Bebra macht Dampf – Double Anniversary of the Cornberger Tunnel

A Double Anniversary for Railway Fans

On March 14, 2026, a double anniversary will be celebrated in Bebra, unparalleled in the railway world: 150 years of the Cornberger Tunnel (opened 1876) and 75 years of the Cornberger Ramp (double track since 1951). Both structures are part of the 'backbone' of the Bebra – Eichenberg – Göttingen line, connecting the Hessian low mountain range with Lower Saxony. The day is organized by Stadtentwicklung Bebra GmbH together with Eisenbahn-Nostalgiefahrten Bebra (Railway Nostalgia Trips Bebra).

Two Steam Locomotive Legends in Parallel

The highlight will be the historic parallel runs on the Cornberger Ramp – one of the steepest inclines in the Hessian railway network. Two legendary steam locomotives will be in operation in parallel:

• 01 1104 – an express train locomotive of the 01.10 series, which was stationed in Bebra in the 1950s, symbolically returning home.
• 58 311 – a Württemberg freight train locomotive, the only operational example of its series worldwide, a national railway cultural asset.

The parallel runs will take place at approximately 11:11 AM and 3:11 PM – a photo opportunity that has rarely been presented in this form in recent decades.

Festival Program at Bebra Station

Around Bebra Station, a festival program will unfold with information stands, catering, and access to the permanent exhibition 'Bahnhof Bebra' (Bebra Station) in the Inselgebäude (Island Building). For decades, Bebra was one of Germany's most important railway hubs ('Railway Town'), and the exhibition tells this story.

Special Trains from the Surrounding Area

Those not arriving by regular train can come on one of the announced special trains:

• from Fulda
• from Kassel
• from Reichensachsen / Sontra

Tickets are available online and at the Bebra Tourist Information. For railway enthusiasts, the special trips themselves are part of the experience.

Railway Town with History

Bebra, in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district, was one of Germany's largest railway marshalling yards from the mid-19th century until German reunification. Locomotive drivers, train attendants, signal box operators – the entire town lived off rail traffic towards Berlin and Central Germany. Even though the hub is much smaller today, the railway identity has remained – 'Bebra macht Dampf' (Bebra Makes Steam) is more than just a slogan.