Tauernbahn

The Tauernbahn is a major railway line in Austria connecting the states of Salzburg and Carinthia. It forms a crucial part of the trunk line connecting Germany to Italy and southeastern Europe. The railway traverses the High Tauern mountain range, a challenging but scenic route. Construction began in 1901 and the line was opened in stages, with the full route completed in 1909.

The most significant engineering feats on the Tauernbahn are the two main tunnels: the Tauern Tunnel and the Katschberg Tunnel. The Tauern Tunnel, at 8.57 kilometers, was a considerable achievement for its time. The Katschberg Tunnel, a later addition completed in 1988, is significantly longer at 7.7 kilometers and was built to alleviate traffic and improve gradients. The line is known for its dramatic landscape, featuring numerous bridges and viaducts that span steep valleys and rivers, offering passengers spectacular views.

Electrification of the line was completed in stages, with the entire line being electrified by 1920. The Tauernbahn is a vital artery for both passenger and freight traffic. It is operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and is an integral part of the European rail network. The line's strategic importance and its impressive engineering make it a noteworthy example of early 20th-century railway construction.