Extending the Historic Horse-Drawn Railway on Spiekeroog Island: A Lengthy Journey to the Old Lifeboat House
- Extended equine route on Spiekeroog's ancient riding trail
Get ready to hop aboard the extended horse-drawn railway on Spiekeroog Island! After months of hard work by a track-laying team, a 900-meter stretch of track is now being built to connect the existing line to the old lifeboat house in the southwest of the island. This extension, due for operation by May, brings a whole new adventure to this enchanting East Frisian isle.
The new track veers off from the existing line, travelling over an untouched section that's never seen railway tracks before. According to Mayor Patrick Kösters, the upcoming switch and three turntables will complete the project. This exciting extension promises to be a must-see for all island visitors!
The tracks and sleepers are being carefully assembled by the tracklayers, sourced from the neighboring island of Wangerooge. A sand path will continue alongside the track for the draft horse to run and pull the carriage as always.
A Rarity At Risk
Spiekeroog's horse-drawn railway, dating back to 1885, is a unique European treasure. It's the only operating horse-drawn railway that still travels on its original track and the only one in Germany. Originally used for transporting goods, it now captivates tourists yearning for an authentic and sustainable island experience.
"Being able to traverse the salt marshes by horse-drawn railway is simply spectacular for tourism," says Kösters. The extension of the track is aimed at ensuring the railway's future on this tranquil island paradise. Rising dyke heights posed a threat to the railway's operation, potentially forcing the closure of this historic gem.
If the dyke was to be raised in a few years, the passage for the horse-drawn railway through the dyke might disappear, necessitating an early move for the island station and a significantly shortened track. The new extension, at 900 meters, ensures a comfortable excursion for visitors.
Unlocking the National Park's Hidden Corners
Although building a railway in a national park appears to defy regulations, Kösters assures that extended permits and close national park administration support facilitated the project's realization. This new railway line terminates near the campsite and will soon join a new museum to the island village.
Last summer, an exhibition about the history of sea rescuers on the North Sea coast was opened in the old lifeboat house. As construction wraps up, Spiekeroog Island invites you to explore its historic horse-drawn railway like never before!
- Spiekeroog
- National Park
- Wadden Sea
(Enrichment data: Spiekeroog Island, a part of the National Park Wadden Sea, offers a serene and family-friendly atmosphere with attractions like sand dunes and panoramic walks[2]. If there was a horse-drawn railway or similar transportation system on Spiekeroog, it could be related to historical or sustainable tourism efforts. For more information, consult local historical records or tourist boards related to the Wadden Sea area.)
- With the upcoming employment of a track-laying team, Spiekeroog Island is set to bring a planned expansion to its historic horse-drawn railway, involving the creation of a 900-meter stretch in the southwest, connecting to the old lifeboat house and offering a new adventure for visitors.
- To ensure continuity of the historic horse-drawn railway on Spiekeroog Island amidst rising dyke heights posing a potential threat, the creation of a 900-meter track extension has been designed to allow for a comfortable excursion and safeguard its operation for future generations.
- As Spiekeroog Island's extended national park railway terminus nears completion, the relocation of the exhibits from last summer's sea rescuers' history display in the old lifeboat house is underway, inviting all to uncover hidden stories and immerse themselves in the island's rich past.
