The Historische Eisenbahn Frankfurt opened its season in glorious sunshine at the weekend. The traditional "Teddy Bear Day" at the Iron Footbridge attracted numerous visitors, including many families with children. In particular, the impressive steam locomotive 52 4867, which steamed along the tracks of the Frankfurt Harbour Company with its historic green carriages and the nostalgic Mitropa dining car, fascinated railway enthusiasts of all ages.
"It's simply wonderful to see the old steam locomotive in action. The smell of coal and the steam take you back to another time," enthused railway enthusiast Michael R., who had travelled all the way from Darmstadt.
The popular round trips took guests either in the direction of Griesheim or to the Mainkur goods station, with a stop at the European Central Bank. The combination of nostalgic railway flair and urban Frankfurt ambience once again made the trips a special experience.
More dates for railway enthusiasts
The Historische Eisenbahn Frankfurt will also be travelling regularly in the coming months. A special "summer diesel" trip is planned for 13 July, when the steam locomotive will be replaced by a historic diesel locomotive. Further trips are planned for 7 September and on 13 and 14 December as part of the traditional Christmas trips. These tours along the Main with boarding and alighting at the Iron Footbridge offer railway enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience the history of the Frankfurt Port Railway up close.
Since it was founded in 1979, the Historische Eisenbahn Frankfurt has operated a regular museum service on the tracks of the Frankfurt Port Railway on several weekends a year. The line runs between the Osthafen and Griesheim railway stations. With the opening of the new European Central Bank building in 2015, an additional stop was added. The historic vehicles of the Frankfurter Eisenbahnfreunde are also used for special trips throughout Germany.
"My son is thrilled - he's never seen a steam locomotive this close before. It's great that experiences like this are made possible for children," said Anna L., who came to the Iron Footbridge with her family from Offenbach.
Railway enthusiasts can make a note of the upcoming dates and enjoy the nostalgic journey through the metropolis on the River Main - an experience that combines history and the present in an impressive way. Further information can be found on the website of the Historische Eisenbahn Frankfurt.
