Spiekeroog is one of the East Frisian Islands. In the past, the island was a frequent vacation destination for various German presidents. On of the most interesting attractions of the island is a horse-drawn tram operates between the old railway station and Westend. It runs from April to September. The horse-drawn railway is Germany’s only remaining horse-drawn tram. The island is a popular destination among tourists. It is known for its idyllic atmosphere, taverns, cafes and sandy beaches.
Horse-drawn tram on Spiekeroog carry passengerss along the historic route from the former train station to Westend. The horse-drawn tram travel time is approximately 15 minutes one-way in each direction. There is a fifteen minutes break and tram returns to former train station. The whole trip lasts 45 minutes. Tickets are available directly at the train station before departure.
Horses-drawn tram running from April to October daily from the train station 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. A return ticket costs 75% of the price of two one-way tickets.
Former train station is located about 500 meters from the harbor.
Horse-drawn tram – official website
Horse-drawn tram on Spiekeroog – history
The railway line in Spiekeroog was opened on 9 July 1885. It was built to a meter-gauge and initially operated as horse-drawn tram. The horse-drawn tram started in the Noorderloog in front of house number 10 and ran over the Westerloog through the Deichschart to Westend. The route was 1.6 kilometers long; There were stops in front of the Hotel zur Linde, in front of Günsels Hotel and at the Damenpad. The horse-drawn tram was only operated in summer during the swimming season.
The line in the Noorderloog was abandoned in 1924.
Due to storm surge damage to the beach, the main bathing beach was moved to the village in 1932 and the section of the horse-drawn tram leading to the west end was no longer served.
After closure of the Langeoog horse-drawn tram in autumn 1936, Spiekeroog was the last horse-drawn tram in Germany.
After the Second World War, the horse-drawn tram was no longer able to carry the increase number of tourists. Horse-drawn were replaced by diesel locomotives in May 1949. At the same time, the route was re-routed to the jetty further west on the edge of the dunes. The pier had been enlarged so that the train could now drive directly onto the pier. Intermediate stops were made at the campsite and at the west stop, where the branch off the main route was.
In 1957 a new terminus was built.
Railway was closed in 1981. Tracks were dismantled, with the exception of the former train station to Westend section, and the locomotives and wagons were sold.
The horse-drawn tram on Spiekeroog was inaugurated shortly after closure the line.
Pier was demolished in 2009.
Related articles:
Train travel in Germany
Trains on Langeoog
Trains on Wangerooge
Trains on Borkum
