160 Years of the Cottbus - Berlin Railway! - The Anniversary Steam Train!

Cottbus, a city with a long railway heritage, is marking over 160 years of history tied to the opening of the line to Berlin in 1866. We're celebrating with a proper nostalgic steam special!

The anniversary year 2026 - historical background: On 15 September 1866, the railway line between Cottbus and Berlin was officially inaugurated. The real starting gun for the wider regional network came on 13 September 1866, with the first scheduled service between Berlin and Cottbus. Rail traffic shaped the city enormously, turning it into a major railway junction.

On 1 June 1854, the then Pioneer Railway (today's Parkeisenbahn Cottbus) was opened. Well known beyond the city limits, it has been a key part of local railway tradition since the 1950s. It still runs on a 600 mm gauge through Eliaspark, to the zoo (Bahnhof Zoo), and all the way to Branitz Castle and Park (formerly: An der Friedenseiche).

The city continues to evolve: the new Deutsche Bahn ICE maintenance depot underlines Cottbus's modern role as a railway hub.

13 September 2026 - Join us! A historic steam special (01 1104) will run the anniversary route, with live music, children's craft activities and wine tasting both on board and on the platforms during longer stops. The dining car serves food and drinks in a fitting nostalgic setting.

Route and boarding stops on Sunday:

Outward (from approx. 11:10): Cottbus - Kolkwitz - Vetschau (Spreewald) - Lübbenau (Spreewald) - Lübben (Spreewald) - Halbe - Groß Köris - Königs Wusterhausen - Berlin Ostkreuz (no boarding) - Berlin Lichtenberg

Return (from approx. 14:30): Berlin Lichtenberg - Königs Wusterhausen - Groß Köris - Halbe - Lübben (Spreewald) - Lübbenau (Spreewald) - Vetschau (Spreewald) - Kolkwitz - Cottbus