Rasender Roland Steam Railway

The name is a joke: the Rasender Roland, "Racing Roland", takes over an hour for the 24-odd kilometres between Putbus and Göhren. That is exactly the point. Since 1895 the steam trains of this narrow-gauge railway have rolled through woods, fields and the Baltic resorts of south-east Rügen, with open platforms, wooden benches and coal smoke. For many holidaymakers it is the nicest way to get from Binz to Sellin or to Granitz hunting lodge.

History

The line from Putbus to Binz opened on 21 July 1895; the first train needed almost three hours for about eleven kilometres. The tracks reached Sellin in 1896 and Göhren in 1899, part of a 750 mm network that was at times 97 km long. Between 1901 and 1916 theatre trains with a kitchen car even ran from Binz to evening shows in Putbus. When this last line faced closure, it was listed as a monument in 1976, and railway enthusiasts helped to save it. Since 1999 trains run on a third rail to Lauterbach Mole; since 2008 the line has been operated as the Rügensche BäderBahn (RB 32).

What to expect

• Route: Lauterbach Mole – Putbus – Binz – Jagdschloß – Garftitz – Sellin – Baabe – Göhren, 14 stations in all.
• Rolling stock: the oldest working engine, 99 4632, was built in 1914; the oldest coaches date from 1905.
• Jagdschloß stop: the walk to Granitz hunting lodge starts here.
• Putbus: where the historic line begins; Prince Wilhelm Malte of Putbus was once the railway's main shareholder and had his own saloon car.

Timetable and tickets (as of October 2026)

Trains run all year. In October 2026 they leave Putbus roughly every two hours from 08:08; Göhren is about 75 minutes away, with more trains between Binz and Göhren. Single fares cost €3.20–16, children 6–13 half price; a day ticket is €35. Germany's Deutschlandticket is valid with a €12 daily supplement. Bikes cost €3, and dogs need a reduced ticket. Resort guest cards are not valid.

Tripto tip

Board at Binz, get off at Jagdschloß, visit the lodge and catch the next train on to Sellin. Allow half a day for the full return trip.