Grade Crossing at Hammerunterwiesenthal

Grade Crossing at Hammerunterwiesenthal

Not a “museum railway” or a weekend “Steam Special,” but a scene repeated several times
a day in eastern Germany's Erzgebirge Region, close by the border with the Czech Republic.

The Fichtelbergbahn is a steam powered 750mm narrow gauge railway connecting with the
Deutsche Bahn at Cranzahl in Saxony. It carries passengers and goods to the ski resort
of Oberwiesenthal. Its consist of vintage four wheel carriages even includes a dining car.

The setting of the photo is Hammerunterwiesenthal, from which the sturdy steam locomotives
begin the final climb up to Oberwiesenthal. The train has just departed the station with the very long name.

Behind the photographer is a pathway leading across the Czech border to the neighboring village of Ceske Hamry.

©Steve Ember