The "Wild Robert" is an unmistakable symbol for the region around Mügeln and Oschatz. The origins of the light railroad lie far back in the history.
The "Wild Robert" represents a distinctive symbol of the region around Mügeln and Oschatz The origins of the light railway stretch far back in the history of the area. While throughout the second half of the 19th century countless industrial plants were established in the metropoles of Leipzig, Dresden and Chemnitz, the regions of central and northern Saxony were still characterised by the agricultural industry. The history of the railway began in 1884 in the area around Mügeln with a provisionally established turnip transport, bringing with it the industrial development of the region. Over time, the railroad network of the small light railway was expanded further and further and reached a maximum reach of 91.7 km. The "Wild Robert" not only carried agricultural products, but until 2001 also transported kaolin (china clay), which is still mined in nearby Kemmlitz today. The kaolin transport along the light railway nevertheless secured its existence for 98 years and was for many decades the main commodity of transport In 1994, the Döllnitz Railway Company (Döllnitzbahn GmbH) took over the operation of the 20-km-long route between Oschatz, Mügeln and Glossen/Kemmlitz from the German State Railroad (Reichsbahn)
Nowadays, the Döllnitz railway still carries out its purpose as reliably as it did over 130 years ago. With steam and diesel locomotives, the light railway is one of the most important tourist attractions in the region. It is not only an attraction for train enthusiasts, but for whole generations who grew up in the region, the huffing and puffing of the train feels like home.
A trip with the "Wild Robert" begins in Oschatz. He travels along the river Döllnitz, past O-Schatz-Park and Rosenthal. After 20 minutes, the Döllnitz rail leaves the small city of Oschatz towards Mügeln and disappears among the fields and meadow landscapes of the Döllnitz valley. After approx. 15 km along the route, travellers reach the former largest light railway station in Germany in Mügeln. Upon arrival, there is time for a short rest and the opportunity to explore the train station a bit closer. Following this, the train gets back onto the narrow track towards the next destination, Glossen. Here, you have the opportunity, on selected days, to transfer to the historic Feldbahn railway. On the return-trip to Oschatz, guests can once again experience the fascination of the light railway, between tradition and future.
On selected weekends and public holidays, as well as special events, you can experience the romance of the railway. Especially for family events, such as the Easter and Pentecost rides, the train station festival and Halloween rides, the railway is incredibly popular and attracts countless passengers from near and far. On Heritage Day (Tag des offenen Denkmals) in September, guests receive an informative peek behind the scenes at the Döllnitz railway. Trips to the Mügelner Christmas Market launch the advent period leading up to Christmas. End the year with a cup of hot mulled wine and a romantic trip through the (hopefully) snowy landscape.
Nowadays, the Döllnitz railway still carries out its purpose as reliably as it did over 130 years ago. With steam and diesel locomotives, the light railway is one of the most important tourist attractions in the region. It is not only an attraction for train enthusiasts, but for whole generations who grew up in the region, the huffing and puffing of the train feels like home.
A trip with the "Wild Robert" begins in Oschatz. He travels along the river Döllnitz, past O-Schatz-Park and Rosenthal. After 20 minutes, the Döllnitz rail leaves the small city of Oschatz towards Mügeln and disappears among the fields and meadow landscapes of the Döllnitz valley. After approx. 15 km along the route, travellers reach the former largest light railway station in Germany in Mügeln. Upon arrival, there is time for a short rest and the opportunity to explore the train station a bit closer. Following this, the train gets back onto the narrow track towards the next destination, Glossen. Here, you have the opportunity, on selected days, to transfer to the historic Feldbahn railway. On the return-trip to Oschatz, guests can once again experience the fascination of the light railway, between tradition and future.
On selected weekends and public holidays, as well as special events, you can experience the romance of the railway. Especially for family events, such as the Easter and Pentecost rides, the train station festival and Halloween rides, the railway is incredibly popular and attracts countless passengers from near and far. On Heritage Day (Tag des offenen Denkmals) in September, guests receive an informative peek behind the scenes at the Döllnitz railway. Trips to the Mügelner Christmas Market launch the advent period leading up to Christmas. End the year with a cup of hot mulled wine and a romantic trip through the (hopefully) snowy landscape.
Note
From Monday to Friday, the Döllnitz railway runs on diesel. On selected weekends, public holidays and for special events, a steam train is deployed.
MDV prices are valid for diesel train trips. On weekends, a "steam surcharge" is charged per person per trip on top of MDV ticket prices for steam-train operations.
