140 years of the Arlberg Railway: a legend celebrates its birthday

The Arlberg Railway is one of the most important railway lines in the Alps and plays an important role in rail freight transport between Western and Eastern Europe. For 140 years, it has connected the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck to Bludenz in Vorarlberg through the Arlberg Tunnel and thus also to two other railway lines: the one between Kufstein and Innsbruck and the one from Bludenz to Lindau. 

A route steeped in history

The history of rail freight on the Arlberg Railway dates back to the 19th century and is closely linked to the development of international trade. Since its official opening in 1884, it quickly developed into an important link between the industrial centres of Western Europe and the emerging markets of Eastern Europe. During the First and Second World Wars, it played a crucial role in transporting troops, materials and supplies across the Alps. Over the years, the railway infrastructure has been upgraded with tunnels, bridges and stations to provide capacity for growing freight traffic. A major milestone in the history of the railway was the electrification of the line in 1925.  

Indispensable for rail freight

The Arlberg Railway is an essential part of Austria's rail freight network: by avoiding detours over other Alpine passes, transport times can be shortened and costs reduced. In addition, the Arlberg Railway makes it possible to transport goods over longer distances without having to rely on trucks, which is particularly important for pan-European freight transport.

Nostalgic insights on 5 October 2024

Visitors can dive into in the history of this legendary route during the Long Night of Museums on 5 October 2024. The Railway Museum Heizhaus Strasshof has set up its own exhibition to mark the anniversary: Here you can see old Arlberg Railway locomotives and other historical relics from its long history. You can also find out which signals made railway history, marvel at the large model railway layout and watch the impressive steam locomotives that will be on the move this weekend until nightfall.

RCG will be on site with an information stand and looks forward to welcoming many interested visitors! Admission from 18:00 with a Long Night of the Museums ticket.
 
More on the topic

• Long Night of the Museums
• Railway Museum Heizhaus Strasshof