Saxony near the Czech Republic and Poland has to be the place to go to for anyone who is interested in historical railways. Here diesel or steam trains are not just laid on for tourists but are still part of daily life.

Today the "Lößnitzdackel" (literally dachshund railway) from Radebeul via Moritzburg to Radeburg is one of the oldest narrow gauge tracks in Germany. The Saxon narrow gauge railways invite guests to go back in history. Comfortable carriages are furnished with wooden benches or seat cushions and round iron stoves plus the staff are all dressed in historical uniforms adding to the special atmosphere. In addition, extra trips with special themes and topics are offered throughout the year. On the trip information is provided about the history of the train and the sights along the track. In Radeburg an exhibition invites you to get to know the Saxon narrow gauge railways better.

Traditionsbahn Radebeul
Postfach 10 02 01
D- 01436 Radebeul
Tel:  0049 351 46 14 80 01
Fax: 0049 351 46 14 804
Email: [email protected]

The Weißeritztalbahn starts in Freital-Hainsberg and ends in the health resort of Kipsdorf. This railway, which was built in 1883, connects three recreational areas (East Erz Mountains, the area of the Malter Dam and the wild romantic Rabenauer Grund). This tourist attraction with its diversity of nature is considered to be one of the most beautiful rail tracks in Europe.

Weisseritztalbahn
Am Bahnhof 78
D - 09477 Jöhstadt
Tel:  0049 37343 80 800
Fax: 0049 37343 80 809
Email: [email protected]

The Fichtelbergbahn runs several times a day from Cranzahl to Oberwiesenthal.  It takes nearly an hour for this 17km trip along the breathtaking Erz Mountains. On its way to the Fichtelberg, the railway gets over an altitude difference of 238 m and crosses six bridges. The Hüttenbach Viaduct is really impressive (23m high, 110m long) and lies directly in front of the gateway to the station at the foot of the Fichtelberg.

Fichtelbergbahn (mountain railway)
BVO Bahn GmbH
Unternehmensbereich Fichtelbergbahn
Bahnhofstraße 7
D-09484 Kurort Oberwiesenthal
Tel:  0049 37 34 81 51 0
Fax: 0049 37 34 81 51 29
Email: [email protected]

Last on our list is a railway off the beaten track in the Zittau Uplands, a small range of mountains tucked away in a remote corner of Germany. Probably still undiscovered by tourists this narrow gauge railway is part of the local public transport network between Zittau and the health resort of Oybin and Jonsdorf.

SOEG
Sächsisch-Oberlausitzer Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH
Bahnhofstraße 41
D-02763 Zittau
Tel: 0049 3583 540540
Fax: 0049 3583 554458
Email: [email protected] 

Opening Hours:

Mo to Fr.: 8:30am -1:00pm plus 1:30pm -3:30pm
Sa./So./Public Holidays: 8:30am  - 1:00pm