Farewell Pace to 'Knot Express' on Eurocity Route towards Prague - Bid adieu with a leisurely pace from the "Knödelexpress" Eurocity train heading towards Prague.
The Nostalgia of Dining Cars Fades between Hamburg and Prague
Say goodbye to the old-school charm of dining cars between Hamburg, Berlin, and Prague. While the traditional tablecloths will be missed, the beloved dumplings will still be on the menu. The iconic "Dumpling Express" will be retired, with Czech Railways confirming its replacement this summer.
The reason for the change? Modern trains are on the way. The new Nightjets, currently operating between Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague, boast speeds up to 230 km/h and can accommodate over 100 more passengers than the old trains. Plus, they're more bike-friendly.
Despite the retirement of the classic dining car – built in 1997 – there's good news for food lovers. The successor will offer 18 seats, a variety of dishes, and freshly tapped beer. However, the classic stove will be replaced by a modern combination oven. The menu favorites like loin roast with cream sauce, Bohemian dumplings with lingonberries, and schnitzel will remain.
The new setup might feel a bit more sterile compared to the beloved Dumpling Express, but it promises more efficient food preparation and a higher quality of service. It's a trade-off that diners will have to decide for themselves.
The new trains, including the dining car, made their debut at the Innotrans trade fair in Berlin in September 2024. The transition from the old to the new will take several months, according to Czech Railways.
It's worth noting that the sources did not explicitly mention the replacement of nostalgic dining cars on Eurocity trains between Prague, Berlin, and Hamburg. However, changes in train services and dining options are not uncommon in the European rail system. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's best to consult a rail planner app or the official websites of the involved rail operators.
- In preparation for the departure of the 'Dumpling Express', the European Union has approved the introduction of Nightjets on the Hamburg to Prague route, which are expected to significantly increase passenger capacity and speed.
- As part of the modernization of Czech Railways, nightjets will incorporate a revamped dining car that will offer Bohemian cuisine favorites, including dumplings and schnitzel, utilizing a modern combination oven for efficient food preparation.
- The European Union's efforts to improve railway networks and services extend beyond nightjets, with plans to extend current Nightjet lines, potentially connecting nightjet services to Prague, Berlin, and Hamburg, enhancing the rail experience for travelers.