Ötscherland-Express completes track renovation after year-long delay

The Ötscherland-Express museum railway will soon resume services along its full route after renovation work was completed, one year later than hoped, ORF reports.

The railway runs between Kienberg-Gaming and Lunz am See, both in the Scheibbs district. The work included replacing all wooden sleepers with steel ones and followed years of debate over funding and many hours of volunteer work by members of the Austrian Society for Local Railways.

The railway had hoped to operate the full route during the 2026 timetable year. Delays meant it continued running on only half the route for another year. The restriction caused significant financial losses, society president Albert Malli told ORF, adding that many passengers had waited for the entire line to reopen. He said the group expected full trains next year.

As a condition of the state’s funding commitment, the society agreed to take part in the construction work. The railway also hopes to attract more passengers by accepting the Lower Austria Card in future.

The Ötscherland-Express is currently on its winter break. The new season is due to start on June 5.