Ahr Valley Railway, German railway line
The Ahr Valley Railway is a train line running through the valley in Rhineland-Palatinate that follows the natural course of the Ahr River between small villages and rolling hills. The route is not extensive and mostly single-track, with trains traveling slowly through landscapes of forests, fields, and vineyards while crossing several old bridges and tunnels.
The railway was built in the late 1800s and opened its first section to the public in 1880 to connect people and goods across the valley. It played a strategic role in the 20th century, suffered damage during the wars, and was rebuilt afterward, but lost importance in later decades until restoration efforts following severe flooding led to its full recovery with electric trains by 2025.
The Ahr Valley has been shaped by wine-growing for centuries, and the railway has long been woven into this tradition. From the trains, you can see vineyards sloping toward the river, and during harvest season the scent of grapes fills the air along the route.
The railway runs regularly during the day and connects small towns to larger cities nearby, with tickets easily available and regional passes offered. Access is straightforward as stations are small and practical, and the slow pace makes it possible to enjoy the views comfortably.
Parts of the old railway track have been converted into bike paths that now run alongside the active line, offering cyclists a peaceful route. These paths follow the river and vineyards, allowing you to explore the area at your own pace without taking a train.
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