ÖBB's Retractable Roof Train Was the Ultimate April Fools' Prank

Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) announced the introduction of an unusual long-distance train on April 1—a Railjet with an open upper deck promising passengers a "convertible experience." As it turns out, the announcement was an April Fools' joke.

In a playful press release, ÖBB unveiled plans for a so-called "Railjet Sun Deck," claiming a double-decker train with a fully retractable roof would begin service on the southern route in summer 2026, offering travelers a novel way to ride the rails.

According to the statement, the concept included an open upper deck with panoramic views, special amenities like onboard dining in a beach-bar style, and vacationer-focused services. The release even detailed technical specifications and operational plans.

"With the Railjet Sun Deck, we're bringing an entirely new travel experience to Austria's railways," ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthäus was quoted as saying, positioning the company as "the first railway operator to deploy a long-distance train with an open sun deck."

However, the announcement was purely a prank. There are no plans to actually introduce such a "convertible train" for regular long-distance service.