Continuing our nostalgic train journey through Austria, my son and I traveled to the picturesque city of Gmünd, located in the north of Lower Austria near the Czech Republic border, to embark on the Waldviertel train. After a short trip, we boarded a beautiful, vintage train that took us on a two-hour journey through the Waldviertel region. The Waldviertel train offers multiple travel options, including old diesel and steam trains, as well as modern electric trains. As per our travel plans, we opted for the diesel train on a beautiful Saturday morning on the 13th of May, 2023.
We began our journey from Tulln an der Donau and boarded the REX train to Gmünd, which took us roughly one hour and forty-five minutes to reach. The Waldviertel train station is located separately from the OEBB station, and initially, we were unsure if our train would depart from the OEBB station. However, with Arad’s help, we were able to locate the correct station for our nostalgic train journey.
Our journey on the Waldviertel train was an unforgettable experience. The scenic route took us through lush green fields, rolling hills, and dense forests, providing a glimpse into the stunning beauty of the Waldviertel region. We passed through several charming towns and villages, and the train made stops at various stations, allowing us to explore the area and take in the local sights.
One of the highlights of the trip was the beautifully restored vintage train itself, which boasted classic design elements and comfortable seating. The train’s charm and character were a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Waldviertel region.
We embarked on a memorable trip with the Waldviertel train, and I must say it was a fun-filled adventure for me and my son Arad. The train was not crowded, and we were lucky enough to have an entire wagon to ourselves where Arad could play to his heart’s content.
As we traveled from Gmünd towards Groß Gerung, the lush greenery of the trees became more and more dense, and the signs of spring were everywhere to be seen. The light green leaves, the blooming flowers on the trees, the cloudy weather, and the dampness in the air added to the charm of our journey.
Arad and I made the most of our time together playing games like Schnipp’s Schnapp and reading children’s books to each other. The journey was comfortable and relaxing, and before we knew it, we had arrived at our destination after passing ten stations in about one hour and fifty minutes.
Once we got off the train, we found that the diesel locomotive was being prepared for the return trip, which would not start for another two hours. We decided to explore the city center and came across a charming pizzeria where we enjoyed a delicious lunch.
After our meal, we made our way back to the train and visited the tiniest museum I have ever seen. The exhibition area was no more than 30 to 50 square meters, but the picture on the wall showing workers drilling a tunnel through the mountain was a fascinating sight to behold. The museum featured fascinating historical artifacts, including tools used by train station workers over 100 years ago.
But the real highlight of the trip was the breathtaking views from the train. We saw the stunning Schloss Weitra castle and passed through picturesque countryside filled with rolling green hills, towering trees, and sparkling rivers. Even though our son Arad was tired from all the excitement, he still managed to take a quick nap in the cozy kids’ wagon.
Despite the chilly temperature in the wagon, the train personnel explained that this was due to the lack of air conditioning in older trains. But this didn’t dampen our spirits one bit – in fact, it only added to the vintage charm of the experience.
As the return trip drew to a close, we reflected on the memories we had made and the special bond we had strengthened between father and son. The Waldviertel train may be a piece of history, but it has the power to bring families together and create unforgettable moments.
