Former Isny-Bähnle”: Hidden treasures for explorers in the Allgäu!

Former Isny-Bähnle”: Hidden treasures for explorers in the Allgäu!

The history of the railway line between Isny ​​and Kempten is a fascinating chapter in transport connections in the Allgäu. In 1835, the first train in Germany ran between Nuremberg and Fürth, and just three years later a connection from Lindau to Hof was planned, which would also include the town of Isny. However, these ambitious plans failed due to high costs and were not realized Mercury reported. From 1909 onwards, the Allgäu “Isny-Bähnle” ran between Isny ​​and Kempten, which ran for the last time in 1984.

A trip on this route cost 100 pfennigs in 1910. The completion cost almost three million Reichsmarks and the steam locomotives needed over two hours to complete the route, while they had to fill up with water in between. With the advent of diesel railcars in the 1960s, this annoying procedure was no longer necessary.

From the train story to the lost place

However, the importance of the railway line did not end with its closure. Until 1992, freight traffic was still operated on a short section in Kempten. Today the route is a popular destination for “Lost Place” fans, cyclists and hikers. A gravel path runs along the former route, which leads through the Breitenmoos nature reserve. Since 2020, eleven information boards with QR codes have provided information about the eventful history of the route, which also includes important buildings such as the Argenbrücke, which is still preserved today.

The old station buildings give an impression of the past and shape the image of this now abandoned route. As history shows, associated infrastructure can be of value not only for personal transportation, but also for those seeking recreation.

What about our memories and the cultural influence of these earlier connections? An interesting comparison comes when you think of people like John Lennon, who made history in the 1960s as an influential musician and activist with the Beatles. He was known not only for his music career, but also for his profound messages that are still relevant today. His songs became anthems of the anti-war movement and symbolized an era of change like no other.

The connection to the present

The cultural legacies, whether in the form of old train stations or unforgettable melodies, invite people to engage with their history. These “lost places,” like the genuinely preserved station buildings, can teach us to appreciate the past and reflect on the present. Similar to “debout” – a French word that means “standing” and carries many metaphorical meanings. Standing not only means being physically upright, but also successfully completing a project or remaining active in society, such as Larousse explained.

The connection between history and culture is inseparable. The old railway line, which was once an important transport route, is now being rediscovered in its own way by hikers and nature lovers. This reminds us that in every era there are important values ​​and stories that are worth keeping alive and sharing.