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Kuckucksbähnl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kuckucksbähnl - nostalgic steam locomotive

Pure romance or rather a few regional delicacies in very special surroundings. That's what you get at our bucket list destination No. 7. The Kuckuckbähnel is a small, nostalgic gem that takes you on the old railroad line through the beautiful green forest landscapes of the Elmstein Valley. The historic steam locomotive pulls several old wagons behind it and transports its passengers to another century. From March to October, the still originally operated locomotive runs every Sunday from Neustadt to Elmstein and back. After boarding in Neustadt, the train follows the normal railroad line for the first 2 km to Lambrecht. After that, the Bähnel leaves the modern rails and turns off to Lambrecht and into the Palatinate Forest. The total distance of about 13 km ends in Elmstein, where you can relax before heading back home.

In addition to a few wine tastings, there is also a wonderful Midsommer trip in the summer, with a few treats and one or two additional stops. Even wine tastings in English are possible after prior registration and arrangement. You can find all the information in the Highlights and Tips.

Highlights & Tipps

The Kickuckbähnel runs twice a day to Elmstein. The first trip starts in the morning at 10:45 in Neustadt at track 5 and has a small stop for taking pictures at about 12:00 in Elmstein. You can start the return trip at about 14:00. But be careful: On the way back, the train only goes as far as Lambrecht. Here you can take the S1 or S2 directly to Kaiserlautern without having to make a detour via Neustadt.

The first trip of the day is always quite full and quickly booked up. The second trip is often more relaxed and less crowded. It also starts in Lambrecht (so take the S1 or S2 from Kaiserslautern directly to Lambrecht) at 15:30. Unfortunately, there is no photo stop here and you will reach Elmstein at about 16:15. You have a good three quarters of an hour to explore the little village before you start your journey back home again at about 17:00. On the return trip, you can decide whether you want to get off in Lambrecht or drive all the way back to Neustadt.

The round trip costs 16,00€ for adults. If you book from and to Lambrecht, it is 14,00€ per person. Current information on prices and all departure times in detail can be found on the website of the Kuckucksbähnl.

If you are interested in more than just the ride on the historic train, it is best to visit the railroad museum in Neustadt. Here you can get detailed information about the history of the railroad line and the old drive possibilities of the vehicles. You can find more information here.

FACTS

How to get there

Take the S1 or RE1 train from Kaiserslautern main station to Neustadt an der Weinstraße. The trains leave every 10 - 15 minutes in the direction of Neustadt. Here you only have to change the track to get to track 5. This is where the ride with the Kuckucksbähnel begins. On site, everything is well signposted and the platform is sufficiently marked.

Google Maps – Neustadt train station

When

The trips always take place on Sundays from March to October. Special events, such as the "Rolling Wine Tasting" or the "Midsummer Night Ride" can be found in the calendar of events on the website.

Duration

The ride with the Kuckucksbähnel is worth a day trip. Including arrival and departure, you should take 4 - 5 hours and enjoy the ride in a relaxed way. The locomotive ride with the bähnel takes about 1 hr.

Equipment

For this bucket list destination you don't need any equipment. On the train you will be well catered for with drinks and regional delicacies. Arrived in Elmstein, you will also find one or two nice restaurants. Enjoy the ride and the beautiful surroundings.