Thüringer Bergbahn receives 9 million euros for major renovations!

Thüringer Bergbahn receives 9 million euros for major renovations!

The Thüringer Bergbahn, a popular excursion destination in the Schwarzatal, is facing extensive renovation from 2026. This involves replacing track sleepers and replacing the ballast bed. An impressive nine million euros have been budgeted for these extensive measures, which represents the largest investment for the traditional railway. Deutsche Bahn will finance the renovation, which will begin after the 2026 summer holidays and be completed by Advent of the same year. daily news reports that the railway proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.

There is a new leader behind the Thüringer Bergbahn: Since February 2023, Sandra Diaz-Illanes has been in charge of the Oberweißbacher Berg- und Schwarzatalbahn, which is marketed under the name “Thüringer Bergbahn”. She brings with her a wide range of experience from the DB Group, ranging from finance to sales and operations. The Coburg native succeeded Diana Saager, who moved to DB InfraGO. German railway emphasizes that Diaz-Illanes also worked internationally during her career and, among other things, took on responsibility for controlling in the DB Immobilien division.

Sustainability and tourism

The Schwarzatalbahn itself will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2023 and stretches over a distance of 25 kilometers between Rottenbach and Katzhütte. Particular attention is paid to the environmental friendliness of the operation: for two years, the railcars have been powered by a biofuel made from HVO, which reduces CO2 emissions by around 90 percent compared to conventional diesel. These measures help to establish the Thüringer Bergbahn as one of the most visited tourist destinations in Thuringia. In 2024, the railway recorded almost 130,000 passengers. Locomotive Report also reports that around 30 employees are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the route network.

In addition to the anniversary year, numerous events are planned, including a nostalgia day on May 1st with special trips and programs, as well as a children's festival on August 23rd. The highlight of the celebrations will be a track festival on August 24th under the patronage of the Thuringian Minister for Digital and Infrastructure, Steffen Schütz. The festive year will come to a crowning conclusion with the traditional blaze of lights and Advent on the mountain railway in December and January. The complete event program is published on the website www.thueringerbergbahn.com.

The upcoming construction work and the planned events give rise to optimism and show that the Thüringer Bergbahn will continue to play an important role in regional tourism in the future.