Bahnhofsfest Pfingsten der Preßnitztalbahn

A Narrow-Gauge Railway as a Journey Through Time

The Preßnitztalbahn is one of the few still operating narrow-gauge railways in Saxony. With its unusual track gauge of 750 mm, it runs between Steinbach and Jöhstadt on a route that leads through the upper Preßnitz Valley in the Erzgebirgskreis district. The railway was opened in 1892 and closed in 1986; since 1996, an association – the Preßnitztalbahn IG e.V. – has operated a museum service with historic steam locomotives and original carriages.

Pentecost as the Annual Highlight

The Bahnhofsfest Pfingsten is the most important date in the association's year. Over three days (Saturday, Pentecost Sunday, and Pentecost Monday), several steam locomotives operate on a 45-minute schedule. Traditionally, guest locomotives from friendly narrow-gauge railways are invited – previous editions have featured, among others, the famous Rüganer tank locomotives «Aquarius C.» and 99 4652, marking the first simultaneous double operation of these engines in Saxony.

Program Between the Stations

Activities take place at all three stations on the route – Steinbach, Schmalzgrube, and Jöhstadt:

• Steam locomotive shuttle service at frequent intervals
• Model railway exhibition at Jöhstadt station
• Music program and concerts
• Catering at all stations
• Cab rides (for an additional fee)
• Vintage bus connects Wolkenstein (DB Erzgebirgsbahn) with Steinbach

Industrial Culture in the Erzgebirgskreis

The Preßnitz Valley is located in the southern Ore Mountains, right on the Czech border. Visitors to the Pentecost festival can combine their stay with hikes through the valley, an exploration of the mining town of Annaberg-Buchholz, or a trip to the Czech town of Vejprty. The region is known for the unique Saxon combination of mining history, industrial monument preservation, and alpine landscape.