Austria’s Semmering Railway is regarded as a milestone in the history of railway construction. When it opened in 1854, it demonstrated the feasibility of building railways through even ruggedly mountainous regions. With the ongoing construction of the Semmering Base Tunnel to relieve the historic railway line, questions have arisen about the management, maintenance, and further development of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This book, produced by the Working Group for World Heritage in Austria, includes contributions from a variety of disciplines and provides a comprehensive overview of the many activities involved in managing this mountain railway. Specially commissioned photographs by Hertha Hurnaus offer impressive views of the railway line, historic buildings, and the surrounding landscape.