Photo: Martin Förster
STEAMING THROUGH DRESDEN ELBLAND – THE HISTORIC WAY TO TRAVEL
Narrow-gauge railways in Dresden Elbland
Enjoying means relaxing, whether mind or body. How better than sitting back and letting the scenery roll by on the Lössnitzgrundbahn or Weisseritztalbahn steam train ride? It’s just what the doctor ordered after hectic city life. For summer excursions, the route skirts gently flowing rivers and rippling lakes. On cold winter days, relax while chugging along unhurriedly in in the warm and cosy carriage from one station to the next.
Funfest: Full steam ahead to the country house
Would the noise of a hissing and whistling steam engine have earned a thumbs-up from Augustus the Strong? Nowadays, steam train travel is a rare treat – and when you’re bound for Augustus’s princely pleasure palace at Moritzburg, that’s the icing on the cake. This magnificent residence between Radeburg and Radebeul is located at the midway point of the 16.55km Lössnitzgrundbahn railway, which has eleven stations and traverses multiple bridges. A wonderful trip in authentically styled carriages, some of which date back as far as 1900.
Romantic: A country excursion on the Weisseritztalbahn
There are obviously quicker ways of getting from Freital-Hainsberg to Dippoldiswalde in the Eastern Ore Mountains, but for views and comfort, the Weisseritztalbahn heritage railway remains unsurpassed. Journey for around 45 minutes through the stunning and unspoilt Rote Weisseritz valley on a historic route that criss-crosses the river and offers ever-changing views from the classic carriage windows. On over century-old tracks, you will traverse the Rabenauer Grund and pass the Malter reservoir en route to Dippoldiswalde. A boon for hikers, and indeed anyone who yearns for this transport of yesteryear.
Varied: The Saxony Steam Train Route
Are you team steam? In Saxony, five lines have pooled their resources to form the historic DAMPFBAHN-ROUTE (Saxony Steam Train Route). On the steam trains that ply it, discover wide-ranging regions of Saxony; each with their own artistic and cultural merit and traditional crafts: from Muskauer Heide to the Fichtelberg winter sports facilities, from the baroque palace of Moritzburg near Dresden to the Zittau Mountains Nature Park. They all tick the box for great sleepover and dining options, too. Time to embark on a family-friendly journey for all ages, bound for enjoyment – toot toot!
Steam, steel and passion
DAMPF, STAHL & LEIDENSCHAFT (Steam, Steel & Passion) – three words that sum up the latest film shot by Dresden-based director Sebastian Linda for the Saxony Steam Train Route. Steel monsters under steam are fired up every day by train drivers and stokers with genuine passion, pride and attention to detail, much to the delight of passengers old and young. The Saxony Steam Train Route brings together five narrow-gauge railways operating on a daily timetable, rail history museums and various other attractions. Sebastian Linda’s film captivates, both for its dynamic views and live action scenes, as well as a gentler perspective of bygone times. DAMPF, STAHL & LEIDENSCHAFT takes you on a cinematic journey from the Erzgebirge to the Elbland, Dresden and Upper Lusatia.
Steam, steel and passion
Video: DAMPFBAHN-ROUTE Sachsen
Video: DAMPFBAHN-ROUTE Sachsen