Nikolausdampfzüge — Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten

Every year the Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten, the non-profit association behind the Rosentaler Dampfzüge, runs its Nikolausdampfzüge from Ferlach station. The operator says the Nikolaus pays the steam trains a visit each year and gives small presents to the good children; he walks through the train and has a surprise for every child.

A long stop at Weizelsdorf station gives the Nikolaus time to reach every child; during it passengers can use the toilet, look at the steam locomotive and take photographs. On the return journey the train is held up by the Krampus group "Karawankenteufel Unterferlach". The operator guarantees a child-friendly show: the Krampus figures do not get into the train and can be watched safely from the windows, and braver visitors may step out to be photographed with them. The train then returns to Ferlach.

Parents can warm up in the buffet car with mulled wine and Christmas biscuits; the operator's practical notes describe it as selling cold snacks and cold and hot drinks.

A steam train ride of about two hours from Ferlach, with the Nikolaus visiting every child during the journey, a long stop at Weizelsdorf station, and a Krampus group that halts the train on the way back but cannot enter it. A buffet car sells mulled wine, snacks and hot and cold drinks.

Boarding is possible only at Ferlach station (Bahnhofstraße 6, 9170 Ferlach), starting 30 minutes before departure. Tickets are sold only through the operator's web shop; phone and e-mail orders are not possible and there is no waiting list for sold-out trains. Seats are assigned free of charge when you book and sent by e-mail about a week before the trip; for people who want to sit together, make one group booking under one name. Parking is at the sports hall (Neubaugasse 7) with a free shuttle bus. Public transport: S-Bahn S3 from Klagenfurt to Weizelsdorf, then bus line 550 to Ferlach bus station and about 800 m on foot. The historic vehicles are not built for disabled access, and the operator asks passengers with disabilities to get in touch before travelling.