Austrian Train at Christmas: Channel 4’s Festive Rail Journey

Austrian Train at Christmas is set to bring festive charm back to Channel 4, taking viewers on an unforgettable winter rail adventure through the heart of Austria. Produced by King of Sunshine and WPP Media Motion Entertainment, the latest instalment in the popular Christmas train series follows the iconic ÖBB Südbahn railway, one of Europe’s most scenic train routes.

Narrated once again by Hugh Bonneville, the one-off Christmas special invites audiences aboard the famous red train for a spectacular 207km journey from Graz to Vienna. Along the way, viewers will discover the people who keep the railway running during the festive season, meet passengers embracing Christmas traditions, and hear from the communities living and working along the route.

The programme showcases some of Austria’s most breathtaking winter scenery, including the snow-capped Austrian Alps and the historic Semmering Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic viaducts and mountain landscapes. The journey concludes in Vienna, where festive markets, stunning architecture and seasonal celebrations provide the perfect Christmas backdrop.

Following the success of Nordic Train at Christmas, which attracted 2.9 million viewers in December 2025, and Alpine Train at Christmas, which reached a combined audience of more than 3 million viewers across its broadcasts, Austrian Train at Christmas looks set to continue Channel 4’s winning formula of cosy festive travel television.

King of Sunshine Productions MD Sohail Shah says: “We’re delighted to be returning for a third festive instalment, this time travelling across spectacular Austria on The Südbahn railway. The route from Graz to Vienna is one of the most stunning in the world, and we’re thrilled to give Channel 4 viewers a special behind-the-scenes look at this festive journey.”

Channel 4’s Senior Commissioning Editor, Lifestyle Jayne Stanger adds: “There’s something so magical about exploring a country at Christmas time, and Austria provides a superb backdrop for our latest festive adventure. We’re delighted to be bringing viewers another opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the journey on the iconic Südbahn. A huge thank you to King of Sunshine for once again bringing the magic to life.”

Fans of the series will also be pleased to know that both Nordic Train at Christmas and Alpine Train at Christmas will return to screens this festive season, creating the ultimate Christmas railway trilogy for viewers seeking seasonal escapism, stunning winter landscapes and heartwarming stories from across Europe.