Smell the steam from the locomotive and feel the wind in your hair! The last narrow-gauge railway in North Rhine-Westphalia runs just around the corner through the countryside around Aachen, taking you and your family back in time with historic steam locomotives and carriages. The narrow-gauge railway connected Selfkant with the Aachen coal mining area over a hundred years ago. On April 7, 1900, the 38-kilometer-long line was opened. For over 50 years, it was used to transport coal miners. Coal, grain, potatoes, and more were also transported. And maybe even the occasional Christmas present? With the advent of road competition, the trips were gradually discontinued. However, a section of the line was saved by the “Interessensgemeinschaft Historischer Schienenverkehr e.V.” (Historical Rail Transport Interest Group). Today, the initiative of railway enthusiasts still makes it possible to travel on the historic narrow-gauge locomotives and the ancient but beautifully restored carriages.
For families with children, a ride on the Selfkantbahn is a very special experience. As you chug comfortably through the picturesque landscape at a speed of just 20 km/h, be sure to look out the window. Sometimes you can see the steam from the locomotive rising between the trees, and when it has snowed, the winter magic is complete. Accompanied by puffing, rattling, and clattering, you travel 5.5 km in the dark green and red carriages between Geilenkirchen-Gillrath and Gangelt-Schierwaldenrath. During the journey, you will be reminded of times gone by. The tickets are made of cardboard, just like in the old days, and are sold at old, noisy cash registers. A conductor in a traditional uniform validates them on the train with a hole punch. And if you've ever heard the term “wooden class,” you'll certainly recognize where it comes from on the Selfkantbahn!
And of course, that's not all! From December 1 to 17, the Santa Claus trips will make children's eyes light up. On these trips, which take place several times a day and run from Gillrath station to Schierwaldenrath and back in just under two hours, you can enjoy the winter landscape and see the conductors wrapped in thick winter coats with their historic carbide lanterns. The excitement is building... Because in Stahe, the most famous guest on this trip is waiting for you in his carriage. It's Santa Claus, who jumps on the train and walks through the carriages as the journey continues. Of course, he has something for the kids too! After stopping at the festively decorated Schierwaldenrath station, where the locomotive is supplied with water and coal, the train returns to Gillrath.
In addition to the fascinating train ride, there is another attraction to discover at Schierwaldenrath station: the railway museum! Among old carriages and piles of coal, around 50 narrow-gauge railway vehicles from different eras will delight visitors. You can admire these treasures, some of which are over a hundred years old, both in the museum hall and on the station grounds, which is actually a large open-air museum.
