Wilkau-Haßlau–Carlsfeld narrow gauge railway

The Wilkau-Haßlau-Carlsfeld railway is a narrow-gauge line in Saxony that passes through the Ore Mountains using 750-millimeter track gauge. The route navigates steep mountain grades to link multiple industrial areas across the region.

Construction started in 1880 and operations began in 1881 to connect rapidly growing industrial centers across the region. The line reflected Saxony's bold industrial expansion during the late 19th century.

The railway connected textile mills and mining communities that depended on this transport for their livelihoods. You can still sense how this line shaped the rhythm of work and trade in these mountain villages.

Today, visitors can ride a four-kilometer section near Schönheide maintained by railway groups. Station yards at Schönheide Süd and Carlsfeld are partially restored and accessible for exploration.

This was the first narrow-gauge railway built in Saxony and remains one of the steepest ever constructed. Engineers had to solve unusual problems to make the tracks stable on such dramatic slopes.

Location: Zwickau

Location: Erzgebirgskreis

Inception: 1896

Official opening: October 16, 1881

Part of: Narrow gauge railways in Saxony

Address: Carlsfeld

GPS coordinates: 50.43548,12.58388

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42