VILLACH ON TRACK WITH THE TIMES: FAST AND DIRECT FROM GRAZ TO THE HEART OF CARINTHIA VIA THE KORALM RAILWAY

Starting in December 2025, travel in southern Austria will be redefined: The Koralm Railway – one of Europe’s most significant infrastructure projects – will connect Villach directly with Graz via Klagenfurt and a newly built high-performance rail line through the Koralpe mountains. With the launch of the Koralm Railway, a new era begins for Villach – traditionally known as Carinthia’s railway town.

THE KORALM RAILWAY: MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE

At 130 kilometers long, with a total of 23 modern stations and stops, the Koralm Railway is one of the largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects in Europe. It is part of the planned Southern Line, stretching from Austria’s northern to southern borders, directly linking Vienna and Villach. The route is also a key section of the trans-European corridor between the Baltic and the Adriatic Seas – the so-called Baltic-Adriatic Corridor.

The centerpiece of the Koralm Railway is the 33-kilometer-long Koralm Tunnel, which connects Styria and Carinthia – a technical masterpiece cutting through the Koralpe mountain range. Since December 2023, the section between Klagenfurt and St. Paul in the Lavant Valley has already been in operation, bringing significant improvements to regional transport. With full operation starting in December 2025, the entire route from Graz to Villach will be continuously navigable. Long-distance rail traffic will quadruple, and regional services will be adjusted accordingly. By 2030, the Semmering Base Tunnel – another part of the Southern Line – will be completed, cutting travel time between Vienna and Villach to under three hours, making rail travel even more attractive.

FROM GRAZ TO VILLACH IN RECORD TIME

What used to take almost three hours and required a transfer will soon take less than one and a half hours – direct, convenient, and climate-friendly. With the Xpress train, the Graz-Villach route could even be completed in around one hour  – with just a few stops at key stations such as Weststeiermark, St. Paul im Lavanttal, Kühnsdorf/Klopeiner See, and Klagenfurt. For a more relaxed ride or convenient boarding process, regional trains offer additional stops, including Graz-Don Bosco, Graz-Puntigam, and Feldkirchen/Seiersberg. The train becomes a real alternative to the car – opening up new professional and touristic possibilities along the entire Southern Line:

SHORT GETAWAYS TO VILLACH MADE EASIER THAN EVER

Whether from Vienna, Graz, or elsewhere in Styria – thanks to perfect rail connections, travelers can quickly, comfortably, and traffic-free reach the heart of Carinthia. The Villach region delights year-round: in summer, the turquoise Faaker See, the idyllic Ossiacher See, and the popular Drau Cycle Path invite visitors to swim, bike, and relax. Those looking for more action can explore the diverse mountain bike trails of the Lake.Bike network or enjoy scenic hiking routes with panoramic views. In winter, snow-covered mountains, well-groomed ski slopes, and cross-country ski trails await – all easily accessible. And in between? A stroll through Villach’s charming old town with its cultural highlights and culinary delights is always worth it. Perfect for a spontaneous short vacation – in every season!

TOP CONNECTIONS TO EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Villach is known for its vibrant culture and events with international flair. The new rail link brings guests directly to the action:

• Villacher Fasching: Austria’s carnival hotspot becomes a weekend destination for people from Graz.
• THE LAKE ROCKS SUP Festival: The major SUP event at Faaker See is now easily accessible by train.
• Villacher Kirchtag: Austria’s largest traditional folk festival directly connected to Graz.
• Advent in Villach & Bauernadvent: Christmas market vibes, ice skating rink, and magical lights – perfect for a spontaneous day trip by train.
• European Bike Week: Even motorcycle fans can now travel comfortably by rail.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUTERS

Professionals can get from Klagenfurt, Wolfsberg, or Graz to Villach – or vice versa – faster, stress-free, and without transfers. Many innovative companies, such as Infineon Technologies, 3M, Imerys, Lam Research, Flowserve, WILD, or Marcher Fleischwerke, offer exciting job opportunities in future-focused industries – from high tech and manufacturing to food processing. There are also attractive career paths in the healthcare sector, such as with KABEG, which operates one of Carinthia’s most modern regional hospitals in Villach. Additionally, startup initiatives like Smart Lab Carinthia or the build! Gründungszentrum make Villach an appealing location for founders and creative minds. Those seeking further education will find a wide range of practical study programs at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Villach, particularly in technology, business, and health. The improved connectivity makes it easier to work or study in Villach – even if living outside the region. This helps people better balance work and personal life, leaving more time for what really matters: leisure, family, and quality of life.

MORE LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VILLACH RESIDENTS

Day trips to Styria or Vienna (from 2030 in under three hours) become a practical option – making travel easier and leisure time more diverse.

CLIMATE PROTECTION IN EVERY DAY LIFE AND WHEN TRAVELING

The new high-performance line makes eco-friendly travel easier than ever. Fast, convenient, and transfer-free – making the train an attractive alternative to cars, both in daily life and on vacations.

VILLACH AS A MOBILITY HUB IN SOUTHERN AUSTRIA

Alongside Salzburg and Vienna, Villach is one of Austria’s most important transport hubs for long-distance rail travel. With the new direct connection, the city continues to evolve into a modern mobility hub in the Alps-Adriatic region. Fast links from Vienna, Graz, or Klagenfurt intersect here with international connections to Italy, Slovenia, Tyrol, and Salzburg. Whether for business travel, weekend getaways, or the start of a holiday – Villach becomes the ideal starting point for sustainable and comfortable travel, further strengthening its role as a modern transport hub.

With the Koralm Railway, a new era also begins for Villach: for tourism, for the economy – and for everyone who enjoys climate-friendly travel. The city lies directly on the route of a project that connects Europe and serves as a gateway to everything Carinthia has to offer.