A new railway line connecting Graz and Klagenfurt opened at the end of 2025. At the heart of this project is the Koralm Railway, and its most impressive feature is undoubtedly the Koralm Tunnel.
In my previous article, I introduced the opening news, but this time I’m sharing my actual experience riding the line when traveling to see the Villach Carnival. Here’s a realistic review of how much transportation in southern Austria has improved.
(Official page: ÖBB Infrastructure Koralm Railway)
（当ブログの記事をまとめたポータルページはここです）
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Traveling Between Graz and Klagenfurt Used to Be Tough
Before the Koralm Railway, I once traveled from Graz to Venice in Italy.
At that time, the route looked like this:
- Graz → Klagenfurt am Wörthersee (bus: about 2 hours)
- About 30 minutes waiting time in Klagenfurt
- Klagenfurt → Venice (train: over 4 hours)
Total: around 7 hours.
On top of that, the bus ride between Graz and Klagenfurt went through mountainous roads with constant curves and heavy shaking. The scenery was nice, but it wasn’t exactly comfortable.
Now, thanks to the new railway, everything has dramatically improved.
Speed and Comfort Inside the Koralm Tunnel
The most iconic section of the Koralm Railway is the Koralm Tunnel.
Especially between:
- Weststeiermark Station
- St. Paul im Lavanttal Station
the train reaches speeds of over 170 km/h.
For a mountainous country like Austria, this speed is quite impressive. The ride felt smooth, with minimal vibration, and none of the instability you would expect from mountain travel.
Compared to the old bus route, it’s truly a completely different level of comfort.
Significant Reduction in Travel Time
Previously, traveling between Graz and Klagenfurt took more than 2.5 hours including bus rides and waiting time.
Now, the journey is fully covered by train, making it much more efficient and eliminating transfer stress.
This improvement means:
- Smoother travel within southern Austria
- Better access to Italy
- More efficient business travel
The impact goes beyond tourism—it’s also significant for the regional economy.
Scenery Along the Route
While the tunnel gets most of the attention, the scenery along the route is also a highlight.
Mountain Landscapes Around the Stations
The areas around Weststeiermark and St. Paul im Lavanttal are surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes.
As soon as you exit the tunnel, you’re greeted with stunning Alpine views. There are also ski areas nearby, so in winter the scenery must be even more spectacular.
Highlight: Klagenfurt to Villach
The route continues south from Klagenfurt to Villach.
The biggest highlight here is the beautiful Wörthersee.
The train runs alongside the lake, offering stunning views. On sunny days, the water sparkles beautifully, and the contrast between mountains and lake creates a truly memorable travel experience.
Overall Review
My honest impression:
“I wish this had existed earlier.”
- No more bus transfers
- Smoother and more comfortable ride
- Shorter travel time
- Beautiful scenery along the way
Having experienced the old route, the improvement feels even more impressive.
Conclusion: A Transportation Revolution in Southern Austria
With the opening of the Koralm Railway and Koralm Tunnel:
- Graz–Klagenfurt travel is now high-speed rail level
- Access to Italy has improved
- Tourism potential in southern Austria has expanded
The region’s transportation has fundamentally changed.
If you’re planning to travel in southern Austria, this is a route you should definitely experience. It’s not just transportation—it’s proof that infrastructure can completely transform the quality of travel.
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