by Leo Sullivan
If you are looking for 'traditional interurbans' The original lines of the Karlsruhe suburban system "Albtalbahn" are original. The new Karlsruhe lines are mostly on railway lines, interesting but not yet historic.
Then, not far away are the series of lines based on Mannheim. the triangular line from Mannheim to Weinheim an Heidelburg is probably the longest in Germany (varied, partially rural and very interesting) and, at Mannhiem connects to the Rhei-Haardt Bahn,
a very nice interurban line to Bad Durkheim. this complex of lines also includes the city systems of Mannheim, Ludwigshafen and Heidelburg.
Each of these systems has long suburban lines also. Probably the best interconnecting system in Germany. The Ruhr conurbation probably has more total length but is composed of mostly urban routes. (I spent some time there last month myself) Bonn-Cologne has the two intercity lines and many suburbans and, Berlin has the three nearby out of town lines.
The Thueringerwaldbahn in Gotha is a real interurban in an interesting small city, and of course there is the tiny Kirnitzschtalbahn, not really an interurban as there is no 'Urb' but truly rural. At Dresden, the line to Weinbola is very long, with single track sections and runs through the wine growing area. usually not considered an interurban, because it is part of a city system, it nonetheless has all the characteristics. The same goes for the Scheuditz line at Leipzig but, it is not as scenic.
My advice, as you are starting in Hamburg is drive along the coast eastward stopping at Doberan (900 mm steam) Rostock (big tram system with new long line), Rugen (750 mm steam) then, if you aren't tempted by Stettin (Poland), head south. That will take you to Berlin and to many alternatives to mention. Remember, Germany has many more tramways than the USA so, you will have to chose. I also often use a car in Germany and agree that it is a very good way to see tramways. However, beware of downtown driving. It is better to visit the centers by tram. The traffic systems favour public transport so, take advantage of that fact. Good luck and dont forget to tell us how it went.
Then, not far away are the series of lines based on Mannheim. the triangular line from Mannheim to Weinheim an Heidelburg is probably the longest in Germany (varied, partially rural and very interesting) and, at Mannhiem connects to the Rhei-Haardt Bahn,
a very nice interurban line to Bad Durkheim. this complex of lines also includes the city systems of Mannheim, Ludwigshafen and Heidelburg.
Each of these systems has long suburban lines also. Probably the best interconnecting system in Germany. The Ruhr conurbation probably has more total length but is composed of mostly urban routes. (I spent some time there last month myself) Bonn-Cologne has the two intercity lines and many suburbans and, Berlin has the three nearby out of town lines.
The Thueringerwaldbahn in Gotha is a real interurban in an interesting small city, and of course there is the tiny Kirnitzschtalbahn, not really an interurban as there is no 'Urb' but truly rural. At Dresden, the line to Weinbola is very long, with single track sections and runs through the wine growing area. usually not considered an interurban, because it is part of a city system, it nonetheless has all the characteristics. The same goes for the Scheuditz line at Leipzig but, it is not as scenic.
My advice, as you are starting in Hamburg is drive along the coast eastward stopping at Doberan (900 mm steam) Rostock (big tram system with new long line), Rugen (750 mm steam) then, if you aren't tempted by Stettin (Poland), head south. That will take you to Berlin and to many alternatives to mention. Remember, Germany has many more tramways than the USA so, you will have to chose. I also often use a car in Germany and agree that it is a very good way to see tramways. However, beware of downtown driving. It is better to visit the centers by tram. The traffic systems favour public transport so, take advantage of that fact. Good luck and dont forget to tell us how it went.
