Channel 4 orders Austrian Train At Christmas from King of Sunshine

Channel 4 has commissioned another Christmas rail special from King of Sunshine, based in MediaCity, working with WPP Media Motion Entertainment.

The new film, Austrian Train At Christmas, is now in production. It rides the ÖBB Südbahn, a line regarded as one of the most scenic in Europe.

“We’re delighted to be returning for a third festive instalment, this time travelling across spectacular Austria on The Südbahn railway,” said Sohail Shah, managing director of King of Sunshine Productions.

“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.”

The programme comes after Nordic Train At Christmas last year, which drew 2.9m, and 2024’s Alpine Train At Christmas. Together the two reached an aggregated audience of 3.03m over both years. Channel 4 will repeat both this year.

Hugh Bonneville is back as narrator. The documentary was filmed along the 207km line from Graz to Vienna, taking in winter scenery from the Austrian Alps to the Semmering Pass viaducts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“There’s something so magical about exploring a country at Christmas time, and Austria provides a superb backdrop for our latest festive adventure,” said Jayne Stanger, senior commissioning editor, lifestyle, at Channel 4.

“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.”

Shah is executive producer of the single 60-minute special. Mark Chandler serves as series producer, with Melanie Darlaston as Motion Entertainment’s executive producer.