Anyone lucky enough to go to Innsbruck should make a note that a visit to the Hungerburgbahn is almost compulsory.

Completed at the end of 2007, it is a credit to the late Lord Mayor, Hildegard Zach, whose foresight to locate the main station (Congress Park) in the centre of the city, will make it so much easier for tourists and convention visitors to access the beautiful slopes of the Hafelekar mountain.

The futuristic design of the stations, created by London architect Zaha Hadid, match perfectly with the fascinating design of the train and the railway system. There are 2 trains, each consisting of 5 small carriages or modules. As the train gains elevation, instead of the carriages following the level of the chassis, each module remains in a horizontal position. Consequently the passengers in the first 4 carriages are able to look back at the emerging views over the top of the following carriages. There is no tilting and very little leaning on the bends. The ride itself is extremely comfortable, smooth and with very little noise.

The system consists of a single track with a passing loop half way between the city station and Hungerburg station. Each train starts the journey from opposite ends of the track at the same time and they are able to pass each other at the loop without the necessity to slow down. There are 2 stations in between. The first is called Löwenhaus Station and the second is for passengers going to the Alpenzoo. The trains going in opposite directions stop at each station, so that the train going from Congress Park stops at Löwenhaus at the same time as the other stops at Alpenzoo.

The city station at Congress Park is located underground and the train emerges to cross the river Inn before starting the steep climb up the lower slopes to Hungerburg. The views of the river are excellent and they just get better as the train rises up the slope revealing not only the city below but the magnificent Patscherkofel and many other mountains that surround Innsbruck. The total journey takes 20 minutes to complete which is all too short. However, on arriving at the destination, it is only a 50 metre walk to the cable car which will take you to the top of Hafelekar where the views in all directions are quite breath taking.

I am looking forward to one day seeing this modern day marvel being produced in model railway form by some enterprising enthusiast. It will need someone with a large amount of ingenuity to duplicate the intricate and intriguing design of the stations and rail system.