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Railway Technology & Industrial Culture

A visit to the Natur Park Südgelände is like a detour into wild nature paired with an excursion to a railway technology museum of a special kind.

Even though no trains have been running here since 1952, the history of the area remains present through the relics of the railway era, which visitors find amidst nature worthy of protection, which has reclaimed the area in recent years. Young and old alike will enjoy the old Class 50 steam locomotive, and the 50-metre-high steel water tower, the park's landmark visible from afar, used to supply the water needed for railway operations. Numerous water cranes, light poles, rail tracks and points are also reminders of the railway's history. One of the oldest turntables in Germany is also part of the inventory.

Other witnesses to the past are the two listed buildings that are still standing: the ground floor of the Brückenmeisterei now houses a café and the park's administration is located on the upper floor. The approximately 100-year-old Lokhalle will be developed into a cultural and creative location in the coming years.