160 Years of Railways in Cottbus! NostalgieDampf - Open Day at Bw Cottbus

Cottbus has a proud railway heritage stretching back over 160 years, closely tied to the opening of the line to Berlin in 1866.
We are marking the occasion with nostalgic steam train rides, a trip on the park railway, and a visit to the Open Day at BW Cottbus.

The jubilee year 2026 - historical background: On 15 September 1866, the railway line between Cottbus and Berlin was officially inaugurated. The first scheduled service between Berlin and Cottbus actually ran on 13 September 1866, marking the real start of the wider rail network. The railway shaped the city enormously, turning it into a major rail hub.
On 1 June 1854, the then Pioneer Railway (today's Parkeisenbahn Cottbus) was opened. It is well known far beyond the city limits and has been a key part of local railway tradition since the 1950s. It still runs on a 600 mm gauge track through Eliaspark, to the zoo (Zoo station), and all the way to Branitz Castle and Park (formerly: An der Friedenseiche).

The site continues to evolve today: Deutsche Bahn's new ICE maintenance depot underlines the city's ongoing importance as a rail hub.

12 September 2026 - Join us! Travel on a historic steam special (03 2155) from Berlin to Cottbus, returning in the evening. The train departs from Cottbus twice, which railway enthusiasts are of course welcome to take advantage of. Rail fans and families alike can look forward to a full day of historic and modern railway technology in a special setting.

Catering is well taken care of: guests can enjoy food and drinks in the dining car, with a fittingly nostalgic atmosphere.

You can also add a ride on the traditional park railway to your booking, rounding off the day with another distinctive experience.

Our route and boarding points on Saturday:

From approx. 09:15 Cottbus