The Prinz Eugen was an express train that linked northern Germany with Wien Westbf in Vienna, Austria. Introduced in 1971, it was operated by the Deutsche Bundesbahn / Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB).
The train was named after Prince Eugene of Savoy, who was one of the most successful military commanders in modern European history, rising to the highest offices of state at the Imperial court in Vienna.
History
Over the years, the northern terminus, route, classification and formation (consist) of the Prinz Eugen varied significantly. However, the route always included the main line between Würzburg Hbf, in Germany, and Wien Westbf, in Vienna, via Passau Hbf, on the border between Germany and Austria.
During the train's time as a Trans Europ Express (TEE), its route was originally Bremen – Würzburg – Nuremberg – Vienna, but in 1976 was altered to Hannover – Cologne – Frankfurt – Würzburg – Nuremberg – Vienna. It was the only TEE route ever to serve Vienna.