Döbeln and the horse-drawn tram are closely linked to the history of urban mobility. The horse-drawn tram, which was first put into operation in 1892, was originally used to transport passengers from the main railway station to the city centre. The horse-drawn carriages travelled on rails - one of the most modern and fastest forms of local transport at the time. In 1926, the horse-drawn railway was discontinued due to the increasing number of motor vehicles.
Remnants of the track remained, including on the Obermarkt. In 2007, the horse-drawn railway was brought back to life, but now as a tourist attraction. With its historic track and original carriages, it is now a living monument and a reminder of a time when horses and carriages characterised the townscape. This revitalised horse-drawn tramway is unique in Europe today, as it is the only regularly operated horse-drawn tramway.
First mentioned in 981, Döbeln is one of the oldest towns in Saxony. Conveniently located between Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz, the town centre is surrounded by two arms of the Freiberger Mulde. As the only ‘boot town’ in the world with an original 3.70 metre-high model from 1925, the town attracts visitors with numerous cultural and leisure activities. From the museum to the cinema, from the Obermarkt to the Niedermarkt with its many small and cosy shops and restaurants, from the church of St. Nicolai to the Bürgergarten, from the cycling and hiking trails around the town to Karl's adventure village, Döbeln offers a wide range of activities for young and old.
Impressions
Horse-drawn tram rides
The Döbeln horse-drawn railway runs on the first Saturday of every month from May to October and for special trips on request.
Contact Horse-drawn Railway & German Horse-drawn Railway Museum:
