An ICE 4 high-speed train was named “Steiermark,” the German name for the Austrian state of Styria, at an event organized at Graz Central Station by Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, and the regional tourism promotion organization Steiermark Tourismus.
The train will bear the insignia of the Austrian province of Styria, including the regional coat of arms and the “green heart” symbol, thus becoming a mobile ambassador for the region in international relations between Austria and Germany.
ICE 4, the backbone of German long-distance transport
The ICE 4 (Siemens Mobility) model is the standard train for long-distance rail transport in Germany and offers 444 seats, including 77 in first class and 367 in second class.
The train is equipped with free Wi-Fi, a modern passenger information system, bicycle storage, and facilities for people with reduced mobility, including integrated lifts and four dedicated wheelchair spaces.
Sabine Stock, a member of the ÖBB passenger transport division management, said that the ICE “Stiria” is “a symbol of international mobility and what railways should offer today: fast, comfortable, and climate-friendly connections.”
Mario Kunasek, governor of the province of Styria, emphasized that the train will carry the symbols of the region between important economic and tourist areas in Germany and Austria.
Graz, closer to Munich and Berlin
The improvement in international connections is supported by the commissioning of the new high-capacity Koralmbahn line, which has significantly reduced travel times in southern Austria.
The journey between Graz and Klagenfurt now takes only 41 minutes, and the connection to Munich has become more attractive. The travel time between Graz and Munich is less than 5 hours and 40 minutes, with five trains daily in each direction.
In addition, a Nightjet night train provides a direct connection between Graz and Berlin.
Thomas Kemper, representative of the marketing division of DB Fernverkehr, said that the improvement of the offer to Styria will attract new tourists from Germany, in a context of growing interest in rail travel to Austria.
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