August 1832: First railway on continent runs from České Budějovice to Linz

190 years ago rail transport came to continental Europe with the opening of a line between České Budějovice and Linz; horse-drawn stagecoaches began running regularly between the cities on August 1, 1832.

The line was at first mainly used for freight and a passenger service was only operated in the summer.

The track was 128 kilometres in length and had 10 stops. At six of the stations horses were replaced.

Emperor Francis II was known for his conservatism but was also enticed to make use of the new mode of transport.

At the end of the 1860s the horse-drawn stagecoaches were discontinued and steam powered trains were introduced.