new era for Austrian railways.
Source: Konern.oebb.at; Gaugemasterretail.com