Advent is a magical time when everything smells, glitters and lights up. Munich’s Christmas markets beckon with their special offers, you can dance on the ice at the Prinze and the Christkindltram takes you on a tour of the city. But if a trip through Munich on a modern streetcar is too boring for you, hop on a steam locomotive instead and take a historic trip around Munich or even as far as Salzburg. You only have the opportunity to do this on one weekend this December, so don’t miss your chance for a nostalgic adventure.
A unique encounter between two steam locomotives
The train was already out and about on the St. Nicholas weekend, making its rounds from Ostbahnhof towards Moosach and through Sendling. St. Nicholas was even on board in person and brought the children small gifts, including gingerbread. The Diethei bakery from Nördlingen produced a total of 8,000 gingerbread cookies especially for the occasion. This weekend, December 13 and 14, he will once again be on board when the locomotive makes its last round in the run-up to Christmas. In the train’s dining car, you can also get small treats and hot and cold drinks, which you can enjoy on the one-hour round trip.
On Sunday, not just one, but two trains will be on the move. The steam locomotives will then travel around Munich in two directions so that they will meet on the way. This sight is a rarity these days and makes for an unforgettable experience. Departure times remain the same as for the single-train service. You cannot order tickets for the journey in advance, but can get them directly on the train.
📍 Departure: Ostbahnhof
📅 Dates: December 13 and 14 at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
💶 Price information: €12 for children and €20 for adults
With the steam locomotive to Salzburg
If you don’t just want to take a trip around the city, but want to head for a real destination, then you have the chance to do so this Saturday. The train runs from Nördlingen via Augsburg and Munich to Salzburg and Freilassing. So you can combine a historic train ride with a visit to the beautiful Salzburg Christmas markets. If this is too much hustle and bustle for you, you also have the option of getting off in Freilassing and visiting the Lokwelt. However, you will have to pay the entrance fee separately. If you fancy doing both, visit Lokwelt first and then take the shuttle train to Salzburg.
St. Nicholas is also present on the trip to Salzburg and hands out presents to the children. Unlike the city tour around Munich, you have to book your tickets online in advance. The prices from Munich are €85 for adults and €57 for children in 2nd class; if you board the train in Rosenheim instead, it will be cheaper. If you book for five or more people, you will receive a 10% discount on your tickets. It is also possible to reserve entire compartments. In Munich, the journey starts again from Ostbahnhof at 09:20. You will be back around 19:30.
📍 Location: Ostbahnhof
📅 Dates: December 13 at 09:20 a.m.
💶 Price information: 57€ for children and 85€ for adults from Munich, 51€ for children and 75€ for adults from Rosenheim