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Ehemaliger Südbahnhof: Echoes of Vienna's Railway Past

Explore the historical site of Ehemaliger Südbahnhof in Vienna, where echoes of a grand railway past meet the modern urban landscape.

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The Ehemaliger Südbahnhof, or Former South Railway Station, in Vienna's Favoriten district, is a historical site that tells the story of Vienna's railway history. Although the station is no longer functioning, the area serves as a reminder of Vienna's evolving urban landscape and its grand railway past.

A brief summary to Ehemahliger Südbahnhof

  • Vienna, Favoriten, 1100, AT

Local tips

  • Take a stroll through the Schweizergarten, a park located near the former Südbahnhof, which offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
  • Visit the Wien Museum, which has exhibits and collections related to the Südbahnhof, providing further insights into its history and significance.
  • Explore the area around Wien Hauptbahnhof for subtle reminders of the Südbahnhof's past, such as street names and architectural details.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Station), the former Südbahnhof area is easily accessible. You can take the D tram from the Hauptbahnhof (Wien Hauptbahnhof) stop towards the city center and get off at the Quartier Belvedere S stop. A single ticket for a short trip (Kurzstrecke) on the tram costs €2.40.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Belvedere Palace or the Schweizergarten, the Ehemaliger Südbahnhof area is within easy walking distance. Simply head towards the Wien Hauptbahnhof. The walk is generally flat and well-paved, making it accessible for most visitors.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A short taxi or ride-share trip from central Vienna (e.g., Stephansplatz) to the Ehemaliger Südbahnhof area will typically cost between €9-€12, depending on traffic and the specific drop-off point. Ask to be dropped off near Wien Hauptbahnhof or the Schweizergarten.

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Discover more about Ehemahliger Südbahnhof

The Ehemaliger Südbahnhof, located in Vienna's Favoriten district, is more than just a place; it's a palimpsest of Viennese history, etched with the stories of travel, trade, and transformation. While no longer a functioning railway station, the site resonates with the echoes of a grand past, inviting visitors to reflect on Vienna's ever-evolving urban landscape. Originally, the Südbahnhof wasn't a single entity but rather the amalgamation of two separate stations: the Gloggnitzer Bahnhof, which opened in 1841 as the terminus of the Southern Railway, and the Raaber Bahnhof, which followed in 1845 as the starting point for the Eastern Railway. These stations, built in a classical style under the direction of Matthias Schönerer, marked the dawn of the railway age in Vienna, connecting the city to the industrial heartlands of the south and the agricultural regions of the east. As Vienna flourished during the Industrial Revolution, the Südbahnhof grew in importance. In 1874, the Gloggnitzer Bahnhof was replaced by a grand new structure designed by Wilhelm von Flattich, befitting Vienna's status as an imperial capital. This new Südbahnhof, though not completed in time for the 1873 World's Fair, became a symbol of the city's ambition and progress. The Raaber Bahnhof was also rebuilt and later renamed Wien Ostbahnhof (Vienna East Station). The Südbahnhof witnessed countless journeys, from the daily commutes of Viennese citizens to the grand voyages of European royalty. It was a place of arrivals and departures, of tearful farewells and joyful reunions. The station's architecture reflected this sense of drama, with its soaring arches, ornate facades, and bustling platforms. Despite surviving the Second World War relatively unscathed, the Südbahnhof faced a new challenge in the late 20th century: the need for modernization. In 2009, the decision was made to demolish the existing station and replace it with a state-of-the-art transportation hub, the Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Station). This new station, completed in 2015, would consolidate Vienna's railway traffic, allowing for seamless connections between north-south and east-west routes. The demolition of the Südbahnhof was met with mixed reactions. Exploring the area around the Wien Hauptbahnhof, one can find subtle reminders of the Südbahnhof's past. Street names, architectural details, and public art installations all serve as echoes of the railway era, inviting reflection on the city's ever-evolving identity. The Ehemaliger Südbahnhof is a reminder that even as cities change and grow, their pasts continue to shape their present. It is a place where history and modernity intertwine, offering visitors a unique perspective on Vienna's rich and complex story.

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