Eschweger Bahnhof turns 150: A journey through the history of rails!

Eschweger Bahnhof turns 150: A journey through the history of rails!

On October 31, 2025, Eschwege will say “Congratulations!” The venerable one Eschweg train station celebrates its 150th anniversary. Since its opening on October 31, 1875 by the Bebra-Friedland Railway, this historic location has developed into an important part of the regional infrastructure. On this day, the first regular train journey from Eschwege to Bebra started, ushering in an exciting era for the city. A festively decorated special train visited the station on October 30, 1875 to properly celebrate the opening.

The Eschweg train station was an important point in Germany's railway landscape from the beginning. It initially served as the terminus of the line from Bebra to Eschwege, but expansions to Treysa in the west and Leinefelde in the east were soon planned. These routes are known as the “Cannon Railway” and were used during the First World War in particular for supply and hospital transport.

An eventful story

The station was a central employer in the region until 1945, including through its own railway depot. However, the story becomes tragic when the first transports of Jews from Eschwege to Riga took place on December 8, 1941 during the Second World War. A total of three transports were organized between 1941 and 1942. The train station suffered the devastating consequences of an air raid on February 22, 1945 and was almost completely destroyed.

A small ray of hope followed with the opening of the Eschwege-Kassel route on May 31, 1985, which, however, could only be used for passenger traffic until 2001. Even though freight traffic continued until the same time, a massive dismantling of tracks from the mid-1990s onwards represented a setback. In 1994, a nostalgic highlight was set with the “steam spectacle” between Eschwege and Wanfried.

Modernization and the future

In 1996, work began on a new vision for the city station. The purchase of the railway site was decided by the city council in September 1997. A new transport project continued, and the new city station was officially opened on December 12, 2009. Since then, the station has enjoyed great popularity as a successful concept for reactivating rail traffic.

In light of this significant 150-year history, Eschweg Station remains a symbol of change and the importance of rail transport in the region. On the anniversary day, the municipality will certainly commemorate the numerous stations and events in railway history with various celebrations.