Sauschwänzle Railway

The Sauschwänzlebahn near Blumberg is a historic heritage railway in the southern Black Forest that runs about 25 kilometers (15 miles) through the Wutach valley. The nickname, roughly "piglet's tail railway," comes from the curly route and a spiral loop tunnel that looks like a pig's curled tail. The ride crosses tall viaducts and passes through tunnels from Blumberg-Zollhaus to Weizen, close to the Swiss border. It is a classic family outing and a great pick for rail enthusiasts.

The line and its engineering

The railway was originally built as a strategic military line, nicknamed the "cannon railway," and the full line opened on May 20, 1890. Over about 25 kilometers of track, it covers a straight-line distance of only around 9.6 kilometers and climbs more than 230 meters. The highest point is Blumberg-Zollhaus at 702 meters. Engineering highlights include the 1,205-meter Kehrtunnel im Weiler and the 1,700-meter Große Stockhalde spiral tunnel, described as unique in Germany. Five large viaducts and bridges include the 264-meter Epfenhofen viaduct. A heritage railway has operated between Weizen and Blumberg-Zollhaus since 1977, and the line was recognized as a technical monument of national importance in 1988.

Timetable and tickets (as of October 2026)

Trains run regularly on weekends from late April to late October, and also on Thursdays and Fridays from June to September. In October 2026, trains run on October 10 and 11, 17 and 18, and 24 and 25, leaving Blumberg-Zollhaus at 10:10 a.m. and 2:10 p.m., with return trips leaving Weizen at 11:35 a.m. and 3:35 p.m. A steam train runs on October 17 and 18, and a diesel train runs on the other days; the operator does not guarantee which. A diesel round trip costs 28 euros for adults and a steam round trip 39 euros. One-way tickets are 21 and 33 euros. Children ages 4 to 15 pay half, and children under 4 ride free. Dogs and bicycles cost 6 euros each. Santa-themed rides run on November 28 and 29 and December 5 and 6. Tickets are sold online and at the ticket offices at both terminals.

Getting there

The station Blumberg-Zollhaus is at Bahnhofstraße 1 in Blumberg. From Stuttgart, take the A81 highway to Bad Dürrheim, then the B27 toward Blumberg. From Freiburg, use the B31 and then the B27. Use the bwegt timetable service for public transport; Deutsche Bahn serves the wider region. We found no information on parking fees.

Accessibility and families

The historic cars have step-up boarding, so full wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed. Wheelchairs and walkers can sometimes be carried if announced in advance. Folding strollers are allowed. Kids tend to enjoy the tunnel and steam locomotive.

Practical tips

• Plan for half a day to a full day if you add a stop along the route.
• The stations at Epfenhofen, Wutachblick, Fützen, Grimmelshofen and Lausheim-Blumegg give you options for short hikes.
• Book ahead on weekends, especially for steam days.