Historic special train to the banks of the Main in Frankfurt
A "special kind of train" leads through the industrial history of the inner-city banks of the River Main
On Sunday 6 September, Bahnwelt Darmstadt-Kranichstein invites you to join a special steam train journey departing from Darmstadt or Langen/Hesse and travelling along the banks of the Main in Frankfurt.
In partnership with the City of Frankfurt am Main, we are taking part in the “Rhine-Main Industrial Heritage Days”, whose theme this year is “The Dawn of Modernity”, an event also linked to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main World Design Capital 2026. In keeping with the theme, we will be visiting places that have shaped modern Frankfurt.
The trip is fully booked. Thank you for your interest!
Route
The train journey departs from Darmstadt Central Station at approximately 9.40 am (the train will be ready for boarding from around 9.20 am) and, on its way to Frankfurt, also stops at Langen/Hessen at approximately 10.00 am to pick up passengers. From there, the train changes direction via the connecting loop from Frankfurt-Gallus to Frankfurt-Griesheim in order to reach the tracks of the harbour railway.
The harbour railway stops at five stations, where passengers alight to learn about the area’s fascinating industrial history – past and present. Each stop relates to the central theme and the harbour railway’s role as a connecting link.
‘Westhafen’ stop: Information on Westhafen and the repurposing of the pressurised water plant
‘Eiserner Steg’ stop: The Eiserner Steg is the footbridge linking Sachsenhausen and the city centre. This was also the site of the Fahrtor station on the connecting railway line, which once linked the stations in the west with those in the east of the city.
On a stroll through the nearby Römer, you can explore the “new historic” old town and the cathedral, and experience both the old and modern sides of Frankfurt.
“Ruhrorter Werft” stop: A simulated journey by steam train from the Wesel shipyard over the ramp to the ECB; spectacular views of the Frankfurt skyline from the viewing platform of the listed crane facilities, with commentary on the ECB’s repurposing of the Grossmarkthalle.
Hafenpark Frankfurt exit: With details on the construction and development of the surrounding area as a “place to be”.
Finally, we head to the Osthafen, now an industrial hub and an essential transhipment and logistics centre for road, sea and rail transport.
From there, the route takes you over the Deutschherrnbrücke and through Frankfurt-Süd back to Darmstadt Central Station, where the eventful day comes to an end at around 7.00 pm (Langen/Hesse at approx. 6.40 pm).
We’ll be travelling on the 1946-built steam locomotive 184 DEG and a two-carriage set from the 1950s and 1960s. Drinks and light snacks are available at our refreshment counter.
Prices and Tickets
| adults | 56,00 € |
| Children (4-14 years) | 28,00 € |
Due to the long journey time, this special trip is not suitable for smaller children.
Tickets are available online here. The booking confirmation serves as your ticket.
More information on this coming soon!
Further important notes:
- The general terms and conditions for journeys operated by Bahnwelt Darmstadt-Kranichstein apply
- A limited supply of cold drinks and snacks is offered on the train. We strongly recommend that you bring your own catering.
- Unfortunately, the toilets in the historic carriages cannot be used during the journey. There are toilets in several places at the exits on the banks of the Main.
- You will receive an information flyer about the route and instructions on how to behave at the exits when you start your journey.
- For additional information on the historical sites, a limited number of flyers are available from the Frankfurt Parks Department.
