SKGLB Museum (Transport Museum Mondsee)

SKGLB Museum in Mondsee, Upper Austria is dedicated to the Salzkammergut-Lokalbahn (SKGLB), a narrow-gauge railway that once connected Salzburg with the picturesque towns and lakes of the Salzkammergut region. The museum is housed in the former engine shed of the Mondsee branch, which is the only remaining building of its kind on the SKGLB network.

The SKGLB: A Railway of Dreams

The SKGLB was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a result of the increasing demand for tourism and transport in the Salzkammergut area. The railway was designed to link Salzburg, the cultural and economic center of the region, with Bad Ischl, the imperial summer residence of the Habsburgs, and other popular destinations such as St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Mondsee. The railway also served the local industries, such as salt mining, timber, and agriculture.

The SKGLB was a remarkable engineering feat, as it had to overcome many challenges, such as steep gradients, tight curves, and difficult terrain. The railway used a 760 mm (2 ft 5+1516 in) gauge, which allowed for more flexibility and lower costs than the standard gauge. The railway also employed a variety of locomotives, ranging from steam engines to diesel and electric ones. The SKGLB was one of the first railways in Austria to use electric traction, which was more efficient and environmentally friendly than coal.

The SKGLB was not only a means of transport, but also a source of enjoyment and inspiration for many travelers. The railway offered spectacular views of the mountains, lakes, and forests of the Salzkammergut, as well as the charming villages and historic monuments along the way. The railway also influenced the culture and art of the region, as many writers, musicians, and painters were drawn to its beauty and romance. Some of the famous names associated with the SKGLB include Johann Strauss, Franz Lehár, Gustav Mahler, and Hugo von Hofmannsthal.

The SKGLB Museum: A Railway of Memories

Unfortunately, the SKGLB could not survive the competition from road and air transport, and the railway was gradually closed down between 1951 and 1957. The only section that remains in operation today is the cog railway from St. Wolfgang to Schafberg, which is a popular tourist attraction. The rest of the SKGLB network was dismantled, and most of the buildings and equipment were either demolished or sold.

However, thanks to the efforts of a group of enthusiasts, the SKGLB is not completely forgotten. In 1979, the SKGLB Museum was established in the former engine shed of the Mondsee branch, which was built in 1893 and is a protected monument. The museum preserves and displays a collection of original cars, locomotives, and other artifacts from the SKGLB, as well as photographs, documents, and maps that tell the story of the railway and its people. The museum also features a model layout of the Mondsee branch, which shows how the railway looked and operated in its heyday.

The SKGLB Museum is open from May to October, on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, from 10:00 to 17:00. The admission fee is 5 euros for adults, 3 euros for children, and 12 euros for families. The museum also offers guided tours, special events, and educational programs for schools and groups. For more information, you can visit the museum’s website at www.skglb.at or contact them by phone at +43 6232 6200 or by email at info@skglb.at.

The SKGLB Museum is a unique and fascinating place to visit, whether you are a railway enthusiast, a history buff, or a nature lover. The museum will take you on a journey through time, and show you the glory and the tragedy of the SKGLB, a railway that was once the pride and joy of the Salzkammergut.

Bad Ischl, Austria