Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the Black Forest Railway endures.
In celebration of its 150th anniversary, the Black Forest Railway (Schwarzwaldbahn), a popular tourist attraction, has reached a milestone. Spanning from Offenburg to Singen, the route traverses Germany's largest low mountain range, offering a testament to engineering brilliance and serving as a model for mountain railways worldwide.
The Baden Black Forest Railway, inaugurated on November 10, 1873, navigates through 39 tunnels and climbs over 650 meters in altitude. Despite the challenging terrain, the route has remained a prime example of engineering prowess since its inception, opened up communities once only accessible by horse-drawn carriage, and fostered substantial growth in tourism and industry. Today, this historic train continues to draw visitors from around the globe to the Black Forest.
Robert Gerwig, a railway pioneer from the 19th century, masterminded the route's layout. Gerwig carefully designed the railway to follow the mountain range and minimize the use of bridges by building numerous tunnels instead. He explored valleys and mountains on foot to gain insight into the region's landscape, meticulously mapping out the 26 kilometers of track for every 11 kilometers it covers as the crow flies.
In recognition of the railway's anniversary, Deutsche Bahn introduced ICE (Intercity-Express) trains on the route for the first time this year. This new ICE connection enabled travelers to journey from Hamburg to Lake Constance and back without changing trains on specific summer days. The ICE T, equipped with tilting technology, stopped at St. Georgen, Villingen, Donaueschingen, Singen, and Radolfzell on its way south. Deutsche Bahn is yet to decide if more ICE trips will run over the Black Forest Railway in the coming years.
The railway continues to have a lasting impact on the local community. In Gutach (Ortenaukreis), the Moser family's farm lies adjacent to the tracks, making the Black Forest Railway a steady presence in their lives. The family's history is intertwined with the railway, resulting from a tragic incident that led to a fire at the farm during World War I. The farm's reconstruction stands as a poignant reminder of the railway's role in shaping the community.
Although the trains have become more modern and cleaner over the years, they occasionally face technical issues, such as rapid wheel wear and excessive noise complaints from residents. However, the German Railway assures them that it is working diligently to address these problems by gradually replacing the wheel sets of double-decker trains.
The Black Forest Railway, an engineering marvel from the past that showcases the region's scenic beauty, remains a significant connection between generations, bridging the gap between the Black Forest's rich history and its promising future.
The Black Forest Railway has fostered growth not only in tourism but also in the local industry, promoting numerous businesses and services along its route.
The introduction of Deutsche Bahn's ICE trains on the Black Forest Railway is a testament to the finance sector's investment in preserving and modernizing this historical gem, making it more accessible and attractive for transportation.
