The Advent season has begun, and for many this means not only baking biscuits and cosy evenings, but also the question: ‘What do I give for Christmas?’ If you know someone who loves trains and railways, you’ve come to the right place with this year’s Gift Guide! Whether for adults or children – here you will find great gift ideas for railway fans that are guaranteed to make eyes light up under the Christmas tree. Let yourself be infected by the fascination of the railway world and make Christmas this year a journey full of joy and adventure!
1. Model railways – a classic for every age group
For the die-hard collector or hobbyist, a model railway is the ultimate gift. Manufacturers such as Märklin, Fleischmann and PIKO offer high-quality models in various scales. Limited editions or historical locomotives are also particularly popular.
Advanced model railway fans will be delighted with technical accessories such as track extensions, digital control systems or small kits for stations and landscapes.
Simple models such as the robust ‘Märklin my world’ series or various sets from Lego City with trains are suitable for children.
2. A visit to railway museums
Railway museums are a great day out for the whole family and perfect for railway fans of all ages. There are some great museums in Austria that offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of trains.
The Vienna Technical Museum is equally exciting for children and adults, offering an impressive collection of historic locomotives and carriages. Children can let off steam in the interactive exhibition areas, while adults can marvel at the engineering skills of times gone by.
The Remise Verkehrsmuseum in 1030 Vienna is also a wonderful destination for rail enthusiasts. Until 15 December, there is also a Christmas village including an Advent market and a vintage tram ride.
Another highlight is the Strasshof Railway Museum in Lower Austria, also known as ‘Das Heizhaus’. With over 100 locomotives and carriages, most of which are accessible, it is one of the largest railway museums in Austria. There are also guided tours for children, where they can discover the history of the railway in a fun way.
3. Books and films for railway enthusiasts
A nice book is always a good idea! Classics such as ‘The most beautiful railway lines in the world’ or illustrated books with historic locomotives are sure to go down well with people with a passion for the railway world.
For children, for example, the series ‘Thomas, the little locomotive’, which is also available as films and audio books, is a good choice.
4. Railway board games and puzzles
Board games such as ‘Zug um Zug’ are a big hit with adults and families alike. The strategic board game, which is available in many variations from Europe to Asia, combines railways with fun and excitement.
Puzzles with railway motifs are a great way for children or hobbyists to pass the time.
5. Decorative items and accessories
Even small gifts can bring great joy. For adults, high-quality accessories such as railway wall clocks or nostalgic tin signs are ideal.
For children, there are, for example, desk lamps in a locomotive design or cosy train cushions and bed linen with locomotives that transform the children’s room into a railway world.
6. Tickets for an experience on rails
Last but not least – how about giving the gift of an adventure together? Tickets for a ride on a historic steam locomotive or a panoramic railway offer unforgettable experiences. A ride on the Schafbergbahn in the Salzkammergut, the steepest cog railway in the country, or a trip on the Mariazell Railway, which takes you through picturesque landscapes, are perfect gift ideas, for example. A trip on the Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage railway with breathtaking views and historic railway technology, will also delight the recipient.
For something a little more luxurious, a voucher for a trip on the famous Majestic Imperator Train de Luxe , a replica of the imperial court trains, could be a particularly classy gift. Alternatively, vouchers for luxury train journeys, such as the Glacier Express in Switzerland, are an exclusive surprise for adults.
These gift ideas are guaranteed to hit the mark with any railway fan – young or old! We hope we have been able to inspire you for this year’s presents and hope you enjoy giving them. Stay up to date with all things railway and follow us on LinkedIn for regular rail-related updates.