Stammstrecke, 11-km-long west-east connection of the S-Bahn Munich, opened on 28 April 1972, between Pasing station and Ostbahnhof
The Stammstrecke is a commuter rail line in Munich that connects the east and west sides of the city through an underground tunnel in the center. It serves major stations including Hauptbahnhof, Karlsplatz, and Marienplatz, with up to 27 trains per hour running in each direction on this two-track line.
The line was built between 1966 and 1972 and opened on April 28, 1972, just as Munich hosted the Olympic Games. The project developed from earlier plans dating to the early 20th century, with construction accelerated to provide modern transport infrastructure for the city and the major sporting event.
The line takes its name from the main rail corridor running through Munich's center underground. Daily commuters and visitors experience the rhythm of the city at stations like Marienplatz and Karlsplatz, where the station platforms become meeting points and passages through the urban landscape.
The stations are equipped with elevators and ramps for accessible entry, and at many stops passengers can transfer on the same platform level. Trains arrive frequently during peak hours, sometimes every two minutes, so asking staff or checking posted information helps plan your journey effectively.
Beneath the current tunnel, an air raid shelter was built during World War II that was later used for mushroom farming. Today, parts of that historic structure lie below the U-Bahn lines U3 and U6 that now run under the city.
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