Narrow-gauge lifeline: 120 years Pinzgauer Lokalbahn
The Pinzgauer Lokalbahn was opened on 2 January 1898. Already in 1889 there were first plans for the construction of a railway line from Zell am See to Oberpinzgau. However, the preparatory work until the granting of the concession lasted until 1896. On May 19, 1896, Emperor Franz Josef I signed the certificate for the construction and operation of a narrow-gauge local railway from Zell am See via Mittersill to Krimml.
Initially, two passenger trains operated, with one train also taking over freight. This served primarily the timber transport and the transport of agricultural goods. In Zell am See the cargo was reloaded onto standard gauge wagons until the launch of the 1926 rolling stock operation. In passenger service, the Krimml waterfalls made for a high tourist passenger volume.
Even today, tourism is an important pillar of the railway line alongside commuters, students and freight transport. “60 employees are constantly working for the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn. Around 900,000 passengers a year, including 1,100 pupils a day, use the offer. We carry our passengers hourly in modern sets with up to 80 km / h over a distance of 53 kilometers and over 40 stops “, says Dr. Leonhard Schitter, board spokesman of Salzburg AG.
Freight traffic was resumed in November 2008 after a 10-year break. The track between Mittersill and Krimml has been open again since September 2010. In July 2005, the flood-leading Salzach washed away much of the route.
Railway sidings of the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn lead to many commercial enterprises. As a result, these companies have a direct connection to the rail network of ÖBB and to the European railway network for their freight transport. Well-known companies such as the company Senoplast and the wood company Meissnitzer use the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn to shift the transport of raw materials and goods from the road to the rail in an environmentally friendly manner. Those responsible appreciate the reliability and flexibility of the local railway.