European Railroad Discussion > The Achenseebahn: Jenbach, Austria (steam content)

The following day, which was rainy, gray, and cool, was allocated to riding the Achenseebahn north out of Jenbach, Austria, east of Innsbruck. The Achenseebahn has to be one of the steepest steam-powered cog railways in the world with a destination of Achensee (Lake Achen). I should add that the line is only 6.78 km long, meter gauge, with a maximum grade of 16%! (the cog portion).

1. An overview of the Achenseebahn facilities in Jenbach with the little two-car train working its way towards the loading platform.

2. The tiny 0-4-0T locomotive. The extra rod and rotating disk is part of the cog drive system.

3. A view from the rear. The locomotive is always on the downhill side of the train.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/02/25 14:47 by NMlurker.

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4. I include this view to show the start of the grade (and rack) just past the engine house. The OBB mainline (westbahn) is immediately to the right.

5. It was difficult to capture the extreme nature of the grade. The train pulsed with each cycle of the cylinders.

6. And not just straight up but plenty of winding as well.

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7. Once past the steep grade and rack portion, the locomotive ran around the train for the rest of the trip to Achensee Schiffstation. I am not sure why because the locomotive has to run around the train again at the north end.

8. Having run around the train after arrival at Achensee to be on the downhill side again the locomotive takes on water.

9. The view from the front of the first carriage on the trip back down the hill where it is all about fighting gravity.

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