The Semmering Railway is a historic railway line in Austria that connects Gloggnitz in Lower Austria with Mürzzuschlag in Styria. It was built between 1848 and 1854 and is considered an engineering masterpiece. The railway was designed by Carl Ritter von Ghega and includes 16 viaducts, 15 tunnels, and 109 bridges, making it a significant achievement in civil engineering and architecture.
The railway was built to provide a direct link between Vienna and Trieste, an important port city in the Adriatic Sea. The route passes through the Semmering Pass, which is known for its rugged terrain and steep slopes. To overcome these challenges, Ghega used innovative engineering techniques, such as curved viaducts and helical tunnels, to create a railway that could safely navigate the rugged landscape.
Today, the Semmering Railway is still in use and is considered one of the most scenic railway journeys in Europe. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998, in recognition of its cultural and historical significance, as well as its technical and architectural achievements. The railway is popular with tourists, who come to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and to experience the thrill of travelling on a historic railway line.