Meuselwitz Coal Railway & Museum

For several centuries, the northern Altenburger Land was characterized by coal mining. The coal uncovered in the open-cast mines had to be transported to the briquette factories at low cost and the overburden had to be removed at the same time. It therefore made sense to build an extensive rail network and transport the coal by train.

The history of the "coal railroad" begins in 1942: popularly known as the "Kammerforstbahn", it transported the lignite extracted from the Waltersdorf open-cast mine (later also Gröba) to the Haselbach and Regis briquette factories. While steam locomotives were used to operate the line in the early years, it was converted to electric locomotives in the 1960s, in line with the development of the former Deutsche Reichsbahn.

After German reunification, the economic structure of the southern Leipzig region, which was dominated by coal, underwent major changes. The closure of open-cast mines and coal refining factories almost meant the "death" of the coal railroad. Thanks to the enthusiasm of a few stubborn railroad fans, who later founded the Kohlebahn e. V. association and worked hard, it was possible to save a section of the tracks.

Today, the "coal railroad" - equipped with a diesel engine - once again runs across the Saxon-Thuringian border through the northern Altenburger Land region, converted for passengers from near and far who want to experience the mining tradition, enjoy idyllic landscapes and visit sights along the route. The coal railroad has established itself as a tourist attraction in the Leipzig New Lakeland. An eloquent example of the commitment of the association members, but also of the cooperation of the Free State of Thuringia and many authorities, offices and institutions, is the new construction of around 1.9 km of railroad line to Meuselwitz station in 2000/2001.

At the operating station of the coal railroad in Haselbach as well as in the technical museum in Meuselwitz, you can gain an insight into rail vehicle technology and how it has worked over the past decades through a constantly growing exhibition.

A new attraction on the coal railroad is the cinema car, which has been converted from a former dance floor into a cinema. During events, you can watch films about the development of lignite and the Western Days, among other things.

Annual highlights on the coal railroad are

• Men's Day
• Children's Day
• Industrial Heritage Day
• Western Days
• Advent trips
• Christmas trip