LOCATION
“Rasender Roland” is the nickname of a historic steam-powered locomotive. It runs regularly on the island of Rügen between the seaside resorts Putbus, Binz and Goehren. The “Rasender Roland” is one of the most famous tourist attractions.
Coordinates: 54°23′N 13°37′E
1. Rasender Roland
HISTORY AND SCENIC CHARACTER
Between 1895 and 1899 a large net of local railways with a gauge of only 750 mm was built on the island: The first connection was opened from Putbus by a 10,5 km single-track line to Binz and 1899 this was extended via Sellin to Göhren.
After World War II the rail transport lost its relevance rapidly and most lines on the island were closed. Only the oldest rail lines between touristic resorts survived. In 1996 the lines and its management passed into private hands. Despite many ups and downs the company still offers a regular public service all year around.
ATTRACTIONS
The “Rasende Roland” is not a museum on wheels but works are also as an important segment in the local transport system: The train connects on a 24,1 km long narrow-gauge line the resorts of Putbus, Binz, Sellin and Göhren all year around by a two hours schedule – in summertime the trains drive even every hour.
Nevertheless the historic steam locomotives with its coaches are a very successful touristic attraction. Tourists like to go relaxed with a speed of 30km maximum and enjoy romantic and nostalgic feelings while crossing scenic beauty.
WEB PAGES
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rügen_narrow-gauge_railway
https://www.ostsee.de/baltic-sea-germany/sights-technical-attractions.html
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rügensche_Kleinbahn (German language)
http://ruegensche-baederbahn.de/home.html (German language)
https://www.bahndampf.de/ostsee/rasender-roland/fahrplan-preise-strecke-videos (German language, incl. videos)
