Greifswald-Lubmin train connection: Hope after years of standstill!

Greifswald-Lubmin train connection: Hope after years of standstill!

The dream of a train connection between Greifswald and Lubmin could finally come true, even if it will still take some time. For years, citizens in the region have had a desire for this connection, which has now received new impetus through the recent trial operation on Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Day. This test was carefully organized and took place on June 21st and 22nd, 2025, with both days enriched by free rides on the historic railway line between Greifswald and Lubmin. It was an invitation to citizens to rediscover the route, which is 25 kilometers long and has stops in Greifswald Central Station, Greifswald Süd and at the seaside resort of Lubmin. As the Baltic Sea newspaper reported, the journey to Lubmin was around 30 minutes and ended at the former nuclear power plant.

On these occasions, Mayor Stefan Fassbinder expressed optimism about the return of passenger traffic. Despite the enthusiasm, one point remains to be noted: the implementation of reactivation could take up to ten years, while the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is responsible for the necessary preparatory measures. In order to actually revive this route, safety issues as well as economic viability must be clarified. It remains to be seen when the first regular trains will actually depart.

The history of the route

The rail connection was last used for passenger transport in 1999, before it was closed due to the closure of the Lubmin nuclear power plant. The line itself was built in 1969 to support the operation of the nuclear power plant, and the desire to reactivate it has been there for a long time. The Green Youth has also campaigned for better connections to the beach with the “Lubmin Beach Railway” petition in 2023. The feasibility study, which was recently presented, sees great potential for passengers, especially on weekends. During the week, however, the occupancy rate could be considered too low, as is the case State government notes.

Citizens are also called upon to take part in the initiative, in what many see as a “beach railway”. State Secretary Ines Jesse emphasized the importance of using these “historic tracks” to better connect the population in the region to the rail network. The DB Regio Nordost provides support and provides insights into the exciting railway history that shaped the region.

Looking into the future

Given the current state of affairs, it has become clear to many in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that the reactivation of such old railway lines is of great importance. There are positive signals that rail traffic can be restored little by little over the next few years. However, as the managing director of the VDV, Martin Henke, explains, there are still many implementation problems that need to be overcome. A total of 103 routes in Germany are up for discussion, 79 of which were classified as positive. The Pro-rail alliance speaks of the need to accelerate the reactivation processes.

While the citizens of Greifswald and Lubmin continue to hope for the return of the trains, it is clear that the political will is there. The CDU MP Georg Günther has already campaigned for the rail connection and announced that he would campaign for the necessary federal funding. Is it possible that a real transport project will be created here in the next few years that not only inspires citizens, but also contributes to better connections to rural areas?