Railway festival in Reitzenhain: 150 years of history and coal for Chemnitz!

Railway festival in Reitzenhain: 150 years of history and coal for Chemnitz!

The Ore Mountains play a central role in the history and development of the industrial city of Chemnitz. This year, on August 13, 2025, the 150th anniversary of the important railway line from Chemnitz to Flöha to Pockau-Reitzenhain will be celebrated. This route not only had an impact on regional connections, but was also once an important border crossing into Bohemia.

The former train station in Hora Svaté Šebestiána, known as Sebastiansberg, is a historical meeting point for many Erzgebirge residents. Milan Bachor, Frantisek Trux and Jan Kadlec, who are familiar with the history of the route, can often be found here. All three are connected to the Czech railway České dráhy and share their experiences and memories of the once thriving railway connection. Bachor took many photos of the route with his Praktika camera, which show the fascination of this place.

Economic importance of the rail connection

The continuous connection from Chomutov to Reitzenhain was created in 1875 and was a pivotal point in coal transport. Jan Kadlec points out that in 1906 an impressive 500,000 tons of brown coal were transported via the Weipert and Reitzenhain border crossings. At that time, the Buštěhrader Railway Company operated the single-track line, which had a total length of over 37 kilometers. Reitzenhain train station quickly developed into an important junction for border traffic between Leipzig and Prague.

However, as a result of changing traffic volumes, the line was closed in May 1948, passenger traffic was shifted and the final standstill took place in 1972. The 14.5 kilometer long route was dismantled between 1985 and 1987. Nevertheless, remnants such as railway embankments, rotten sleepers and the abutments of the bridges can still be discovered today, reminiscent of the railway's busy days.

A feast for history lovers

To properly celebrate the anniversary, a railway festival will take place at Reitzenhain train station from August 22nd to 24th. The history of the route is kept alive with guided tours, exhibitions and lectures. The event appeals to both history fanatics and families looking to gain insight into the region's past.

For the people of the Erzgebirge and their neighbors on the other side of the border, the railway line remains an important symbol of economic development. Even though the tracks are no longer used, the memory of the golden era of coal transport and cross-border connections lives on. The anecdotes from people like Milan Bachor and his colleagues in particular show how lively the history of this area is and how it still moves people's hearts today.

Erzgebirge.tv reports that the railway line had a connecting function not only geographically but also culturally. The railroad was more than just a means of transportation; it was a lifeline for the region.

Freie Presse emphasizes that there is still interest in the route on the Czech side, which underlines the lasting importance of this connection. The stories and memories will be passed on and honored with the upcoming celebration.