Schwarzenberger Steamlok enthusiastic: Capital of Culture Chemnitz is calling!

Schwarzenberger Steamlok enthusiastic: Capital of Culture Chemnitz is calling!

In Schwarzenberg, the Saxon railway fans' association plans to bring in a unique steam locomotive from Hartmann in the program of the Capital of Culture Chemnitz. This special locomotive is located in the association's depot and could be an exciting enrichment for the cultural offer. Chemnitz itself has been the title of the Capital of Culture since January 18, 2025, which gives the event additional weight.

The members of the association are motivated to participate in the celebrations, even if there is previously lacking specific information on the design of the program. While the city of Schwarzenberg is an official partner of the cultural capital, it remains to be seen whether and in what form the steam locomotive is integrated into the overall program. At the moment there are numerous opportunities for regional actors to contribute to the events and to present local culture.

the historic background

The development of train traffic in Chemnitz experienced a strong increase around the turn of the century, which led to the separation of passenger and freight transport. A significant part of this story is the marshalling yard in Chemnitz-Hilbersdorf, which was created from 1897 to 1900 and became one of the largest in Germany. Today an area of ​​this former station houses the Saxon Railway Museum, where lovers of the history of the railways can experience the developments of past centuries.

In 2025 there are several main inspections for steam locomotives and cars in the museum. The focus is in particular on the steam locomotive 50 3648-8, which has covered impressive two million kilometers in the route service since its commissioning in 1941 in 1941. A fundraising campaign was started to finance the necessary new main inspection that could result in costs of over half a million euros. On October 29, 2023, the steam locomotive 50 3648-8 said goodbye to the last trip before the deadlines for boiler and chassis.

historical special trips and events

The Saxon Railway Museum e. V. organizes regular historical special trips and thus ensures a lively exchange about the history of the railway. The museum has winter break until March 28, 2025, after which the goals will be open from Thursday to Sunday. Visitors can experience the history of railway technology at the location at Frankenberger Straße 17 in Chemnitz.

The inclusion of the steam locomotive in the program of the Capital of Culture could not only be of great importance for the railway enthusiasts and the city of Schwarzenberg, but also for the entire region. The anticipation for the cultural event is growing, while exciting developments are due both in the museum and the planning for the Capital of Culture.

Further information on the heating house festival and the events in the Saxon railway museum can be found here . For more details about the museum and the planned activities, visit the website of the Sächsische Eisenbahnmuseums .

Sources: Information was provided by Freie Presse , Saxony , and Sächsisches Eisenbahnmuseum .