Pressnitz Valley Railway, Heritage railway in Erzgebirgskreis, Germany
The Pressnitz Valley Railway is a narrow gauge line that runs approximately 8 kilometers through the wooded mountains of Saxony, connecting Jöhstadt to Steinbach bei Jöhstadt. The route descends steeply through forested terrain with tight curves and notable elevation changes.
The line was built in the late 1800s to move timber and mining materials through the Erzgebirge region, supporting the area's economic needs at that time. After mining declined, the railway shifted toward serving passengers and tourism.
The stations along the route serve as gathering places where visitors learn about the region's mining heritage from locals. Here, community members share stories and traditions connected to the industrial past that shaped their landscape.
The railway can be reached by regional bus and train connections from Chemnitz, with services running on scheduled dates during the season. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for hilly terrain if exploring the area on foot.
Original steam locomotives pull wooden coaches up and down the steepest sections, requiring specialized knowledge to operate safely on such grades. This hands-on maintenance and operation represents a form of railway work that has largely disappeared elsewhere.
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