Abstract This investigation describes rolling contact fatigue phenomena in the wheel/rail-contact area of railway vehicles. In the scope of this paper new calculation, experimental results of stresses and strains within the wheel as well as a new method the determination of fatigue strength are presented. The stress fields in railway wheels introduced by different loads are calculated using the finite element method. The results are validated on a full-scale test rig. The results of the measurements are used to draw conclusions for the fatigue strength of wheels. Furthermore, the fast and cost saving “PHYBALLIT” method for the determination of fatigue properties is described.