Rare heritage train tour revives Ruhr's forgotten industrial railways

The multi-hour scenic rail tour departs in the morning from Millingen (Rheinberg), with additional boarding options available in Moers, Rheinhausen, Duisburg Central Station, and Oberhausen Central Station.

The route primarily follows former freight lines and industrial sidings, many of which are no longer used for regular passenger service. This journey offers rare glimpses into the Ruhr region's usually hidden railway infrastructure. Highlights include traversing the port facilities in Duisburg and Mülheim, as well as traveling along the Angertalbahn line to Flandersbach. The special train also crosses the Rhine multiple times—via the Hochfeld Railway Bridge and the Haus-Knipp Bridge.

Adding a touch of nostalgia, the train features refurbished first- and second-class carriages from the 1950s and 1960s. The locomotive consists of two historic diesel engines: the V160 002 and the 212 079-8, both of which once defined the era of Deutsche Bundesbahn in the Ruhr area.

Tickets for this special excursion start at €69, with children receiving a €20 discount on the standard fare.