Christkindlbahn – Christmas joy for generations

The Christkindlbahn, a charming tradition that has delighted generations of Innsbruck residents and visitors alike, tells a story of Christmas and nostalgia. What began in 1969 as a special attraction during Advent has developed over the years into an integral part of the Christmas atmosphere in the Tyrolean capital. The ride on the historic streetcar is a nostalgic journey through Advent. This year, too, it is making its rounds through the city. If you are in Innsbruck in the run-up to Christmas, you should definitely take a ride!

The „Kinderweihnachtsbahn“ was launched on December 6, 1969, inspired by the Zurich „Märlitram“. With railcar 19 and sidecar 147, this lovingly decorated streetcar wound its way through Christmassy Innsbruck. The special highlight: adults were only allowed to use the streetcar free of charge when accompanied by children. On Saturdays, it alternated between lines 1 and 3 and brought a smile to the little passengers' faces.

After a break of several years, the Christkindlbahn resumed operations in December 1978. The nostalgic set consisting of railcar 19 and sidecar 147 was once again decorated for Christmas and delighted young and old alike. This resumption came at a time of change in Innsbruck, as the site of the old Bergisel railroad station had meanwhile been prepared for a new use.

In October 1980, the "DEZ" shopping center celebrated its tenth anniversary. To mark the occasion, the Christmas train was repurposed and sent through the city center decorated for Christmas at the beginning of October. These promotional trips gave the train an unusual, almost unseasonal role, but nevertheless attracted attention.

A curious chapter in the history of Christkindlbahn took place in January 1989. Merchants on Maria-Theresien-Straße complained about the alleged disruption to their business caused by streetcar traffic. They reacted with a drastic measure: the shop windows were covered with black foil. The piquant thing about this was that the same merchants' association had initiated the Christmas streetcar a few years earlier under the motto "Come to the city center" and distributed free tickets for shopping. This event shows how closely the Christmas train was linked to the development of urban life - and the emotions it could trigger.

After a five-year break, the Christmas train was relaunched in 2016 on the initiative of the then deputy mayor Christoph Kaufmann. In cooperation with Innsbruck's public transport company, Tiroler MuseumsBahnen and the Innsbruck Tourist Board, the lovingly decorated train returned. From November 25 to December 23, 2016, it once again delighted the hearts of the people of Innsbruck and their guests.

The Christkindlbahn would not be possible without the commitment of the Tiroler MuseumsBahnen would be unthinkable. This organization is committed to the preservation of historic streetcars and runs the local railway museum, which is open from May to October.

Anyone interested can actively contribute to the preservation of these cultural assets by becoming a member of the Tiroler MuseumsBahnen or visiting the museum. Any support helps to keep the history of Innsbruck's streetcars alive and make traditional projects such as the Christkindlbahn possible in the future.

The Christkindlbahn: a symbol of the Christmas season

The Christkindlbahn is more than just a means of transportation. It is a symbol of the contemplative Advent season, of childhood memories and the magic of Christmas in Innsbruck. Its nostalgic set, consisting of railcar 19 and sidecar 147, has managed to combine tradition and modernity over the decades.

With its endearing charm, the Christkindlbahn brings tradition and a touch of magic to pre-Christmas Innsbruck. I hope that it will continue to make its rounds through the decorated streets of the city for many years to come!

This Advent, the Christkindlbahn will once again be rolling through Innsbruck, bringing Christmas cheer on rails. From November 29 to December 21, 2024, the train will be running on Fridays and Saturdays from 15:00 to 18:30.

The departure times and stops are as follows:

• Starting point:
  • 15:00 from Stubaitalbahnhof (platform C/Stubaitalbahn)
  • Thereafter every hour from 15:30, every full and half hour from the main station until 18:00.
• Stops:
  • Main station (short stop, platform C/Stubaitalbahn)
  • Triumphpforte (westbound)
  • Anichstraße/Rathausgalerien (direction west)
  • Bürgerstraße (northbound)
  • Terminal/Marktplatz (eastbound)
  • Maria-Theresien-Straße (eastbound)
  • Museumstraße (eastbound)
  • Landesmuseum (direction east)

The ride on the Christkindlbahn is free of charge and a highlight for families, visitors and anyone who wants to experience Innsbruck at its most beautiful during Advent.

PLEASE NOTE: THE TRAIN DOES NOT ALWAYS STOP AT ALL STATIONS: THE SAFEST PLACE TO CATCH IT IS AT THE MAIN STATION STOP.

You can find more information in the book "from steam to low-floor" by engineer Walter Pramstaller

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