The historic Kirnitzschtalbahn has connected Bad Schandau with the Lichtenhain waterfall for 8 km since 1898 and runs right through the middle of the national park.

Important: On 03.11.25 construction work will begin on the fundamental expansion of the tracks of the Kirnitzschtalbahn on a track length of around 300 meters between the Ostrauer Brücke and the Kirnitzschtalbahn depot. Operation of the Kirnitzschtalbahn will be suspended during the construction work, which is expected to last until 19.12.25 .

Some squeaking and jolting is part of it when the aged lady takes a bend. And she's allowed to. After all, she has been on the road for more than 125 years. The nostalgic streetcar operation in the Kirnitzschtal valley in Saxon Switzerland is a highlight for railroad romantics. This is the only streetcar in the world that runs into a national park! With just one line, it is also the smallest streetcar operation in Germany!

The single-track line runs for a total of eight kilometers from the Bad Schandau spa gardens through the picturesque valley with high rock faces and the river that gives it its name to the terminus at Lichtenhain Waterfall. Each of the nine stops along the way is a starting point for a hike into the rocky world of the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

The line was electrified over 125 years ago. Over the decades, the railroad has been modernized again and again. Today, 30% of the traction current is even generated by solar energy.
However, the historic trains from the depot are used several times a year: every year on 1 May, at Whitsun, at the Kirnitzschtal Festival and on 3 October, the lovingly restored carriages are on the move.

The "mobile guest card" and the Deutschland-Ticket are valid on the Kirnitzschtalbahn.

Openings

In summer, the Kirnitzschtalbahn runs daily every half hour. From November, the winter timetable applies until the end of March.

You can find the timetables at: https://www.rvsoe.de/verkehrsmittel/kirnitzschtalbahn/fahrplan-tarif

Price info

A special fare applies for the Kirnitzschtalbahn.
The Deutschlandticket and the mobile guest card are recognized for the journey.

Information on reduced prices: Pupils up to their 15th birthday can take advantage of the reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 and severely disabled persons are transported free of charge.

General information

Bus stop available

Eligibility

Suitable for any weather
for Groups
Pet allowed

Payment methods

Cash

Accessibility

Saxony Barrier-Free

Notes on accessibility

Access is only possible at the final stops "Kurpark" and "Lichtenhainer Wasserfall" via a mobile folding ramp (11.8% incline, 180 cm long)
Staff will be happy to provide assistance
Electric wheelchairs can be transported, e-scooters not
A maximum of 4 wheelchairs can be transported at the same time. 4 wheelchairs can be transported at the same time, please register groups (035022 54816)
public, barrier-free WC available directly at the "Kurpark" stop

Entrance to the facility / paths within the facility