The world’s most beautiful train station named and the view is incredible
One station high up in the Austrian mountains is so visually stunning it was declared the most beautiful in the world. Gazing over the River Wolfgang in Austria, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from an elevation of 1,783 metres at the award-winning station.
Schafbergbahn sits at the top of a railway where famed red and white trains take visitors up a stunning scenic route, which climbs about 1,200 metres from the valley of St Wolfgang to the top of Schafberg Mountain. The journey takes just 35 minutes each way over 5.85km, but it has rightly earned popularity among tourists.
People come from far and wide to to northwest Austria to experience the country's steepest steam-powered cog railway, and enjoy 360-degree views from Schafbergbahn, with its restaurant and outdoor terrace.
In 2024, it earned the prestigious architecture and design award, Prix Versailles, for being the world's most beautiful passenger station.Benjamin Millepied, Chairman of the jury, said: "Each building and each space that we are memorialising today has the power to transform our society, make our lives more harmonious and connected, and inspire us to better inhabit the world."
Even though the station was renovated last year, the railway line dates back more than a century. Construction started in April 1892 after the beautiful area began growing in popularity with visitors.
While it attracted many hikers, one visitor, Emperor Franz Joseph, summited the mountain in a much different fashion. He's believed to have been carried to the top in a Sedan chair so he could enjoy the dreamy view.
Construction started on a more efficient transport method in 1892, and an estimated 350-strong workforce carved the trackbed out of the mountainside.
Mules reportedly made in excess of 6,000 trips during construction, and despite the harsh mountain conditions, the railway opened just over a year later in August 1893.
Daily Express
