The drama of the Semmering is behind us. From now on we follow the valleys rather than cut across them. The scenery on this busy international route is just as lovely,  but running alongside the river we can pick up the pace. First stop is Bruck an der Mur - not a large town but a surprisingly industrial one for a sub-alpine area. Much of this industrial activity is related to the metals business - the area arguably produces the finest steel in the world- used by companies such as Audi where quality is not compromised. At Bruck we lose the line to Graz but gain the route from Salzburg and the heavy traffic to Slovenia. Beyond Bruck we look at the fascinating rail geopgraphy of Leoben and St Michael before concluding at Knittelfeld. RT 65 mins