Molli railway, Steam railway in Rostock District, Germany
Molli railway is a narrow-gauge steam train that runs between Bad Doberan, Heiligendamm, and Kühlungsborn West, passing through pine forests and reaching the coast. The route links three different towns with stops along the way where passengers can board or leave.
The railway was founded in 1886 to bring seaside visitors from inland towns to the coast as resort travel became popular. It has changed little since then and still operates with steam locomotives from that era.
The name 'Molli' comes from a local affectionate term that has stuck for generations. The trains are woven into daily life here, carrying both locals and visitors between inland towns and the Baltic coast as a normal part of getting around.
Trains run year-round, but coastal weather can be changeable, so pack layers and weather-appropriate clothing. The journey takes roughly ninety minutes to two hours depending on your destination, and you can board or exit at any station along the line.
In Bad Doberan, the trains run directly through the town streets and share space with regular road traffic. This is one of only a handful of places in Germany where steam locomotives still operate this way, mixing with cars and pedestrians.
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