Europe Explorations

Exploring the Serfaus Dorfbahn - The World's Shortest Metro

By Andrescoto87 - March 11, 2023

A scenic view of Serfaus, a picturesque village in the Austrian Alps, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green forests.




The Serfaus Dorfbahn is a unique metro system in the charming town of Serfaus, Austria. The locals call it Dorfbahn ("Dorf" means village or town). With a length of just 1.3 km (4265 ft), it is recognized as the world's shortest metro and runs inside a rectangular tunnel with a width of 3 meters (9.84 ft). Despite its small size, the Serfaus Dorfbahn is a state-of-the-art system that boasts cutting-edge technology and offers passengers a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation. In fact, it is the 3rd shortest metro line on the planet (the 1st one is in Istanbul which has 600 m (1968.8 ft) and the 2nd one is in Madrid which is Ópera-Príncipe). In this article, we will delve deeper into this fascinating metro system's history, construction, and features.


History and Construction


The Serfaus Dorfbahn was constructed in the early 1980s to provide locals and tourists with a convenient mode of transportation in the town. The project was completed in two years and officially opened publicly in 1985. The metro system features four stations and six fully automated cabins that can carry up to 390 passengers per trip. The construction of the Serfaus Dorfbahn was a remarkable achievement, given the town's challenging mountainous terrain and the limited space available.


A map showing the metro network of Serfaus, including the six stations and the route of the automated and driverless Serfaus Dorfbahn system.
image from fronterasblog.com


How Did the Idea of a Metro System Come About in Serfaus?


In the 1970s, the rise of tourism in Serfaus brought a traffic nightmare. With 198 kilometers of ski tracks and 70 lifts waiting for skiers on the nearby 3,000-meter-high ridge, cars were jamming the streets and creating gridlock for up to four or five blocks from the town center. To address this issue, the town authorities prohibited cars in the town area and inaugurated a bus service between recently built parking lots. However, the large number of passenger trips simultaneously made it difficult to maintain an efficient and reliable transportation service. To solve this problem, the idea of a metro system was born. The Serfaus Dorfbahn was designed as an automated and driverless system that would transport visitors quickly and conveniently to and from the town center, reducing traffic congestion and pollution.


Features and Technology


Despite its small size, the Serfaus Dorfbahn is a marvel of technology. The metro system operates on electricity and uses rubber-tired trains that run on a single rail, resulting in a smooth and quiet ride for passengers. The cabins are spacious and equipped with large windows that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Additionally, the Serfaus Dorfbahn is fully automated, which means there is no need for a driver, making it one of the most efficient and safe metro systems in the world.


Visiting Serfaus


Serfaus is a popular tourist destination in Austria, known for its skiing and snowboarding resorts. The Serfaus Dorfbahn is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to the town. Visitors can take a ride on the metro system and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding Alps. The system operates throughout the year, making it an excellent option for visitors during both the summer and winter months. Moreover, the Serfaus Dorfbahn is easily accessible and conveniently located in the town center.


Prices and Hours of Operation


An exterior view of a Serfaus Dorfbahn metro station entrance, with a colorful sign indicating the station name and the system's logo, providing a convenient and easily accessible transportation option for visitors to the village.

The Serfaus Dorfbahn operates throughout the year, making it a convenient mode of transportation for visitors and locals. The system works daily from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, with extended hours during the winter months. Tickets can be purchased at the stations, and prices vary depending on the time of year and the type of ticket. A single journey costs around €3.50, while a day pass costs €7.50. Additionally, children under six can ride the Serfaus Dorfbahn for free, and discounts are available for families and groups.


A Convenient and Sustainable Mode of Transportation (Serfaus Dorfbahn facts)


An interior view of a Seilbahn Station (Serfaus Dorfbahn) metro station, showcasing its modern and efficient design, with clean lines, bright lighting, and clear signage.

  • The Serfaus Dorfbahn is a fully automated and driverless system that operates on electricity, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

  • The system has a capacity of up to 3,000 passengers per hour, which makes it an efficient and reliable transportation option for visitors and locals.

  • The Serfaus Dorfbahn has been in operation since December, 14th 1985, and has undergone several upgrades over the years since the summer of 2019 it amazes its passengers with the newest renovation.

  • The system includes four stations (Parkplatz, Kirche, Zentrum, and Seilbahn) strategically located throughout the village, making it easy for passengers to access popular destinations, such as hotels, restaurants, and ski slopes.

  • The Serfaus Dorfbahn is not only a convenient mode of transportation, but it also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it a popular attraction in its own right.


In conclusion, the Serfaus Dorfbahn is a unique and fascinating metro system that is worth visiting for anyone traveling to Serfaus, Austria. Despite its small size, it offers cutting-edge technology, passenger comfort, and efficient operation. We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the world's shortest metro and why it is a must-visit attraction in Serfaus.



Sources: Fronteras Blog and Serfaus Official Site

Poster of the Serfaus Dorfbahn the shortest metro in the world create with AI

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