Leipzig Region

Description

Oschatz – Mügeln – Glossen / Kemmlitz

Tradition with a future ...

The Döllnitzbahn line, which became known as the “Wilder Robert” (Wild Robert), is a symbol of the region; like a golden thread, it runs through the Saxon “interstream area” between the Elbe and Mulde rivers. The Döllnitzbahn has historical roots that go far back in time. Yet the appearance of both the railway and Mügeln station along the route, which was once one of the largest narrow gauge railway stations in Europe, has changed several times over the last decades. Railway history began here in 1884, with the first provisionally established beet transport by rail. Over the years, the Mügeln network was gradually extended to 91.7 km (57 mi). As transport infrastructure was developed in the rural region between Döbeln, Oschatz and Strehla, goods could be shipped by rail to the towns, factories and loading stations along the standard gauge tracks.

Thanks to the seaport connection from Strehla, goods could be shipped immediately. In addition to the transport of kaolin, which was of existential importance, mostly agricultural products were shipped. In the Mügeln railway network, it was mainly the Oschatz-Mügeln and Mügeln-Wermsdorf lines where there was considerable passenger traffic. In the middle of last century, the once so extensive Mügeln railway network had become outdated. More and more tracks were shut down, leaving only the remaining part between Oschatz and Kemmlitz for kaolin transport. The foundation of the “Society for the Promotion of the Wild Robert” opened the way for local people to become aware of their traditions and customs. So, historically valuable vehicles have been systematically restored, and buildings and facilities have been reconstructed. The society also rendered outstanding services to the operation of special and traditional trains. In addition to offering weekday train services, the Döllnitzbahn GmbH, now the operator of this railway line, has become involved in railway preservation. Vibrant station and narrow gauge festivals, events on Heritage Day or joint activities with other associations attract railway enthusiasts, families and excursionists to the region. The future seems promising because the former romance of narrow gauge rail travel between Oschatz, Mügeln, Kemmlitz and Glossen will remain alive.

Daily operation as planned

The Döllnitzbahn's core task remains to provide daily rail services as planned, which it does as reliably as it did 125 years ago. On weekdays, diesel trains run along the Döllnitz river from Mügeln to Oschatz, enjoying increasing passenger numbers. On selected riding days, a steam locomotive, which can be seen from far away, pulls the train. Our guests can also choose from a variety of special excursions. One of them will take you to the popular hiking trail on the Mügeln railway embankment. Or, enjoy a tour on St. Nicholas' Day or go on one of the excursions where you will be served mulled wine while enjoying an entertaining ride through the winter landscape. Steam- or diesel-driven, the Döllnitzbahn has become very important for the development of tourism in the region.

An interaction of alternating tourism offers allows visitors to choose from a range of different events and experiences. Especially the combination of "experiencing and relaxing" addresses both families with children and individual tourists. You will receive wonderful impressions through the train window while going through Mügeln, passing the castle of Ruhetal, continuing your rain journey through the rolling meadows and fields in the lowland on the Döllnitz river to Oschatz and eventually cutting across this town. Going home with those impressions you might want to come back soon.