You don’t need your own vehicle to get around Munich: whether by bus, subway, suburban train, or tram, you are spoiled for choice. For the sporty among you, a new fleet of MVG rental bikes will soon be available again. In order to achieve this, a first step had to be taken, and that was 150 years ago. At that time, Munich’s very first tram went into operation, marking a milestone in MVG history, which the city is celebrating this year with the tram anniversary.
From real horsepower to modern trams
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
On October 21, 1876, the first tram began operating in Munich. At that time, horses still pulled the carriages and transported passengers to their destinations. Twenty years later, the network began to be electrified and gradually expanded. Despite its success, almost a century after the tram’s maiden voyage, there were discussions about discontinuing it.
In the early 1970s, the first underground and suburban railways were connected to the network, rendering parts of the tram routes obsolete. Once the expansion was complete, the city council wanted to replace the remaining tram routes that were not served by the suburban and underground railways with buses, as these were more flexible. However, the citizens resisted this, and the tram remained. Today, it serves a total of 272 stops on twelve lines – including the new line 14 on the first section of the Westtangente.
Tram anniversary: exhibitions, parade, and competition
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150 years of trams must be celebrated in style. That’s what MVG thought, too, and is organizing several special events throughout the year to mark the tram anniversary. The MVG Museum is presenting various exhibitions on the development and history of the tram in Munich and providing audio guides with personal anecdotes from the drivers. Two of the new Avenio trams are currently running in the city with an exclusive birthday design to draw attention to the tram anniversary. If you spot one of them, be sure to take a photo and send it to tram150@mvg.de by October 31. You’ll then have the chance to win one of 10 exclusive anniversary items.
In the summer, the MünchenTram will be back in service, taking you on a tour where you can learn more about the city. However, the big highlight of the tram anniversary is the festival weekend in October. On October 17, historic and modern trams will parade through the city center, impressively showcasing 150 years of history. This will be followed by an open house at the tram depot on Einsteinstraße on October 18, which will give you exclusive behind-the-scenes insights. Last but not least, the Christkindltram will be back on the road for you during Advent, inviting you to take an atmospheric tour with gingerbread, mulled wine, and punch.