After years of heavy floods, landslides and major disturbances, some of the most spectacular Alpine railway routes return, reopening essential links between Central Europe and the south of the continent. Travelers can again enjoy a unique adventure in modern trains that cross amazing landscapes, from snowy mountains to the Adriatic coast.
Tauernbahn – spectacular and strategic railway route through the Stern Alps
In this article you will discover how the classic railway routes were restored and extended, what new trains have been introduced on the main alpine corridors and how the reopening of the Tauern railway changes the map of transport and adventure in Europe. At the same time, we will give you useful tips to plan an effective trip, including tips on booking tickets to benefit from the best offers.
Get ready to explore the stories behind these legendary connections and find out how you can organize your next railway adventure through the Alps’ heart!
Great Alpine Axes: Historical ambitions and strategic reopening in the heart of Europe
The planning of the great Alpine railways was, from the beginning, influenced by national ambitions and rivalries between states. The opening of the Semmering railway in Austria in 1854 followed by the Mont Cenis (also known as Fréjus) route between France and Italy, in 1871, and the Gotthard tunnel in Switzerland, in 1882, drew the main axes of the 19th-century Alpine railway geography.
However, the Habsburg planners dreamed of more efficient links with the ports in the Adriatic. Thus, in 1901, an ambitious plan was launched for the development of new alpine railway routes (Neue Alpenbahnen), of which the most important became the Tauern line, inaugurated in 1909.
The closure of this line for reconstruction works, in November 2024, was a clear signal of how dependent traffic-both passengers and freight-only a few key routes through the Alps. When a major bond disappears, the impact is felt throughout Europe, as emphasizes and The Guardian in a recent analysis of the fragility of the alpine railway routes.
The Mont Cenis strategic route was reopened in spring 2025, after being closed from August 2023, following a landslide – although, in the first days of July, a new slip temporarily interrupted the traffic. During the interruption period, all high -speed trains between France and Italy were suspended.
Now, the links are again functional, and passengers can enjoy fast travelers: Paris -Torino in just 5 hours and 40 minutes or Lyon -Milan in less than five hours.
Spectacular travelers through the Alps and on the Adriatic coast
This summer, international trains have been introduced on other important routes in the Alps. On the Brenner route, which connects Austria to Italy, a new Railjet seasonal service was introduced, which circulates from Munich (Germany) directly to the Adriatic port of Ancona (Italy).
Since June, the famous Semmering railway, thanks to the dream landscapes they travel, has direct trains from Warsaw (Poland) to Rijeka (Croatia) – a 20 -hour night trip that runs through the Austrian Alps to the Croatian shore.
In addition, last month, in June, the famous Gotthard route began to host a new day train that connects Zurich (Switzerland) and Pisa (Italy) – an eight -hour trip that offers not only spectacular alpine views, but also coastal landscapes from the beautiful Liguria region.
The railway bond between Central Europe and the south of the continent returns to circulation
The Tauern railway, one of the most important alpine routes in Europe, reopens on July 14, after a year of interruption. The closure of this connection significantly affected the circulation of international trains between Central Europe and the south of the continent, complicating travel to Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.
Tauernbahn – spectacular and strategic railway route through Alpi Photo Dovetails Games Forum
The resumption of traffic brings to the map several night trains that connect Germany and Austria with Italy, but also direct links between Switzerland, southern Germany and the Balkan region. Basically, a railway corridor is essential for the European network is reactivated.
Although it is not a high -speed line, Tauernbahn remains a spectacular route through the alpine and efficient landscapes. In a Europe where the train returns to the foreground, the reopening of this railway is good news for both passengers and the continental sustainable transport network.
Attractions and tips useful for your journey through the Alps
Not only the landscapes are spectacular on this route, but also the attractions such as the Bad Gastein spa resort, with its Habsburg charm and the tradition of radon baths, which invite you to make a memorable stop. Radon baths are also found in Romania, in resorts such as Sovata, Băile Tușnad or Băile Govora, where they are used to treat rheumatic disorders and joint problems.
“The reopening of the Tuern tunnel is an important step for travelers who want to cross the Alps to Slovenia and northeast Italy, making the Austrian region more accessible. In addition to this advantage, in December the Koralm tunnel will be inaugurated, which will significantly shorten the road between Vienna and Carintia”states the representatives of Rail Europe.
It is worth noting that on certain internal distances, such as the Salzburg -Villach route in Austria, train ticket prices can be very affordable if you book them beforehand. However, once the places at the low rate are exhausted, the prices can double, so it is advisable to plan your journey through the Rail Europe platform to catch the best offers.
