Wandlitz (dpa/bb) – The Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB), known for its Heidekrautbahn, is marking its 125th anniversary. The railway company, operating under the mandate of the Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association (VBB), now serves eleven regional railway lines across northern and eastern Brandenburg.
Pioneering Hydrogen and Battery Trains
Since December 2024, NEB has been a trailblazer in the Berlin-Brandenburg region, operating both the first fleet of hydrogen trains and the first battery-powered vehicle fleet. This commitment to sustainable transport was highlighted during the anniversary celebration at the company’s premises in Wandlitz (Barnim district).
Transport Minister Robert Crumbach (SPD) extended his congratulations, noting on Instagram: “The fascination for the railway, once steam-powered and now partly hydrogen-powered, has never diminished.”
A Rich History: From Steam to Division
According to NEB, the district of Niederbarnim decided in 1897 to construct its own railway line from Liebenwalde via Basdorf to Reinickendorf-Rosenthal, with a branch to Groß Schönebeck. The line became operational in May 1901.
“The Wandlitzsee, in particular, attracted many visitors; a new stop was built there in 1905. With the growing excursion traffic, the name ‘Heidekrautbahn’ (Heather Railway) became established,” NEB stated.
The construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 marked a significant turning point. The Wilhelmsruh and Rosenthal stations were demolished, tracks were dismantled, and the border strip was fully secured, severing the connection.
Reunification and a New Era
With German reunification, circumstances changed once again. The year 2005 brought a new chapter for NEB. “With the award of the contract to operate regional services on the Heidekrautbahn from December 2005, a new era began for the Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn: after the infrastructure was returned in the 1990s, its own trains could once again run,” NEB reported.
The Unresolved Gap
Despite these advancements and historical milestones, a significant gap persists. The connection between Wilhelmsruh and Basdorf, severed by the division of Berlin, has yet to be reconstructed. The timeline for closing this historical and logistical gap remains unclear.
The Heidekrautbahn’s 125-year journey reflects a dynamic history of innovation, growth, and the enduring impact of political events on infrastructure. While celebrating its past and embracing a sustainable future, the railway awaits the completion of a crucial link that would fully restore its original route.
