Technology of the Drachenfelsbahn
Since 1883, the Drachenfels Railway has been transporting visitors to the Drachenfels mountain and, as Germany's oldest cog railway, is now one of Europe's most famous historic railways. Its unique rack-and-pinion system allows the train to travel through the steep Siebengebirge hills all the way up to the Drachenfels plateau.
The cogwheel technology of the Drachenfels Railway
The Drachenfels Railway uses the so-called Riggenbach system, a special rack and pinion technology for steep railway lines. Thanks to the rack between the rails, the railway can safely overcome gradients of up to 200‰ and reliably transport visitors to the top of the Drachenfels.
The meter-gauge line connects the valley station in Königswinter with the middle station and the Drachenfels plateau over a total length of 1,520 meters.
The historic cog railway overcomes a difference in altitude of around 220 meters on its journey through the Siebengebirge hills.
- Track length: 1,520 m
- Maximum gradient: 200 ‰
- Valley station: 69.40 m
- Middle station: 170.80 m
- Mountain station: 289 m
- Elevation difference: 219.60 m
The journey from the valley station to the Drachenfels plateau takes about eight minutes and offers views of Drachenburg Castle, the Rhine Valley and the forests of the Siebengebirge along the way.
The Drachenfels Railway has five electric multiple units built between 1955 and 1960, as well as in 1978. These historic vehicles combine classic railway technology with modern safety features and remain a characteristic feature of the railway to this day.
Each car offers:
- 56 seats
- 24 standing places
- automatic clutch
- Heating
- Folding doors with fold-out steps
The largest train unit consists of two coupled carriages.
Additionally, a historic construction trailer dating from 1883 is part of the Drachenfels Railway's inventory.
The electric railcars are powered by DC traction motors with an output of 175 kW . Depending on the section of track, the Drachenfels Railway reaches speeds of up to 14 or 18 km/h .
The transport capacity is up to 640 people per hour in each direction.
The safe operation of the Drachenfels Railway is of the highest priority. The historic cog railway is equipped with various technical safety and braking systems specifically designed for operation on steep gradients.
These include, among others:
- Safety driving circuit
- Sum band brakes
- Resistance brakes
- disc brakes
The railway's switch control is also carried out via its own electrical control systems.
Visitors can also discover the history and technology of the Drachenfels Railway directly at the valley station in Königswinter. Historic vehicles, exhibitions, original parts, and the large model railway offer insights into over 140 years of railway history in the Siebengebirge region.
Visitors can find further information on the pages about the history of the Drachenfels Railway and the Drachenfels .
