Chiemsee-Bahn, Narrow-gauge steam railway in Prien am Chiemsee, Germany
The Chiemsee-Bahn is a narrow-gauge railway in Prien am Chiemsee that runs on a nearly 2-kilometer track between Prien railway station and Prien-Stock harbor. The operation maintains historic steam locomotives and passenger cars from 1887 alongside diesel locomotives used during other operational periods.
The narrow-gauge railway was founded in 1887 after accidents with horse-drawn carriages showed a need for safer transportation to Herrenchiemsee Palace. Steam locomotive operations shaped regional transportation for more than a century.
The railway takes its name from the nearby lake and is used by visitors today to reach the shoreline and ferry terminals. It remains a part of the tourist experience that has connected people to the lake islands for generations.
The railway operates mainly during warmer months with the historic steam locomotive and switches to diesel during the off-season. The short route to the harbor makes it easy to combine a ride with a ferry trip to the lake islands.
The operation preserves not only locomotives but also nine original passenger cars from 1887, showing how travelers of that era traveled in comfort. These fully intact cars are rare examples of late 19th century rail vehicle design.
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