By the end of the age of steam the Austrian Society for Railway History (ÖGEG) was founded in 1974 in Linz/Danube with the ambitious aim of preserving some of the last active steam locomotives to keep the myth of steam alive. More than 30 years later and after long period of growth the society is structured in three sections:

• LOKPARK AMPFLWANG Oberösterreichisches Eisenbahn- und Bergbaumuseum (standard gauge section)
• Steyrtalbahn (narrow gauge section)
• Paddle steamer “Schönbrunn” (ship section)

The foundation stone for the LOKPARK AMPFLWANG was laid in 1976, when the first locomotive 78.618 - a 4-6-4T passenger class type was acquired. Her overhaul in working order took more than ten years and was performed by a handful of volunteers. Meanwhilethe collection of interesting Austrian classes like 93, 392 and 52 was enlarged over the years and culminated in the purchase of 2-8-4 class 12, the biggest and most impressive Austrian express steam locomotive. The locomotive had to be transferred from Romania, where a large number of this class had been built under license.

In 1992 the Eastern German pacific class 01.5 was bought and restored at the well known RAW Meiningen. Ever since this locomotive is operational and hauls special passenger trains which are offered to the big community of railway enthusiasts.

In 1996 the closing of the coal mining company in Ampflwang, near the famous Salzkammergut region, offered the possibility of taking over its standard gauge freight line Ampflwang-Timelkam including a small engine shed and some mining buildings. The line had been built as a connection to the most important Austrian main line from Vienna to Salzburg - the Westbahn.

2006 was another important year for our society. The exhibition “Coal & Steam”, organized by the regional government of upper Austria, was opened in Ampflwang. In preparation of this event mining buildings were revamped and a new round house was erected, to become the new home of our historic locomotive collection, which also includes typical Austrian electric and diesel locomotives.

The museum now labelled LOKPARK AMPFLWANG is opened from May to October. Visit our roundhouse and the “Sortierung”, a special exhibition area for railway and mining related topics. Our museum shop offers a good selection of railway related souvenirs. Steam and diesel trains run regularly from July to September on the Ampflwang – Timelkam line.

You will find additional offers for special trains on different Austrian main lines at the button “Termine”.

The Steyrtal railway is the oldest narrow gauge line (760mm) in Austria and was opened in 1889. Starting point is Steyr, an oldtown with a long tradition in manufacturing steel products. Following the scenic valley of river Steyr and passing the famous church “Christkindl” the line ends in Grünburg. Closed in 1982 by the Austrian Federal Railways it was the last Austrian line running exclusively on steam. In 1986 our society succeeded in the reopening for hauling heritage trains. Feel the atmosphere of the golden age of steamby travelling in original coaches and passing station buildings in proper style. Among others two original locomotives, No. 2 “Sierning” and No.6 “Klaus” built in the end of the 19th century, pull heritage trains on weekends from May to October. Additionaltrains are operated in Christmas season.

The ship. On board of the last original Danube paddle steamer "Schönbrunn" (built in 1912) you can enjoy the Danube region around Linz from the water. Since 1995 many volunteers of the "ÖGEG" (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte or Austrian Society for Railway History) have renovated and now maintain the majestic ship for passenger-ship-cruises. The "Schönbrunn" proudly presents the old steam engine, the chimney and the big paddles. Come on board and have a good time with specialities of our board restaurant, experience the Danube valley and be fascinated by the special steam atmosphere.

Schedule. Our timetable offers many different cruises from Linz upstream to Aschach, Engelhartszell and Passau (Germany) and downstream to Grein and the beautiful Wachau Valley. Interesting "special theme cruises" during the midsummer season are also available.

The ship is yours. The "Schönbrunn" with a capacity of 900 passengers (335 in saloon) is the best option for your special event! Weddings, private parties, seminars incentives and company promotions – celebrate on the classic "blue Danube". Our restaurant on board offers delicacies for everyone and for every budget – from the rustic buffet to the gala dinners.

Welcome on board!

Informations
Tel.: +43 664 5087 664 (10.00-17.00 Uhr) - Frau Spatt
Tel.: +43 664 4344 666 (Mo.-Fr. von 19.00-21.00 Uhr) - Herr Pötzelsberger
Fax: +43 7675 39400
Email: sonderzuege@oegeg.at