- Description
- Schneeberg adventures
Join us on a captivating journey where you will discover one of Austria’s most iconic mountain landscapes and its fascinating historical stories! During the excursion, you will get a glimpse into the favorite travel destination of the imperial couple while enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery and exquisite culinary delights.
PROGRAM1. Journey on the Continental Classic Express You can board our train at Budapest-Keleti and Budapest-Kelenföld stations. Once seated, we will introduce the day’s program, and our colleagues will give informational materials to our guests. During the journey, we will share fascinating stories about our destinations. Passengers can also join the trip at Tatabánya and Győr stations. The Continental Classic Express’s dining and bar cars will be available throughout the journey.
2. Arrival in Wiener NeustadtOur guests will disembark from the Continental Classic Express at Wiener Neustadt station to continue their journey aboard an authentic, diesel-hauled nostalgic train toward Puchberg am Schneeberg. This ride takes you back in time, evoking the golden age of rail travel, when even the imperial family enjoyed exploring this region.
3. Arrival in Puchberg am SchneebergPuchberg am Schneeberg is a charming alpine town that was a popular holiday destination even during the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Known for its crisp mountain air and breathtaking scenery, the town is the gateway to our next adventure. Here, we transfer to the famous Salamander cog railway, which will take us up to the peak of the Schneeberg.
4. Journey on the Salamander Cog RailwayInaugurated in 1897 by Emperor Franz Joseph himself, this cog railway is an engineering marvel. As the train slowly climbs the mountainside, you will be treated to stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Along the way, you may also spot native wildlife and rare alpine flora, including the edelweiss, a symbol of the Monarchy.
5. Stop at Baumgarten Station Halfway through our journey, we will stop at Baumgarten station, where our guests can taste the local specialty, the famous Schneebergbuchtel — a freshly baked pastry filled with delicate vanilla cream. This delightful treat was once a favorite of Empress Sisi when she visited the Schneeberg for relaxation.
6. Arrival at HochschneebergHochschneeberg, the highest peak in Lower Austria, offers breathtaking panoramic views. On clear days, you can see as far as the Vienna Woods and even the Hungarian Great Plain from the observation point. We provide free time at the summit so guests can enjoy the crisp mountain air or visit the imperial couple’s favorite retreat, where Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi often spent their leisure time.
7. Return to Puchberg am SchneebergWe will descend back to Puchberg aboard the cog railway. Upon arrival, guests will have free time to explore the charming town. You may wish to take a relaxing stroll through the local parks or enjoy a cup of traditional Alpine tea.
8. Return to Wiener NeustadtBefore our nostalgic train departs, there will be time to browse the quaint local shops. Then, our diesel-hauled train will take us back to Wiener Neustadt station, where we will reboard the Continental Classic Express for our journey home to Hungary.
- Tales of the Rax
Join us on a journey into the heart of natural beauty and the historical heritage of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy! This program invites you to explore the picturesque Höllental Valley and the Rax region by tram and on foot while discovering the imperial family’s favorite destinations and the fascinating stories surrounding the area. Program1. Journey on the Continental Classic Express
2. Arrival in PayerbachBoard our train at Budapest-Keleti or Budapest-Kelenföld stations. Once seated, we will introduce the day’s itinerary, and our team will distribute informational materials to our guests. Throughout the journey, we will share fascinating stories about our destinations. Passengers can also join the trip at Tatabánya and Győr stations. The Continental Classic Express dining and bar cars will be open for guests throughout the trip.3. Nostalgic Tram Journey to ReichenauOur guests will disembark from the Continental Classic Express at Payerbach station and transfer to the famous Höllentalbahn nostalgic tram. Operating since 1918, this unique railway journey beautifully combines breathtaking landscapes with the charm of a bygone era.
4. Visit to Reichenau CastleThe tram winds its way through the picturesque Höllental Gorge, a stunning natural wonder carved by the Schwarza River over thousands of years. As we travel, spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks unfold before us.
Upon arrival in Reichenau, we will visit the historic Reichenau Castle. During the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, this elegant estate was a favorite gathering place for the local aristocracy and holds a wealth of historical treasures. The castle’s courtyard and beautifully landscaped park provide a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of the era.
5. Continuing to Hirschwang
6. Free Time in HirschwangFrom Reichenau, we continue our journey to Hirschwang, where we will take a guided tour of the historic Höllentalbahn tram depot. This early 20th-century facility has been preserved in its original form, offering a fascinating insight into the operation of nostalgic railways. Here, guests will learn about the maintenance of trams and how railway technology has evolved over the decades.After the guided program, guests will have free time to explore the area individually.
Recommended Activities:- Cable Car Ride to the Rax Summit: The Rax-Seilbahn, one of Europe’s oldest cable cars, has been in operation since 1926. In just a few minutes, it ascends to an altitude of 1,546 meters. At the top, visitors can enjoy lunch at a panoramic restaurant or explore the Rax Plateau on scenic hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes.
- Strolling Through Reichenau: This historic town offers several noteworthy sites:
- Villa Wartholz: The former imperial retreat, favored by Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Duchess Sophie.
- Rothschild Castle: A grand family residence with stunning gardens, still captivating visitors today.
- Rudolf Villa: A tribute to Crown Prince Rudolf, son of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth.
7. Return to PayerbachAfter the free program, the nostalgic tram will take our guests back to Payerbach, where we will board the Continental Classic Express for our return journey to Hungary.
- Onboard services
MenüMenüIt was originally a Trans Europe Express (TEE) dining car, equipped with all the luxuries of the 1960s then available. The TEE trains were the forerunners of today’s EuroCity trains, connecting the major cities of Western Europe by providing special services. The dining car is open for guests during the entire trip with an a la carte menu suitable for the time of day, which includes both meat and vegetarian dishes. The meals served in the dining car are always prepared by our chef on the train from the freshest ingredients.et idézi fel. A földszinti három terem ingyenesen látogatható.The Continental Salonz bar car, as the train’s social point, is an excellent place to get to know our fellow passengers and make new friends. We await our guests with a wide selection of drinks and snacks in the bar during the entire trip.
- Prices
Schneeberg adventures: HUF 89.990 HUF 99.990 HUF 139.990 ✅ Travel on the Continental Classic Express in your chosen class from your selected boarding station to Wiener Neustadt and back.
✅ Travel on a diesel-hauled nostalgic train between Wiener Neustadt and Puchberg am Schneeberg, in a retro-style, wooden nostalgia carriage.
✅ Journey on the Salamandra cog railway from Puchberg am Schneeberg to Hochschneeberg and back, with a brief stop at Baumgarten station.
✅ 1 delicious Schneeberg bun (Schneebergbuchtel).
✅ Free time at the mountain summit.
✅ Free time in Puchberg am Schneeberg.Tales of the Rax: HUF 39.990 HUF 49.990 HUF 89.990 ✅ Travel on the Continental Classic Express in your chosen class from your selected boarding station to Payerbach and back.
✅ Travel on the Höllentalbahn nostalgic tram between Payerbach, Reichenau, Hirschwang, and back to Payerbach.
✅ Guided tour of the Höllentalbahn depot.
✅ Free time.Travel class services: In the 42-seat Tourist cars, guests travel in four-person compartments, most of which are equipped with a full-sized table. This is an excellent choice for all age groups. Please note, the cars are not air-conditioned.
The Tourist ticket prices include free seat selection, a morning pastry with chocolate, and a farewell gift at the end of the journey.The 42-seat first-class Pullman cars, equipped with two- and four-person reclining armchair compartments, offer a truly immersive travel experience. Each compartment features a window and a full-sized table, allowing guests to enjoy their journey with a card game or board game if they wish.
Pullman class tickets include:
- Free seat selection
- A morning chocolate pastry
- One bottle of mineral water each way
- Welcome and bfarewell giftsPullman First tickets include all services offered with the Pullman tickets, plus:- A champagne welcome- A breakfast served on the outbound journey
- A four-course dinner served on the return journey
- Mineral water, soft drinks, hot beverages and alcoholic drinks.Guests can choose their breakfast during the journey and select their dinner at the time of ticket purchase. The food and drinks are served by the dedicated onboard staff directly at the seating areas.The refurbishment of the Pullman-type car interiors is currently underway. The upholstery and carpeting may vary from one car to another and may differ from what is shown in the photos. The refurbishment of the Pullman-type car interiors is currently underway. The upholstery and carpeting may vary from one car to another and may differ from what is shown in the photos. Available Menus – Coming Soon!
Important: The Schneeberg Adventures and the Tales of Rax programs take place simultaneously, so participation in both programs is not possible. - Schedule
Schedule (proposed)
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